Portfolio Prep: Drawing for Art School Applications (in person)

The portfolio is an important component of an art school application. Most colleges require that portfolios include observational drawings, or drawings made from what can be observed, rather than from imagination or a photograph.

Work with still life and figurative subject matter and the fundamentals of a drawing: composition, line, structure, value, and expression. Instruction in drawing techniques is supplemented by art history discussions, feedback, short writing exercises, MCAD Admissions staff presentations, requirements for art and design school portfolios, and regular homework assignments. Assignments and feedback encourage and enable students to create individual work that aligns with requirements for portfolio submissions within their own interests and experience. Students may choose to work digitally for some assignments and must provide their own device. / Professional nude models may be used in this class. / Materials fee of $10 included in course tuition.

Open to students ages 15–18. MCAD strictly adheres to these age guidelines and is unable to allow exceptions. Please review our complete Teen Policies as well as our General Policies before completing your registration.

Prerequisites

Previous drawing experience is helpful, but not required.

Required materials

Supplies for the first day

• 18 x 24” newsprint, drawing pad
• 18 x 24" drawing paper pad (good quality 80 lb. or heavier)
• 3 drawing pencils (HB 2B 2B)
• 2–4 sticks vine/willow charcoal soft or medium
• 2 square blocks of soft compressed charcoal
• erasers: kneaded and Staedtler
• white artists or masking tape
• portfolio to transport work (portfolio can be made out of 2 pieces of foam board secured with binder clips)

Students should expect to spend approximately $75 on supplies in addition to tuition.

What to wear
Clothes appropriate for messy creativity. Comfortable shoes for standing.

Class savings

Register on or before August 19 and save $25.
Register for more than one class at a time and receive $25 off each additional class (same-day registrations only).
Additional savings. Are you eligible?

Questions

Contact MCAD Continuing Education at continuing_education@mcad.edu or call 612.874.3765.