So You Want to Go to Art School

1. Recommended Videos to Watch: 

• Art School Tips from RISD's Art Prof https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgMLNc7YTW0 

• Art Prof Portfolio Critique  https://youtu.be/miZhr5Kpky4 

• Accepted RISD Portfolio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vYTBWMcAy8I

Comprehensive website detailing portfolio planning and making 

• https://www.studentartguide.com/articles/how-to-make-an-art-portfolio-for-college-or-university

Design-Focused Students

• Example Portfolio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_urPb9lbJc 

Illustration/Comic Design- Focused Students

• Accepted Portfolio Example for MICA/UArts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vssNl4mHBo0

Architecture-Focused Students

• High School Architecture Portfolio https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTiO2SWpfro 

• High School Architecture Portfolio: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDlx5I0Jmgs

Interior Design-Focused Students

• Stand Out Portfolio for Interior Design https://youtu.be/b-9LFtistTo 

2. Research Portfolio Requirements and Build a Portfolio:

Create 12-20 images of your best work. Typically, 3 works should be from direct observation (think portraits,  landscapes, still life setups etc. that are not from photographs) 

The rest of the work must also be original. This means you created the content instead of copying/using photographs taken by others. There are exceptions to this, but your work should be 80% your own: ideas, creation, meaning, and decisions. Remember, that process images show your dedication to documentation. The process and final work can share the same image by making a composite slide and taking a screenshot! 

• Learn how to photograph your artwork:  A video by the CollegeBoard on how to photograph 2D works https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oZUpvi7yAo&t=1s  

• Upload these into your Slideroom account or Common APP application. Add your strongest work to the beginning and end of your portfolio. Start strong, end strong. 

School specific requirements might be: 

• Write an essay

• Complete any special assignments listed by the college

• Gather test scores (ACT, SAT, etc.)

3. Got to a Portfolio Review: 

This year’s Portfolio Day is Oct. 23rd 2022 in Boston! Here is the link to register: https://nationalportfolioday.heydays.io/conventions/940 

In addition, many admissions counselors will schedule portfolio reviews with potential students either in-person or through zoom. 

4. Check for Scholarships: 

LHS Scholarship Page: https://www.lexingtonma.org/lhs/visual-arts/scholarship-contest-opportunities/

Lex Art Scholarship: https://www.lexart.org/scholarship-awards