Portfolio Requirements
A portfolio should showcase your best work, so editing is a key factor when selecting which projects to include. Please review the following technical requirements and portfolio requirements for each area.
Technical Requirements
All work and personal statements will be submitted through your Application Status Portal in your Portfolio—deadline for submissions is Jan. 31.
Media Size Requirements:
- Images (up to 5MB size)
- Videos can be uploaded directly to your Portfolio in the Application Status Portal. If uploading directly, the maximum file size is 5 GB in the following formats: .3g2, .3gp, .avi, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .mxf, .webm, .wmv. There is also an option to add a link for work hosted publicly on external websites (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive).
Graphic Design Portfolio Requirements
For the Graphic Design concentration, two parts are required for a complete portfolio submission: a portfolio of original projects and a statement of interest.
Portfolio
We recommend including graphic design work in your portfolio.
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8–12 original projects, including one from the 3 options below for the assigned creative project*
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Submit work that shows your point of view as a creative thinker as well as your technical ability. Include projects in any of the following areas: graphic design (including posters, page layout, and packaging design), typography, illustration, animation, web design, app design, motion design, 3D design, game design, photography, painting, drawing, or mixed media.
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In the text field for each slide in Slate, include a project background (1–2 sentences about the project’s context, concept, objectives, client and/or audience), media/software, and size. If a project was a collaboration, please tell us your exact role in the project.
Assigned creative project* One of your projects must be an original design in response to one of the following prompts. Your work can be designed using either digital or traditional methods or both. You are not required to use specific software to address these prompts:
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Design a new cover for an existing book of your choice. This updated cover design should quickly communicate what the book is about, but also look different from past covers. Include the book title and author name in your design. Audience: general public. Size: 6 x 9 inches.
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Design a poster that encourages others to shop locally, thus reducing the energy consumption and emissions associated with shipping online purchases. Include the tagline: Shop Local. Audience: college students. Size: 12 x 18 inches.
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Design a one-page guide with clear instructions for how to sort recycling for your city, to be mailed to every household and business. Audience: general public. Size: 8.5 x 11 inches.
*Portfolios without the assigned project will not be accepted.
Statement of interest
In a one-page statement (250–500 words), please respond to the following questions:
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What aspects of graphic design do you find most interesting and why?
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What experiences have you had with graphic design thus far?
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What are your career goals?
Please include your name, date and desired concentration (Graphic Design) at the top of your statement.
Photo and Video Portfolio Requirements
- One-Page Personal Statement: In a one-page statement, discuss the ideas behind your work, career goals, and aspirations. Include your name, date and desired concentration (Photography and Video) on your statement.
- Submissions: Work samples can be photography, video, or a combination of both.
- Photographs Only: Twenty digital photographs
- Video Only: Three videos
- Photographs and Video: Fifteen digital photographs and two videos
Photographs will be evaluated for concept, composition, use of light, tonality, sharpness, idea, and design. Photographs are acceptable in both color and black and white. Videos will be evaluated for concept, editing, sound design, and cinematography. Identification of work: include a title for each image and video.
Image requirements: Maximum file size 2 MB, Save as JPEG, Minimum size: 1000 pixels in the largest dimension, Maximum size: 2000 pixels in the largest dimension.
Videos requirements: Maximum running time 10 minutes, total for all videos if no photography is submitted. Maximum running time 5 minutes, total for all videos if also submitting photographs. Please specify in the description if you are sending an excerpt from a longer work. Please also specify your role in the production. Links to media hosted on YouTube and Vimeo are strongly recommended (no restriction on file size). Videos can be uploaded directly to your Portfolio in the Application Status Portal. If uploading directly, the maximum file size is 5 GB in the following formats: .3g2, .3gp, .avi, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .mxf, .webm, .wmv. There is also an option to add a link for work hosted publicly on external websites (e.g. YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive).
Studio Art Portfolio Requirements
One-Page Personal Statement: In a one-page statement, address your artistic and career goals, as well as your current artistic themes and processes. What kinds of cultural influences (literature, movies, music, art) affect your work? Include your name, date, and desired concentration (Studio Art).
Submissions: Submit ten samples of original artwork that you have completed within the last three years. The work may range in media (2D, 3D, 4D). Include the date of completion and dimensions: height x width (plus depth when measuring three-dimensional pieces).
Portfolio Review Policy
Cal Poly’s Department of Art and Design considers it unethical to provide feedback on any student’s portfolio prior to the official portfolio review—or to assist with decisions regarding content or interpretation of the portfolio requirements. We ask that you review the requirements carefully, then prepare and submit your portfolio based on the information provided, rather than seeking additional information by contacting our department.
Following the review, we are unable to provide feedback and/or recommendations toward improving an applicant’s portfolio.