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Busting the art myth.

A first major survey conducted by SNAAP of arts grads finds that, despite low pay, respondents report high levels of employment and fulfillment.

Freshman year begin planning classes for your sophomore, junior, and senior years for any visual and performing class if you want to take an AP course.

 

Sophomore year, you will begin compiling your portfolio.

Sophomore summer, you need to either take a summer art class or consider an art-related internship.

Freshmen and Sophomore
Portfolio High School

Junior year  and college portfolio prep.

During the school year and over the summer, submit work for and attend

  • auditions

  • competitions

  • participate in performances

  • national and college portfolio review

 

Apply for

  • programs

  • internships

Update your documented artwork, by re-photographing for high-quality digital images that showcase your work in the best possible way.

Update your resume to include important leadership opportunities, internships, competitions, exhibits, performances, etc...

Senior stretch.

Seniors, schools, and SlideRoom

Visual arts applicants using the Common Application will need to submit a portfolio through the Common Application and SlideRoom app.

Even if you are not applying to an art school, you can still upload a digital portfolio to show your schools of choice you have interests other than your intended major.

Musicians and vocalists who want formal training look at conservatories or universities with top music programs.

These schools require auditions and performance resumes.

The application process is also very different than the usual college application.

Conservatory vs. University

Auditions and Interviews.

Audition portfolios are a chance for you to prove your current level of musicianship and acting skill, potential for growth, and readiness to succeed. Some colleges focus on performance, improvisation, sight-reading, and ear training because they seek students who are prepared to study and master all elements of their craft.

Performing Portfolio

Most schools will ask or require an interview with a member of the faculty, either in person or online via Skype. 

Prior to the Portfolio Review, applicants must submit a digital portfolio through SlideRoom, including a résumé and some require a headshot-style color photograph.

 

Depending on the school, you will be asked to upload 10 up to 20 files, including their résumé and photograph.

Typically, there is a minimal fee for submitting your online portfolio. Portfolio submissions that do not adhere to the requirements will not be considered and make sure that you have scheduled your Portfolio Review online, otherwise, all that hard work is for nothing.

According to Margaret Carrigan contributor for Artsy.net the art world has become increasingly professionalized, which means a Master of Fine Arts degree is now often a necessary step on the road to gallery representation and critical acclaim.​

Don't choose an art school based on geography alone. You choose based on:

  • Resources - studio space, equipment,  technology

  • Ranking - knowledgeable and easily accessible professors, academic reputation, and teacher to student ratio

  • Art vibe of the city - opportunities for artists

Art School vs. College

Visual Portfolio

Every visual artist experiences different passions, ideas, and strengths. Each college and university has different requirements and expectations.

 

We will help you alleviate the overwhelming feeling of what to draw/paint/make/create, which mediums to use and how to best select and present your work.

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