Portfolio Review
Application to the Department of Art as an art major requires submitting all completed forms and a portfolio of no more than ten (10) images that document your most successful artwork. Your portfolio may include any visual work you have produced in high school, private or recreational classes, at other universities, and/or works created without instruction. Only digital formats are accepted provided you follow the detailed portfolio preparation guidelines.
Foundations Portfolio Review must be completed by all students who meet one of the following criteria:
- Incoming freshmen aspiring to become Art majors
- Transfer students seeking to become Art majors
- Current ASU students wanting to change their major to Art
- Returning graduates pursuing another degree in Art
The Foundations Portfolio Review committee will evaluate your images based on the following criteria:
- Evidence of creative ability/skill in the elements of art
- Evidence of competent drawing skills
- Evidence of creative and expressive use of media
- Evidence of creative thinking skills
Portfolio Submission Deadlines
- Fall Review: Last Wednesday in October
- Spring Review: Last Wednesday in March
- Summer Review: First Wednesday in July
Submissions are due by 4:00 pm. You may submit to the Foundations Portfolio Review two times total.
If you have passed the Foundations Portfolio Review with artwork completed in Art Fundamentals courses, you may be eligible to receive credit for one or more of the core Foundations classes required of all art majors. Go to our Transfer Review page for more information.
Documenting Your Work
Digital cameras and image editing software have made photographing your artwork and editing the images much easier. Images must be prepared/edited before uploading into our web-based portfolio submission system or for DVD/paper application submissions.
If you are unfamiliar with how to photograph your artwork for an art portfolio, here are some helpful hints (these are suggestions, not requirements):
- Conduct a search on the Internet to search for directions on how to document your artwork and create an art portfolio.
- Search the Web for instructions on how to photograph your artwork using the correct angles, backgrounds, and equipment, and also on how to digitally edit your images using software such as iPhoto or Photoshop.
- Consult with your past or current art instructors or artists in your community.
- Hire a professional commercial photographer who advertises portfolio services.
SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
There are two options for submitting your application.
1. Online Submission
Our web-based portfolio submission option offers a user-friendly and secure application process that will allow students to easily manage their portfolio submission. The software offers a comprehensive help section to assist in every step of the online application process. The system will ensure that each part of the process is complete before submission is allowed.
We encourage each applicant to take a tour of the online system by clicking on ”Watch Video Tutorial.” Once you have reviewed the tutorial you may set up your personal login information and begin the application process.
Four easy steps to online submission:
- Go to the ASU portfolio portal.
- Manage your portfolio images. After uploading your images you will have an opportunity to label all images and arrange them in any order by dragging and dropping.
- Complete online questionnaire. Most questions require a response before the system will allow you to submit your application.
- Submit portfolio and pay fee. When complete, simply select “submit.” You will be asked to submit a payment of $10 via credit or debit card. This fee goes to Slideroom.com (not ASU) for administration of the online site. Once you have paid the fee, you will be sent a confirmation email.
2. CD / Paper Submission
1) Submit a CD with your images
Foundations Portfolio Review requires a maximum of 10 artwork images. You may submit additional images for 3D artwork up to a maximum of 15 total images for all artwork you are submitting. If you submit more than 10 pieces of artwork or 15 total images, your application will not be reviewed.
Images must be in .jpg format, and 4 MB or less for each image. Larger images will not be reviewed. DO NOT use PowerPoint, iPhoto or any other program to submit your images. Images not in .jpg format will not be reviewed. If the images on your CD will not open for viewing, your application will not be considered. You will be notified if your CD is faulty. You must then resubmit to the next Foundations Portfolio Review with a CD that is operational.
2) Image Script
On paper, include a list of your artwork images. Include each piece’s title, its size and medium (acrylic paint, charcoal, etc.). Make sure your name is on the paper and include it with your CD and application form.
3) Complete the application form
You may download the form and portfolio instructions here. Incomplete forms or improperly formatted artworks will not be reviewed. If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Art at 828.262.2220 for assistance.
4) Submit Portfolio
Mail your portfolio CD, image list and completed application form to:
Foundations Portfolio Review Committee
Department of Art
Appalachian State University
232 Wey Hall
Boone, NC 28608
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