Portfolio Guidelines: Commercial Art

Illustration, Graphic Design, Cartooning, Animation, Fashion Design, Digital Photography

Suggestions: What you could include:

1. Drawings from observation (we always look for at least two)
2. Artwork may include the following:

• Abstract Design
• Still life drawings
• Landscapes or Cityscapes
• Self portrait
• Photography
•  Fashion designs
• Cartoon  

3. Artwork done independently
4. Artwork done in school
5. Show a variety of media
6. Your sketchbook full of ideas and interests

The best portfolios have:
1. Neatly presented artwork
2. Art from observation
3. A sketchbook
4. 8-12 artworks (variety: portfolios should have different subject matter, not only one kind of drawing)

What you should bring on the day of our audition:
1. Your portfolio.  Please do not overlook this component.
2. Letters of recommendation (optional)
3. Sharpened pencils
4. An eraser
5. A winning attitude!

Program Information

The Architecture Department at the High School of Art & Design encourages students to develop skills, participate in the design process and generate a professional attitude towards learning and being an architect.  We incorporate Interior Design, Landscape Architecture and Industrial Design.  Students develop skills in drafting, designing, sketching, modeling and AutoCAD.  Each project is coordinated between studio classes and computer technology.  Students make CTE presentations, participate in competitions, hold internships and work with industry partnerships.  The four-year CTE Architectural Design sequence concludes with a Neighborhood & Planning curriculum that is reflective of present day revitalization of community projects within our city.  Our program is approved as a college preparatory class for students who are considering higher education at a university level.

Audition Information

Portfolio with 10-12 pieces of original artwork created from observation and students' own imagination with a diversity of subject matter and use of media (look at the suggestions for commercial art).  Please include examples of line drawings as well as value studies of geometric shapes and form.  You should also include a drawing of your neighborhood and a plan of your bedroom or your apartment.  Three-dimensional pieces can be photographed.  You will be required to draw from observation and memory.

Program Information

The Film/Video program is a comprehensive studio program in which students learn the practice and theory of movie making.  Divided into six terms, students participate in the entire pre-production, production and post-production processes.  The department is well-equipped, enabling all students to learn how to operate video cameras, professional lights, and boom microphones, through making short films.  Students learn how to use professional scriptwriting software, create storyboards and shot lists, edit the footage they shoot using industry-standard non-linear editing software, and output their films onto DVD.  In their final term, student focus on a substantial piece that is developed, produced, and edited over the final term.  The Film Department puts on a film festival at the conclusion of each school year, showcasing the best of the student-made films.

Audition Information

Portfolio including: 
1. Two storyboards (a minimum of ten frames each) depicting a short scene from your imagination.  The frames can be either hand-drawn or photographs that you have taken yourself.
2. Also submit a 250-word essay describing your interest in filmmaking OR a short story from your imagination.
3. Optional: Also submit a sample of any film or films you have participated in.  Films should be submitted on a USB thumb drive, in .mov or .mp4 format.  Please make sure to describe your role in the making of the film on a separate sheet of paper.  At the audition students will be given a description of a short action and will be asked to draw a storyboard.