Portfolio Requirements

The breadth of your admissions portfolio should demonstrate original thinking and should be a reflection of you and how you view the world. It should include examples of work that indicates the type of student you will be at the College for Creative Studies and provide an understanding of your interest in and commitment to the field of art and/or design. Your portfolio may show how other artists and designers have influenced you and your work. You may also want to show how other aspects of culture – ie literature, music, film, politics, fashion, etc. – have helped you develop both intellectually and artistically.

Guidelines for Observational Drawing:

• Draw from observation of objects, scenes, still lives, landscapes and people. Include good descriptive or representational drawings of your surrounding environment.
• Include accurate line drawings and good examples of fully rendered compositions using a complete range of light, middle and dark values.
• If possible, include figure drawings or partial figure drawings (hands, feet, etc.) or portraiture.
• Consider the entire picture surface; try not to isolate one object in the center of the page.
• Any medium is acceptable for these drawings, including but not limited to: charcoal, graphite, pen and ink, paint, pastel, colored pencil and digital rendering.

Guidelines for Imagination Drawing:

• When submitting original character drawings, include the surrounding environment you envision them working, playing and living in.
• Consider filling the entire picture surface; try not to isolate one object in the center of the page.
• Character development should incorporate your own unique style as opposed to copying a pre-existing style (i.e. anime or manga).
• You may combine one or more reference sources in combination when creating your own unique image. Copied images are not acceptable.
• If submitting concept design (i.e. products, fashion, transportation, or furniture) you may include the beginning ideation sketches, background research and inspiration used to develop them. Show us your thinking process!

Suggested assignments for those with little to no art background or portfolio for admission:

• A minimum of 5 to 8 pieces is still required for admission. You may complete any of these suggested assignments multiple times.
• 2 Dimensional Design project: Use a camera to create the following: 1. a portrait of how you see yourself 2. a portrait of how others (or "the world") sees you. 3. documentation of your environment and how you interpret your environment.
• 3 Dimensional Design project: 1. Create a 3D sculpture from a variety of found objects or materials that you are drawn to. Explore color, texture, form and message. Photograph it in its environment. 2. Create a mask that transforms the wearer into a whole new character, creature or world.
• Written project: Create a distress / "SOS" or "message in a bottle" letter.
• Contact the Admissions Office for more suggestions.

Submission Guidelines for the Visual Portfolio:

• Images of your final portfolio may be submitted on a CD or DVD in JPEG format at 300 dpi.

CCS holds a college preparatory summer program, Summer Experience, for high school students to begin preparation for art and design school. Other preparatory courses for students of all ages are available throughout the year. More information on these programs is available from the College's Continuing Education office.