What is a portfolio?

A portfolio is a collection of images that represent an artist or designer. In the professional world, artists and designers present their portfolios to prospective galleries
or clients. At PNCA, your admissions portfolio helps us understand what it is that you
create, how you work as an artist or designer, and if PNCA is the right fit for you.

What kind of work should I include?

The portfolio will be evaluated on artistic and conceptual content, design, composition, technical skill and creative potential. Applicants must submit twelve to
twenty pieces. The only required piece is a self-portrait that you may interpret in any
way, using any medium.
For prospective Painting, Illustration or Printmaking majors, we strongly recommend
including drawings done from direct observation. That is, drawings done by looking at
three-dimensional objects or space and not copies of photographs or other artists'
works. For example, you may draw landscapes, the human figure, portraits, your room,
or pets.
The remaining pieces may be of any subject matter in the medium of your choice.
You may include paintings, sculpture, sketchbook pages, photography, graphic
design and digital imagery. Personal work, in addition to classroom or studio assignments, is always welcomed.

How can I strengthen my portfolio?

How do I submit my portfolio?

Your portfolio may be submitted in a number of ways. You may bring your portfolio in
for a personal review during a campus visit, present it at a National Portfolio Day in
Portland, or bring it to one of the National Portfolio Days PNCA attends in other parts
of the country.
If you are unable to submit your portfolio in person, you may send 35mm slides or
digital images. Please include an image index that details the number, title, medium,
date, dimensions and description of assignment (if applicable).
Submit slides in a plastic slide sheet (not in boxes). Label each slide with your name
and the corresponding number from the index. E-mail digital files to
admissions@pnca.edu, or submit .jpg files on a PC-formatted CD. Moving images
should be submitted on VHS or DVD. Slides and CDs will be returned to you as soon
as possible if you have provided a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Slides and
CDs without return postage will be held for six months after receipt for you to pick
up. After that time, they become the property of PNCA.
While every effort is made to protect portfolios, PNCA is not responsible for loss or
damage due to shipping. PLEASE DO NOT MAIL ACTUAL, ORIGINAL WORK TO THE
ADMISSIONS OFFICE.

Tips on documenting your artwork

35mm camera: Be sure that you are using the correct film for the lighting you
choose. When using slide film, take several shots of the same piece. Original slides
cost less than reproductions.

Start a daily sketchbook. The sketchbook is an informal way to develop your ideas
and build your drawing skills.

Digital camera or scanner: Use the following specifications for your digital files:
72 dpi, 640x480 pixel dimension and JPEG format at medium/5 setting.

Draw from direct observation as opposed to photographs or copying other artists

work.

Lighting: If using daylight, take your photographs on a bright overcast day and use a
specified daylight film. If using artificial lights, purchase or borrow two inexpensive
clip-on light reflectors and use tungsten bulbs. A recommended indoor combination
is tungsten film and 3200 K (Kelvin) Photoflood lights. For best results, position lights
on each side of the artwork at a 45 degree angle to the wall. Do not use your
cameras flash or fluorescent lights as your primary light source.

Visit museums and galleries. See what other artists and designers are doing.
Take an art class. Check with your local universities, colleges, community colleges
and arts organizations for offerings. If you are still in high school, enroll in your
schools art classes. Join the art club.
Carefully edit the work you submit. Ask your teacher for advice on what you should
include and what you should omit.

Center your artwork and make sure that it is parallel to the camera lens to avoid
distortion. Use a tripod! This is the most foolproof way to avoid blurring and achieve a
sharp image. Always use a solid neutral (black or grey) background for your artwork.
Busy backgrounds with patterns and bright colors distract from the artwork.