Located in Sarasota, Florida, Ringling is a premier, private art and design college renowned for its top-ranked programs in computer animation and game art. The school looks for students with strong technical fundamentals and a clear passion for their chosen field.
Number of Pieces: 10-20 pieces of your most recent work.
Media: The portfolio should primarily consist of visual art. While the specific focus can vary by major, a strong foundation in observational drawing is key.
Observational Drawing: Including work drawn from real life—not from photographs—is a major emphasis. At least half of your portfolio should consist of drawings from direct observation. This can include figure drawings, still lifes, and environmental sketches (interiors or exteriors).
Major-Specific Work: For majors like Computer Animation or Game Art, you can include 3D models, digital concept art, or animation clips. For Film, you may submit film work or creative writing samples like screenplays.
Key Focus: Ringling places a high value on foundational drawing skills and technical ability. They want to see that you have a strong understanding of perspective, proportion, light, and shadow. Including pages from your sketchbook is encouraged to show your creative process and ideation. The school specifically advises against including fan art or cliché subjects like anime or dragons, as they want to see your original concepts and voice.