Your portfolio should include:
- 12 – 15 pieces of your best and most recent work, including
- 2 design or direct observational drawings. Learn about how Stamps defines these below:
Design drawing: a drawing of a design you developed for a product, garment, space, pattern design, a graphic novel spread, or an architectural drawing. A design drawing emphasizes visualization over direct observation.
Observational drawing: a drawing of a subject that you have directly observed. An observational drawing could be a collection of objects set up on a table that you observe, a person modeling in front of you, a building you are viewing, or a landscape outside of your window. Keep in mind: An observational drawing would not include drawing something from a photo, from your imagination, or from memory.
Check out the videos below for tips on observational drawing from Stamps senior Maggie McConnell (BFA ‘21).
Keep in mind:
- Emphasize experimentation, concept, and a range of media
- Include class assignments and self-directed work
- Answer the question, “Why did I create this?” for each work’s description
- Your application will be considered complete only after you have submitted your portfolio
National Portfolio Days
Explore the nation’s best colleges of art and design and meet with Stamps Admissions representatives, who can provide informal portfolio reviews, discuss our unique curriculum, and answer questions about professional careers in art. Showing your work early can help you acquire important information about organizing and presenting your portfolio for future admission consideration. High school students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and college transfer students are encouraged to attend. All National Portfolio Day events are free and open to the public.
Stamps will be participating in the following 2022 – 23 NPD events:
- Online // September 17, 2022, 12:00 — 4:00 PM Eastern
- Chicago // October 16, 2022, 12:00 — 4:00 PM Central
- Detroit // October 29, 2022, 1:00 — 5:00 PM Eastern
- Los Angeles // November 20, 2022, 12:00 — 4:00 PM Pacific
- Online // December 4, 2022, 12:00 — 4:00 PM Eastern
- Online // January 8, 2023, 12:00 — 4:00 PM Eastern
- Miami // January 21, 2023, 12:00 — 4:00 PM Eastern
- Online // May 6, 2023, 12:00 — 4:00 PM Eastern
Learn more and register for events at nationalportfolioday.org.
Prep Your Portfolio for NPD
Your portfolio should showcase the best work you are making now, and can include finished pieces, work in progress, and sketchbooks. Make sure to photograph your work with intention and have your files ready to share with us digitally.
Submitting Your Portfolio
Early Action deadline : November 1
Regular deadline : February 1
Portfolios are submitted through SlideRoom. You will receive a link to SlideRoom through your Common Application.
There is a $10 transaction fee to submit your portfolio. Students who receive a Common Application fee waiver will automatically receive a SlideRoom fee waiver.
For technical assistance with SlideRoom, visit support.slideroom.com.