Graduate

Applicants may use the online file management system SlideRoom to submit their portfolios for review. From the SlideRoom website (scad.slideroom.com) applicants can upload still images, Word documents, digital and multimedia files and find instructions for creating a corresponding inventory of work in the portfolio (required) including titles, dates, media, dimensions, and specific responsibilities on group projects, if applicable. A fee of US$10 is charged for each portfolio submission. Portfolio content also may be submitted by mail.

Digital

Digital work should be submitted on CD, DVD or USB Flash drive in a single folder or presentation. Acceptable file formats are JPEG (with a file suffix of .jpg or .jpeg), PDF files or digital portfolios created in PowerPoint, Flash or HTML. Images should be saved at 72 dpi screen resolution. Digital portfolios should be checked to assure that links work properly and all necessary files are included. Applicants should indicate whether special instructions are necessary for the viewing of digital portfolios. An inventory sheet must be attached, including the applicant's name, title of each piece, media or programs used, size and date of completion, as well as a brief description of the piece and the applicant's role in development and execution. In the case of documented, professional or group projects, applicants should indicate personal responsibilities. Graduate applicants should submit 20 images.

Works of 5-10 minutes in length should be submitted in a platform-independent player format or in QuickTime with the file suffix labeled as .qt or .mov (.mpeg format is also acceptable). An inventory sheet must be attached, including the applicant's name, title of each piece, media or programs used, size and date of completion, as well as a brief description of the piece and explanation of the applicant's role in the development and execution of the project. In the case of documented, professional or group projects, applicants should indicate personal responsibilities. Applicants should submit 10 to 15 images and should never exceed 20 images.

Papers of 15-20 pages must be submitted electronically and must include applicant's name, title of paper, and class or teacher if produced as a class assignment or with the assistance of a mentor. Papers must have a clearly stated premise, findings and conclusion; must be well organized; must demonstrate consistent use of citation conventions according to a specific writing style (Chicago-Turabian preferred for academic papers), and must be submitted electronically in a typed, double-spaced format.

Accessory Design
Portfolios should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the design process through conceptual research, technical sketches, renderings and boards. Applicants should present computer-aided design portfolio work. Applicants should show competency in the ability to design for 3-D products with special attention given to both internal and external components creating innovative, whole products. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Advertising
Portfolios should emphasize the applicant's ability to develop original advertising ideas, demonstrate the ability to carry a design through multiple pieces (campaign) and represent the applicant's proficiency with design software. Examples of work should show sensible use of composition, typography and coordination of words and images. Examples may be augmented by other relevant work that reflects the applicant's interests and abilities such as graphic design, photography and illustration. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Animation
Portfolios should demonstrate accomplished art and design skill, including life drawing and evidential understanding of composition, line, weight and balance. In addition, portfolios should evidence conceptual awareness and effective use of software and tools to support aesthetic choices. Mature artistic or commercial direction should be evident in work that corresponds to the applicant's academic goals. Work should be submitted in digital format (self-playing DVD preferred; CDs not accepted).

Architectural History
A substantial university-level research paper of 10 to 15 pages should demonstrate critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills. The paper should include illustrations, if appropriate. Work should be submitted in research paper format/writing format.

Architecture
Portfolios should include examples of work completed in architectural and other creative studios, independently, or in a professional office. A brief description of design intent should be submitted with each project, clearly indicating when and in what studio the project was completed and the applicant's role. Portfolios should demonstrate creative abilities and development of a personal architectural and design language, application of concepts to architectonic solutions, and free-hand, analog and digital drawing and graphics abilities. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Art History
A substantial university-level paper of 15-20 pages should demonstrate critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills. The paper should include illustrations, if appropriate. Work should be submitted in research paper/writing format.

Arts Administration
Portfolio should include writing samples with at least one sample of university-level research writing and may include professional writing demonstrating critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills. Other writing samples may include business documents, essays, grant proposals, promotional writing, press releases, planning documents and journalistic work. Work should be submitted in research paper/writing format.

Cinema Studies
Portfolios should include a substantial university-level research paper or professional writing samples demonstrating critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills. Additional writing samples related to cinema studies also may be submitted for consideration. Work should be submitted in research paper/writing format.

Design Management
Portfolios should include academic or professional projects that clearly present purpose, scope of work, research methodology and accomplishments. Portfolios should demonstrate ability to define and process problems using sketches, plans or diagrams in formal documents or informal journal notes; they should reveal confidence or experience in innovation and demonstrate a high level of creativity. A strong portfolio may demonstrate an advanced understanding of visual problem-solving and process, including evidence of contextual research, applied human factors, rapid design sketching and conceptual prototyping, and knowledge of production or implementation of projects. Portfolios may contain written material in addition to a strong visual or graphic element. Business plans, proposals, project briefs or presentations are encouraged. Work may originate from a range of disciplines (fashion, architecture, industrial design, etc.). Work should be submitted in digital format.

Design for Sustainability
Portfolios should include academic and/or professional projects that clearly present purpose, scope of work, research methodology and accomplishments. Portfolios should demonstrate the ability to define and process problems demonstrating conceptual thinking skills, reveal interest or experience in sustainability, and demonstrate a high level of creativity, and attention to detail. A strong portfolio demonstrates an advanced understanding of visual problem-solving and process, including evidence such as typography used as an aesthetic and communicative tool; the ability to convey complex compositional organization in single and multi-piece projects, plans or diagrams; interior and exterior drawings of buildings, conceptual and process drawings, perspectives and technical drawings; contextual research; rapid design and quality sketching; CAD drawings; prototyping; and basic manufacturing or engineering principles. Portfolios may contain written material in addition to a strong visual or graphic element. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Dramatic Writing
Portfolios should include at least five individual writing samples, preferably screenplays or stage plays. Short stories and essays are acceptable. All narrative samples should demonstrate a basic understanding of dramatic structure. Work should be submitted in research paper/writing format.

Fashion
Portfolios should demonstrate a thorough understanding of the design process through mood boards, fashion illustrations, flats and sewn garments from two-three collections. Applicants should show competency in the use of various industrial machinery and sewing techniques, and should submit full-scale patterns, drapes and original sewn garments. The portfolio should demonstrate a high level of technical and conceptual ability, as well as creative research, investigation, problem-solving and an awareness of material processes. Applicants also should demonstrate a well-developed personal and aesthetic/design direction in the ability to develop work around a theme or concept as evidenced by a series of related works. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Fibers
Portfolios should demonstrate a well-developed personal and aesthetic/design direction and the ability to develop work around a theme or concept as evidenced by one or more series of related works accompanied by an artist/designer statement. Applicants also are encouraged to submit a selection of sketchbook/process/research work to demonstrate a high level of technical and conceptual ability, as well as creative research, investigation, problem-solving and an awareness of material processes. Work should be submitted in digital format. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Film and Television
Portfolios should show knowledge of film and television media and exhibit advanced conceptual awareness and experimentation with the chosen medium. Work should be submitted in digital format (self-playing DVD preferred) and should not exceed 10 minutes.

Furniture Design
Portfolios should represent six to 10 distinct design projects and should demonstrate competency in the full breadth of the design process, including research, inspiration or motivation that points to what informs the work. Additionally, examples of visual creative thinking, informative sketching, 3-D visualization/problem-solving such as models, studies or mock ups, as well as digital visual communication, including technical drawing, modeling and presentation, should be evident. Work may originate from a range of design disciplines not limited to furniture design. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Graphic Design
Portfolios should concentrate on graphic design as a problem-solving methodology and demonstrate conceptual thinking skills. Additionally, work must demonstrate typographic usage as an aesthetic and communicative tool with single and multi-page projects such as annual reports, magazine spreads and/or catalogs. The portfolio should demonstrate the ability to convey complex compositional organization in single and multi-piece projects (campaign) and demonstrate the applicant's awareness of historical and contemporary image development techniques. Work samples should illustrate proficiency with the following software: Illustrator (vector imagery), Photoshop (raster imagery), Quark/InDesign (page layout) and Dreamweaver/Flash (Web authoring). Work should be submitted in digital format as a single PDF document.

Historic Preservation
Portfolios should include a substantial research paper of 15-20 pages demonstrating critical and analytical thinking as well as advanced research and writing skills on a topic related to preservation, heritage conservation or history. The portfolio should include examples of work that communicate the applicant's artistic, graphic and digital abilities, including photographs, sketches, perspectives, CAD and/or other technical drawings. Work should be submitted in research paper/writing format and digital format.

Illustration
The portfolio should show proficiency in a range of media and demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to illustrative problem-solving through finished illustrations responding to a range of illustrative assignments (full color and black and white); and illustration process samples (preliminary work, such as value studies, leading to the finish). In addition, the portfolio should include finished drawings (dry media preferred) from life drawing classes and/or direct observation; and sketches (e.g., figures/objects noted in a personal sketchbook, journal or similar format). Work should be submitted in digital format (Powerpoint, PDF or PS Web gallery preferred).

Illustration Design
Portfolios should demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to illustrative and design solutions for visual problems through finished illustrations responding to a range of illustrative assignments (full color and black-and-white); and finished graphic design solutions. In addition, in order to demonstrate good drawing and visualization skills, the portfolio must include graphic design process samples (e.g., storyboard and/or preliminary work for graphic design finishes); and finished drawings (dry media preferred) from life drawing classes and/or direct observation. Work should be submitted in digital format (Powerpoint, PDF or PS Web gallery preferred).

Industrial Design
Portfolios should include high-color images of design solutions, along with a digitally presented process book that illustrates rapid ideation sketching and process work. Portfolios should exhibit an advanced understanding of visual problem-solving and process, including evidence and understanding of contextual research, perspective and orthographic sketching, CAD renderings, model making and basic manufacturing or engineering principles and may be augmented by additional work that represents interest and ability in some visual and creative profession, with an emphasis on 2-D and 3-D problem-solving. Portfolios may include no more than three writing samples with at least one sample of scholarly writing. Work should be submitted in digital and research paper/writing format.

Interactive Design and Game Development
Portfolios should demonstrate traditional art and design skills through figure drawings, conceptual illustrations and page layouts, interactive projects, 3-D modeling and/or digital games. A strong portfolio shows aesthetic awareness and includes effective use of 2-D form and composition, and an understanding of additive and subtractive color theory.

Applicants who intend to focus on interactive design should show interactive work, including interactive or physical computing installations, experience designs, websites, software and other user interface designs. Applicants must show proficiency with Flash, Photoshop and Dreamweaver (or equivalent applications). The portfolio should include samples of design work that demonstrate ability to apply typographic rules, layout and composition to Web applications.

Applicants who intend to focus on game art and level design should include concept art, videos of playable game levels, 3-D rendered stills or video flythroughs of detailed environments. Work should show proficiency with Photoshop, Maya, 3DS Max and Mudbox or ZBrush.

Applicants who intend to focus on game design should show three to five original designs in digital or non-digital format including rule sets (if applicable), samples of design documentation, and supporting critical analysis. The portfolio should include design work samples that demonstrate ability to communicate rules to players, provide appropriate feedback, set a theme, apply effective mechanics to carry out the theme and create the desired level of strategy and player immersion.

Work should be submitted in digital or multimedia format. Videos must be submitted in H.264 compression. Three-dimensional environments should be submitted as walk-throughs and capture in QuickTime format and rendered stills. Three-dimensional character and asset models should be submitted in the form of turntables or model sheets.

Interior Design
For applicants to the MF.A. program, portfolios should include work from all phases of design: conceptual and process drawings, sketches, perspectives and technical drawings. Work should demonstrate proficiency in the technical requirements of interior design projects, including codes, interior building systems and construction, lighting, interior materials and sustainability as fundamental components of the interior built environment. In addition, portfolio work should show proficiency in graphic, technical and digital representation skills and techniques utilized within the advanced study of interior design. Drawings should include floor plans, elevations, sections, and lighting/power plans.

Applicants to the M.A. program should submit a substantial university-level research paper. Topics should be contemporary, impacting the future of the interior design profession and demonstrate the applicant's critical thinking, analytical and writing skills.

Work should be submitted in digital format or research paper/writing format, as applicable.

Jewelry and Objects
Portfolios should show evidence of studio experience in metals and/or jewelry including the ability to develop work related to a theme or concept supported by research, analysis and development through design and drawing. Portfolios should reflect emphasis on the integrated results of creative investigation, problem-solving and the appropriate, skillful use of materials and technical applications. A strong portfolio demonstrates conceptual ability, strong design methodology and confident handling of diverse materials and processes. Portfolios should also include a writing sample that addresses a contemporary issue in the field. Work should be submitted in digital or research paper/writing format as applicable.

Luxury and Fashion Management
Portfolios should include a professional development plan. The portfolio should demonstrate the ability to define and process problems and to plan or diagram strategies as well as show a confidence in innovation and an emphasis on a high level of creative problem-solving. Project summaries such as business plans, proposals, project briefs or presentations may be included. The portfolio should include a visual component that demonstrates the applicant's understanding of the power of visual representation of a luxury brand and graphics in fashion. Work should be submitted in digital format or research paper/writing format, as applicable.

Motion Media Design
Portfolios should include at least three motion pieces, each 30 seconds to two minutes in length, as well as five to 10 examples of graphic/visual work accompanied by a concept statement. Portfolios should exhibit a strong understanding of visual problem- solving and process, including evidence and understanding of design, typographic motion and animation skills. Portfolios should show strong aesthetic awareness and conceptual thinking. In addition, portfolios should show knowledge and effective use of industry software and tools to support the aesthetic. Applicants should also submit a writing sample that addresses the role of motion media design in popular culture. Work should be submitted in digital and research paper/writing format.

Painting
Portfolios should demonstrate intellectual and artistic maturity, as well as the capacity to develop an idea through a series of works. Applicants should include a related series of their most recent work that indicates their current artistic direction and demonstrates a committed studio practice. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Performing Arts
Applicants should prepare a four-minute performance to present in an audition and interview at SCAD. Audition dates may be found on the SCAD website at scad.edu/audition. Applicants who are unable to attend a SCAD audition may submit a four-minute performance on CD or DVD. All applicants should prepare two contrasting monologues or one monologue and a song or dance. If the applicant plans to sing or dance in the audition, he or she must supply the sheet music for accompaniment in the rehearsed key. Live auditions may include a cold reading. A list of pieces that have been prepared, résumé and headshot must be submitted at the audition. The performance is reviewed on the following qualitative measures: voice production, movement, musicality, physical commitment, energy, relaxation, characterization, memorization and character portrayal.

Photography
Portfolios should exhibit a coherence of vision and excellence in craft. Images should demonstrate aesthetic awareness, significant experience in making photographs, and strong technical skills. A strong portfolio demonstrates the applicant's capacity to develop an in-depth and consistent investigation into a particular subject matter, aesthetic or genre with an outcome that shows artistic maturity as well as visual continuity. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Printmaking
Portfolios should demonstrate a mastery of basic printmaking techniques along with a developed body of work that is both conceptually and technically mature; the portfolio should exemplify thematic development, experimentation and sophistication. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Production Design
Portfolios should exhibit an advanced understanding of visual problem-solving and process, including evidence and understanding of contextual research, perspective and orthographic sketching, manual or CAD proficiency, rendering in different media (including digital), and model-making principles; and may be augmented by additional work that represents interest and ability in visual and creative professions, with an emphasis on visual problem-solving. Portfolios may include no more than three writing samples. Work should be submitted in digital and research paper/writing format.

Sculpture
Portfolios should demonstrate intellectual and artistic maturity, as well as the capacity to develop an idea through a series of works. Applicants are encouraged to include related work that indicates their current artistic direction. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Service Design
Portfolios should demonstrate research, conceptualization, ideation, organization, communication and creative problem-solving skills, as well as experience or interest in cross-disciplinary collaboration and awareness of technology. Skills in 2-D, 3-D, programming, video or photography and design discourse also are desirable. Applicants should submit work in digital format.

Sequential Art
Portfolios should show a concentration in visual narrative through sequential art and should demonstrate exceptional skill in both visual and narrative composition, placement of figures within environments, storytelling and figure drawing. A strong personal direction should be evident in the portfolio and substantiated in the written statement of purpose. While digital or traditional coloring is not essential in every piece, the applicant should submit at least three images that demonstrate an ability to work with color. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Sound Design
Portfolios should demonstrate ability in one or more of the following: sound design for visual media (film, video, computer animation or interactive programs), sound design for theater, original music production, recording and/or mastering, or sound art compositions. If possible, film and game sound designers should include screen shots of their work sessions. Work should be submitted in digital or multimedia format.

Teaching Art or Drama
For M.A.T. art applicants, portfolios should demonstrate an understanding of basic expressive, technical and conceptual insights developed through the study of studio art and design. Portfolios should demonstrate an understanding of traditional processes as well as newer technological developments. Portfolios also should include evidence of a functional knowledge in basic technologies such as printmaking, photography, filmmaking and video. Applicants must also submit a substantial university-level research paper. Work should be submitted in digital or research paper/writing format, as applicable.

M.A.T. drama applicants should prepare a four-minute performance to present in an audition and interview at SCAD. Audition dates may be found here. Applicants who are unable to attend a SCAD audition may submit a four-minute performance on CD or DVD. Applicants should prepare two contrasting monologues or one monologue and a song or dance. If the applicant plans to sing or dance in the audition, he or she must supply the music for accompaniment in the rehearsed key. A list of pieces that have been prepared, résumé and headshot must be submitted at the audition. Performance is reviewed on the following qualitative measures: voice production, movement, musicality, physical commitment, energy, relaxation, characterization, memorization and character portrayal. M.A.T. drama applicants should demonstrate an understanding of theater as a social and aesthetic experience, knowledge of the history of theater, directing (including analyzing scripts), blocking and casting, acting and acting techniques, production design (including creating and using scenery, lights, make-up, sound properties, costume, special effects and multimedia), production evaluation and production promotion. Applicants must also submit a substantial university-level research paper. Work should be submitted in digital or research paper/writing format, as applicable.

Urban Design
Portfolios should include examples of work in urban design, architecture and/or landscape architecture, but may include work samples from any art or design discipline. A strong portfolio includes projects that demonstrate clear design intentions, graphic accomplishment and sophisticated design inquiry. Work should be submitted in digital format.

Visual Effects
Portfolios should include work that demonstrates familiarity with 3-D and 2-D image creation and manipulation techniques, fluency with software and resource collection appropriate to these techniques, as well as technical and artistic skills that correspond to the applicant's academic and professional goals. Each piece submitted should incorporate before-and-after material to indicate the applicant's method of approach and his or her solution to the technical challenges of the work. Work demonstrating programming skills should be accompanied by a written statement documenting the nature and scope of the applicant's contribution. The portfolio may include traditional media-drawing and painting, photography, sculpture and design-to indicate creative direction and aesthetic awareness. Work should be submitted in digital or multimedia format (self-playing DVD preferred).

Writing
Portfolios should include at least six individual pieces from a variety of nonfiction genres, such as personal essay, memoir, literary journalism, promotional writing, writing for the Web, business document, proposal or scholarly essay. Fiction is also accepted. Applicants should submit no more than two pieces from one genre. Work should be submitted in digital format.