PREPARING A PORTFOLIO
A primary criterion for admission to OCAD is the assessment of the portfolio. This section outlines the portfolio requirements and review process, as well as resources available at OCAD to help improve your portfolio.
Portfolio reviews are held during OCAD's study week in February. Applicants will be notified by email of the exact date, time and location of their review.
The 2010 Portfolio Assessments will take place the week of February 22 to 26, 2010.
NOTE: A $30.00 fee, payable in advance to OCAD, is required to cover the cost involved with the portfolio assessments.
First Year Portfolio Requirements
First Year Portfolio Presentation Guidelines
Advanced Standing Portfolio Guidelines
First Year Portfolio Requirements
Your portfolio is an important part of your admission application. It needs to demonstrate that your skill and talent equip you to succeed in your first year of study. Keep in mind that when it comes to your portfolio, the most important feature OCAD looks for is your ability to think creatively in a diverse range of media.
Some tips on portfolio preparation:
Select approximately 15 pieces of your original work in art or design. Include a sketchbook to demonstrate your creative process and work.
- Demonstrate your ability to work with a wide range of techniques, materials and subject matter.
- Drawings may be from direct observation, such as figure drawing, still life, interiors and landscapes.
- Work using coloured pencils, pastels, watercolours, oil, acrylics, marker pens or collage is acceptable.
- Oversized or three-dimensional work can be represented by photographs or slides.
- Include three-dimensional work, such as models, sculpture or jewellery, if you plan to apply to a three-dimensional design program.
- Present work flat rather than rolled, mounted or framed.
- Originals are preferred, but if work is too large to transport, or is very fragile, you may present it via slide or photo.
- A limited number of laptops and DVD players will be available during the interview process to screen new media and time-based work. Whenever possible, applicants are encouraged to provide their own laptop for the portfolio review to ensure their work can be evaluated at its best.
- TVs and VCRs are readily available to all candidates.
First Year Portfolio Presentation Guidelines
You’ll be invited to attend a review, of approximately 15 to 20 minutes, where you'll present your original work to reviewers from your chosen faculty. Applicants unable to attend the scheduled review must ensure that the portfolio arrives at least one week in advance, and are encouraged to include additional written materials in support of the work. Return postage must be included with the portfolio if you would like it returned. Please be advised that if you choose not to have your portfolio returned to you it may be used for demonstration purposes by the Admissions & Recruitment department.
Tips for your presentation:
- Generate interest and excitement for your work with the first piece.
- Order your work in the portfolio to show your development.
- 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 ahead of time to show your level of interest and commitment to studying here.
Advanced Standing Portfolio Reviews and Guidelines
Advanced standing acceptance and year level placement is based on the strength of an applicant's portfolio and academic standing. Applicants will be notified of the time and date of their review through email once they apply. The majority of the portfolio reviews will be held during OCAD's study week. Applicants unable to attend the scheduled review must ensure that their portfolio arrives at least one week in advance. Return postage must be included with the portfolio if you would like it returned. Please be advised that if you choose not to have your portfolio returned to you it may be used for demonstration purposes by the Admissions & Recruitment department.
Advanced Standing Faculty of Art Portfolio Requirements (PDF)
Advanced Standing Faculty of Design Portfolio Requirements (PDF)
Last Modified:15/01/2010 3:42:02 PM
