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BFA Portfolio Requirements

We want to see what you can do! Here's what we need:

• Twelve (12) to 20 pieces of your work. Choose artwork that shows your technical skills as well as your idea development. It helps to submit art from a variety of media to best demonstrate your abilities. Any media is acceptable: traditional (painting, drawing, etc.), digital, photo, sequential or 3D. All the pieces in your portfolio should be finished work that shows completed ideas. Sketchbooks and sketches can also be submitted, but these should only be used to show the thought process and idea development of your completed pieces.
• At least four (4) of the pieces need to be observational drawings. "Observational" means you looked at something real and tried to depict it. Specifically, we need to see the following pieces: a landscape, a still life, an interior and self portrait (e.g., draw your face in a mirror). Don't work from photographs or another artist's work. Be sure to include in these drawings a full value scale (from light to dark) and background. Be aware of your composition. Use your eyes, imagination and creativity!

How to get your portfolio to us. There are several ways:

• Schedule a personal portfolio review on campus - This is the best way to receive a complete evaluation. Admissions counselors are available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to review your work and provide constructive feedback. Please call the Admissions Office to schedule an appointment, (612) 874-3760 or (800) 874-MCAD, ext. 1.
• Attend a National Portfolio Day event - MCAD attends National Portfolio Days across the country. If you don't see an event listed on this site, please call the Admissions Office to confirm if there is an event in your area and if a representative plans to attend.
• Send your digital portfolio to the attention of the Admissions Office - You may send digital images of your artwork via CD or DVD. We prefer the work to be shown in a PowerPoint presentation.
• Share your online portfolio - The Admissions Office may also view a URL to see your work. If you do not have a website, set-up an account on a free photo sharing site like Flickr: http://www.flickr.com.

Do not ship actual artwork to the Admissions Office!

Please note that to be eligible for a merit scholarship, your application for admission, supporting documents and portfolio must be received and reviewed before Feb. 15.

All admissions materials, except portfolios, become the property of MCAD and will not be returned.