Portfolio Prep: Drawing for Art School Applications (Weekend Session) (In Person) | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Portfolio Prep: Drawing for Art School Applications (Weekend Session) (In Person)

This studio drawing class is designed to help students understand the components of the art school application portfolio, with focus on observational drawing. Open to ages 15-18.

Course Description

The portfolio is an important component of an art school application. Most colleges require that portfolios include observational drawings, or drawings made from what we see, rather than from our imagination or a photograph.

Work with still life and figurative subject matter and the fundamentals of a drawing: composition, line, structure, value, and expression. Instruction in drawing techniques are supplemented by art history discussions, feedback, short writing exercises, an MCAD Admissions staff presentation, requirements for art and design school portfolios, and regular homework assignments. Assignments and feedback encourage and enable students to create individual work that aligns with requirements for portfolio submissions within their own interests and experience. Students may choose to work digitally for some assignments and must provide their own device and knowledge of software. / Professional nude models may be used in this class. / Materials fee of $11 is included in course tuition.

Open to students ages 15-18. Please review our complete Youth and Teen Policies as well as our General Policies prior to completing your registration.

Prerequisites

Previous drawing experience is helpful, but not required.

Required materials

Supplies for the first day

  • 18 x 24” newsprint, drawing pad
  • 18 x 24" drawing paper pad (good quality 80 lb. or heavier)
  • 3 drawing pencils (HB 2B 2H)
  • 2-4 sticks vine/willow charcoal soft or medium
  • 2 square blocks of soft compressed charcoal
  • erasers: kneaded and Staedtler
  • white artists or masking tape
  • portfolio to transport work (portfolio can be made out of 2 pieces of foam board secured with binder clips)

Students should expect to spend up to $75 on supplies in addition to course tuition.

What to wear
Clothes appropriate for messy creativity. Comfortable shoes for standing.

Class savings

Register on or before August 11 and save $25.
Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).
Additional savings. Are you eligible?

Questions?

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.

Register

Title
Non-credit Tuition
$197.00
Not Yet Open for Registration

Registration opens July 28.

  • Date:
    -
  • Time:
    1:00-4:00 p.m. CST
  • Day(s) of the week:
    Saturday
  • Ages:
    Open to students ages 15 to 18.
  • Term:
    Fall 2025
  • Instructor: Bianca Jarvis
  • Location:
    In Person
  • SKU:
    CST 9579 01 FA25

Prerequisites:

Previous drawing experience is helpful, but not required.