Fine Arts

Guidelines for applicants to Fine Arts programs.

Department of Fine Arts Portfolio Guidelines

MFA Portfolios
All applicants to the Master of Fine Arts program must submit digital portfolios.

All digital image submissions must be on a single CD that has been tested on both Mac OSX and Windows. A total of twenty (20) still images should be placed in a folder entitled LastnameFirstname (example: BrownElizabeth). All still images must be RGB color in JPEG format and can be no larger than 1024x768 pixels. Do not put images in any presentation format such as PowerPoint or PDF. Name and number all files LastnameFirstname00.jpg (example: BrownElizabeth03.jpg).

Please submit a printed hard-copy list of your images with your CD. The list should be headed with your name and area of study (painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography or mixed media), listing the image number, title, date, medium, and dimensions. Please indicate if an image illustrates a detail of a previously listed work. The CD should have your name written on it with a Sharpie marker and should be enclosed in a paper sleeve. This may be shipped in a bubble pack envelope (no fiber filled envelopes).

The portfolio will be returned to the applicant after April 1 only if a self-addressed stamped return envelope is provided. Overseas applicants may enclose postal coupons or money orders along with envelopes for their portfolio return. Portfolios of matriculating students will remain with the Department of Fine Arts for archival purposes.

Video Portfolios
All video submissions must be on a single NTSC DVD that plays on a standard DVD player. The disc should not have a menu. Each work should be recorded as a separate sequential track with sound limited to stereo. The DVD should be tested on multiple players to insure that it will play properly. Print your name on the DVD, enclose it in a paper sleeve, and submit it with a printed hard-copy list of works, headed with your name and area of study, and referenced with DVD track numbers. This may be shipped in a bubble pack envelope (no fiber filled envelopes).

The portfolio will be returned to the applicant after April 1 only if a self-addressed stamped return envelope is provided. Overseas applicants may enclose postal coupons or money orders along with envelopes for their portfolio return. Portfolios of matriculating students will remain with the Department of Fine Arts for archival purposes.

Graphic Design Certificate Portfolios
Applicants to the Graphic Design Certificate are required to submit portfolios along with their applications. The portfolio may include no more than 15 digital images, printed samples, or web screens. Digital portfolios should follow the guidelines for the MFA portfolios (above). Any submitted media should be clearly labeled and include a brief synopsis of the content.

Time-based and Interactive Media Certificate Portfolios
Applicants to the Time-based and Interactive Media Certificate must submit portfolios containing digital images, printed images, books, video, or interactive projects. Digital and video portfolios should follow the guidelines for the MFA portfolios (above). Video should be limited to excerpts which total less than 10 minutes. All interactive and time-based projects should include synopses or guides for interaction. Web sites and interactive projects must include a list of technical requirements.