Located in Manhattan, SVA is a powerhouse in the art world, known for its strong ties to professional industries and its distinguished faculty of working artists. Portfolio requirements can be highly specific depending on the intended major.
Number of Pieces: 15-20 images of your best work. For the film program, a reel or film is required instead.
Media: Requirements vary significantly by department.
Illustration/Cartooning/Animation: Must include observational drawings (landscapes, still lifes, figure drawings). A sketchbook is also required.
Fine Arts: A portfolio showing a range of media is encouraged, but a concentration in one area is also acceptable. Observational drawing is strongly recommended.
Graphic Design: Can include design projects, typography, drawings, and photography. The goal is to show creative problem-solving.
Key Focus: SVA is looking for both technical skill and a unique creative voice. The specific requirements for each major are crucial; for instance, the animation and illustration departments place a heavy emphasis on life drawing and sequential art to see your storytelling ability. A home test with specific drawing prompts is sometimes required for certain departments, like animation.