First Year Studies students and Advanced Standing Applicants wanting to apply to either the Photography program or the Visual Communications Design program are invited to attend an information session in the Lecture Theatre.
The information session will give students the opportunity to review the portfolio guidelines with the faculty and to have any questions they may have answered.
All applicants to the Visual Communications Design program must submit a portfolio of original work, submitted online via slideroom.
Characteristics beyond drawing, design and colour principles that should be made evident are: strong conceptual thinking, rigor/commitment, and enthusiasm. Please indicate clearly in the portfolio which profile you are applying to (Graphic Design/Advertising or Illustration/Character Design).
The portfolio work must have been created within the last two years and must include the following to be considered:
The applicant should include a minimum of seven (7) black and white or colour drawings. Drawings from life (not from photographs) are preferred and recommended. Within the category of drawing, the student should show their understanding of drawing principles by including examples of:
- Classical lighting showing three-dimensional volume of forms (highlight, local value, core shadow, reflected light, cast shadow).
- Control of three-dimensional space (perspective, value, line weights, etc).
- Control of two-dimensional space (compositional shape relationships).
- Two-point perspective – both accurate linear and tonal versions (architecture – interior and exterior, preferred).
- Accurate representational figure drawing.
- Figure in an environment.
- Expressive or gestural figure drawing.
- Figure with drapery.
- Value control (may be included in classical lighting example).
- Narrative or storytelling.
- Still life (should include elliptical forms such as bottles, cups, saucers, etc).
NOTE: Some principles maybe overlapped with others. For example, a single drawing may include a number of the above principles.
The applicant should include five (5) black and white compositions (may include varying shades of grey) that use flat graphic shapes (no volume) or letterforms that demonstrate an understanding of the following visual techniques and principles of design as well as one (1) example of their design process:
- Balance – active and static.
- Contrast – using letterforms.
- Emphasis/Hierarchy – using letterforms.
- Structure – using shape and/or text.
- Figure/ground relationships – using shape.
- Unity – using shape and/or text.
NOTE: Some principles and/or techniques may be overlapped with others. For example, one composition may use more than one principle and/or technique.
The applicant should include three to four (3-4) colour compositions that show their understanding of fundamental colour theory. These portfolio pieces may include the following, with at least one example that is a flat, graphic composition, and at least one example that is rendered from life:
- Colour chart, showing colour relationships (maximum 1)
- Value translation studies
- Colour energy level studies
- Harmony
- Discord (contrasting relationships due to hue-value combinations)
- Control of three-dimensional space through colour
NOTE: Some principles may be overlapped with others. For example, one composition may use more than one principle.
The applicant may submit 3 pieces that are personal or conceptual in nature. Personal sketchbooks are recommended. Three-dimensional work or oversized work must be reproduced photographically. Do not include any actual three-dimensional work with the portfolio.
The purpose of the survey questions and letter of intent is for applicants to make an informed and thoughtful decision prior to committing to the program.
- Describe the differences between fine art and design practice.
- Name significant graphic designers and/or illustrators that you admire.
- On slideroom, indicate which profile you are interested in (Graphic Design/Advertising or Illustration/Character Design), your reasons for wanting to enter the Visual Communications Design program and your educational and/or career goal on graduation. Finally, include a brief statement of your expectations of the VCD program.
Applicants to the Visual Communications Design Major who are currently attending ACAD should download the application, complete all sections and return it to the ACAD Admissions Office before 4:15pm on April 1st, 2013.
External students must apply online through the Apply Alberta Post-Secondary Application System. External applications are due on or before April 1st. Late applications and portfolios will not be accepted.
All applicants, internal and external must submit their portfolio by 11:59pm MST April 15th, via the online slideroom process.
The Admissions Office will inform all applicants of their admission status as soon as official admissions decisions have been finalized. Due to the high volume of applications, unfortunately the Admissions Office will be unable to provide specific comments about your portfolio or the reason it was not selected for admission.