PREPARING A PORTFOLIO
A primary criterion for admission to OCAD University is the assessment of the portfolio. This section outlines portfolio guidelines and the review process, you will also find information about resources available at OCAD U to help improve your portfolio.
Portfolio assessments for the 2013/2014 admissions cycle will be held during OCAD U's study week from February 19 until February 22, 2013.
All applicants will be notified of the exact date, time and location of their review. Unfortunately, due to the number of applicants to OCAD U each year we are unable to change or reschedule portfolio assessments.
NOTE: A $30 fee, payable in advance to OCAD University, is required to cover the cost involved with the portfolio assessments.
- First Year Portfolio Guidelines
- First Year Portfolio Presentation Guidelines
- Digital Futures Undergraduate Program Portfolio Guidelines (PDF)
- Advanced Standing Portfolio Guidelines
First Year Portfolio Guidelines
Your portfolio is an important part of your admission application. It needs to demonstrate a variety of your skills and approaches to art making. This can include experimentation in both analog and digital media. Keep in mind that when it comes to your portfolio, the most important feature OCAD U looks for is your ability to think creatively, shown in a diverse range of media.
A personal creative statement of approximately 250 words is a required element of the portfolio. No portfolio will be reviewed without the written statement. Some of the topics you might address are:
- Why do you want to attend OCAD U?
- What strengths and skills do you bring with you?
- How do you hope to benefit from attending OCADU?
Portfolio preparation tips:
- Include a maximum of 10 pieces of your original work in art, design or media, including a creative journal/sketchbook to demonstrate your creative process
- Demonstrate your ability to work with a wide range of techniques, materials and subject matter
- Include works in 2D, 3D, time-based, lens-based, digital or traditional media
- Originals are preferred. If you can carry the work easily you can include it in your portfolio. If the work is too large to transport, is very fragile, or for site specific work, you may present the piece as a digital image or photograph. There are no other size limitations
- Whenever possible applicants are strongly encouraged to provide their own laptop for the review of digital or time-based work. A limited number of laptops, TV's and DVD players will be available during the reviews
- Drawings may be from direct observation, such as figure drawing, still life, interiors and landscapes, as well as from imagination and memory
- Please present work flat rather than rolled, mounted or framed.
- Work exploring colour, form and mixed media approaches are welcome, as are three dimensional works, such as installations, models, jewellery, soft or hard sculpture
- Feel free to include work that directly relates to the discipline that you are applying to
First Year Portfolio Presentation Guidelines
In-person portfolio assessments take place during OCAD U's study week in February each year. The reviews last between 10 to 20 minutes, and you will share your original work with reviewers from your chosen faculty.
If you choose not to attend your assessment in person or live too far away to attend a scheduled review you have several options:
You may choose to mail in your portfolio, ensuring that it arrives at least one week in advance. You are encouraged to include additional written material in support of the work. Mailed submissions should be no larger than 18 x 24 inches and should be sent to Admissions & Recruitment at OCAD University's main address.
You may choose to send a digital version of your portfolio on a CD, DVD or USB. Return postage must be included with the portfolio if you would like it returned. You are encouraged to include additional written material in support of the work.
New for 2013: Applicants have the option to submit their portfolio to OCAD U online at SlideRoom, ocadu.slideroom.com.
- Before you use SlideRoom please make sure that you have applied online through the Ontario Universities’ Application Centre, ouac.on.ca, and that you have received an email from OCAD U acknowledging receipt of your application.
- Access to SlideRoom is open until February 23, 2013 . You may upload images (jpg, png, gif) or video (mov, wmv, flv, mp4), music (mp3) and one PDF document. For fast upload and good image quality, your image files should be sized around 1024 x 768px @ 72 dpi. Please keep video files under 120MB each and 2 to 3 minute clips. OCAD U’s SlideRoom portal offers additional instruction for submitting your work. Contact support@slideroom.com for technical assistance. You can also access the SlideRoom help desk at slideroom.zendesk.com.
- SlideRoom will allow you to log in and edit your portfolio as much as you like; however, once you click on the submit button, you will no longer be able to make changes. REMEMBER you must click the submit button if you want us to review your portfolio, unsubmitted or pending portfolios will not be reviewed. A $10 USD fee will be charged at the time of submission.
- Please note that there are several programs listed at our SlideRoom portal; it is very important that you upload your images into the program that you are applying for.
Tips for your presentation:
- Generate interest and excitement with the first piece
- Be aware that current work best demonstrates your skill level
- Be prepared to explain why a particular work was selected for inclusion in your portfolio, what it means to you and what you were trying to achieve
- Be prepared to talk about any research and preparation you did for your final work
- Research OCAD U ahead of time to show your level of interest and commitment to studying here
OCAD University cannot be held responsible for loss or damage if you choose to send in original work. Please be advised that if you choose not to have your portfolio returned to you it may be used for demonstration purposes by Admissions & Recruitment.
Advanced Standing Portfolio Reviews and Requirements
Advanced standing acceptance and year level placement is based on the strength of the applicant's portfolio and academic standing. All applicants will be notified of the time, date and location of the review through email.
A statement of intent of approximately 250 words is a required element of the portfolio. No portfolio will be reviewed without the written statement.
In-person portfolio assessments take place during OCAD U's study week in February each year. The reviews last between 10 to 20 minutes, and you will share your original work with reviewers from your chosen faculty.
If you choose not to attend your assessment in person or live too far away to attend the scheduled review you have several options:
You may choose to mail in your portfolio, ensuring that it arrives at least one week in advance. You are encouraged to include additional written material in support of the work. Mailed submissions should be no larger than 18 x 24 inches and should be sent to Admissions & Recruitment at OCAD University's main address.
You may choose to send a digital version of your portfolio on a CD, DVD or USB. Return postage must be included with the portfolio if you would like it returned. You are encouraged to include additional written material in support of the work.
If you are an Advanced Standing Applicant interested in using SlideRoom for your portfolio submission please contact Tammy Madden for assistance.
Advanced Standing Faculty of Art Portfolio Requirements (PDF)
Advanced Standing Faculty of Design Portfolio Requirements (PDF)
Advanced Standing Digital Futures Portfolio Requirements (PDF)
OCAD University cannot be held responsible for loss or damage if you choose to send in original work. Please be advised that if you choose not to have your portfolio returned to you it may be used for demonstration purposes by Admissions & Recruitment.
Last Modified:2/20/2013 9:43:43 AM