Submitting Your Portfolio
PCA&D requires all students interested in our BFA degree program to have a portfolio review as part of the application process. Your portfolio should consist of 8-10 recent, original artworks that demonstrate your abilities in a range of artistic media.
Transfer Students: If you are applying to enroll as an Animation & Game Art, Fine Art, or Illustration major, you must include at least 2 artworks from direct observation – scroll down for a how-to video on this requirement!
PCA&D is looking for equal amounts of DEPTH & BREADTH in your portfolio:
DEPTH | Investigation of a subject matter, focus on a favorite media or sustained interest in a topic or style.
BREADTH | Displaying a range of skills by experimenting with and varying size, media, and subject matter.
Presentation Matters
- Select – Select works that you feel are most representative of your ideas, skills, and abilities. Showcase problem-solving, decision-making, and originality of ideas.
- Gather & Organize – Develop an order to your presentation that makes sense and has a logical flow. Consider lighting and clarity when photographing your artwork and keep time-based selections to 3 minutes or less. Consider perspectives other than your own by consulting a teacher or mentor.
- Submit – Use the buttons below to upload your portfolio or edit one you already started online as part of the PCA&D application process.
- Communicate – Be able to share your creative process with others. Schedule a personal interview and portfolio review, by contacting us at admissions@pcad.edu, calling 800.689.0379, ext. 1001, or visiting us at PCA&D Admissions Events, High School or College Visits, and National Portfolio Days.
NEVER send original artwork via mail or another delivery service.
Examples of Media to Include
- Drawing
- Painting
- 2-D Design
- Digital Design
- Printmaking
- Photography
- Sketchbook
- Mural
- Performance Art
- Built Objects
- Ceramics
- Metal and Jewelry
- Glass
- Graphic Design
- Illustrations
- Storyboarding
- Public Art
- Fiber Arts
- Mixed-Media
- Sculpture
- Installation
- Time-based Media
- Digitally Rendered 3-D Animation
- Film/Video
Need help with your Portfolio?
Sign up to attend a free, week-long online workshop that will help you prepare a portfolio for admission to PCA&D.