Preparing your portfolio
Your portfolio
A portfolio is a selection of your artwork that represents the variety and quality of your capabilities as an artist. It is important to an art college because it exemplifies who you are as an artist. It also gives a sense of your passion and work ethic in relation to your art. Originality and creativity should come through in your work as you show your ability to draw from life rather than printed images. The work should demonstrate knowledge and versatility of media and subject matter, combined with an understanding of color, composition and design.
How many pieces should I include?
The portfolio should include a minimum of 15 to 20 pieces of recent work. You may add more work if desired, including current sketchbooks and journals. Drawings and photographs do not have to be matted or framed. However, a strong visual representation of your abilities is essential to ensure the more accurate assessment and the best results for you. Remember that decisions made in choosing what to include in your portfolio are important ones..
Portfolio review process
The completion of KCAI's portfolio review is an essential part of the admissions process. An applicant's portfolio must be reviewed by one of our counselors and possibly a designated studio faculty member. The portfolio may be submitted for review in a number of ways:
- An applicant may have a portfolio review during a visit to KCAI. In this case, original work is preferred. Rather than bringing in oversized pieces or 3-D work, digital images or color slides showing more than one view and details (if appropriate) are preferred.
- The applicant may have a portfolio review at a National Portfolio Day Association event.
- The applicant may have a portfolio review if a KCAI Admissions counselor visits his/her school.
A portfolio review also can be conducted by mailing or e-mailing your work to the admissions office in the form of CDs, DVDs, slides, Zip disks or VHS Cassettes. Do not send originals.
To be considered for the Freshman Competitive Scholarship and the Transfer Student Competitive Scholarship, it is a requirement to submit digital image files and/or slides.
Shooting quality images
Whether inside or outside, place each piece of artwork against a neutral background. Use a solid color background in white, gray or black. Choose a clean wall and large sheets of drawing paper or cloth. Black cloth reflects less light than black paper. The object of this is to eliminate the surroundings so that attention is directed to your work and not to the distraction of the setting. Move in close enough with your camera to let each piece occupy as much of the vewfinder as possible. When shooting 3-D work consider shooting a detail of the piece as well. The best time to shoot work outdoors is an overcast day or in a consistently shaded area such as the side of a house. This way, the sunlight will be diffused and allow for even lighting without shadows or glare washing out the color.
Digital image files
For digital media, JPEG format is preferred but files in any universal audio, video, graphic or Web format are acceptable. Presentation formats such as PowerPoint or QuickTime Video are not required for digital images. If images are compiled in video, slide show or presentation format individual still JPEG images must also be included. Individual files must not be any larger than 1MB each. Images should not exceed 1100 wide or 800 tall at 72-90 DPI. Files created in a specific application must be submitted in one of the following programs; Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or InDesign, Macromedia's Director (save Director files as Projector files) or SoundEdit 16. Be sure to check that your CD or DVD opens properly before sending.
Slides
Start by using a single lens reflex cameras (35mm), a tripod to insure a steady camera and a cable release. Even if you do not own a camera and tripod, you will be well advised to rent equipment or arrange with a professional photographer take them for you.
Can you give me some tips on taking good slides myself?
We recommend using Ektachrome (ASA 160) or Fujichrome E-6 slide film. When shooting with natural light, choose daylight film. If shooting inside with daylight film, make sure all other light sources are turned off. If you want to shoot with an artificial light source, choose Tungsten film and light your work with two 250-watt Tungsten 3200k photoflood bulbs.
A light meter helps give you a reading on the appropriate camera setting. If you are in doubt about the meter reading, take three slide shots - one on each side of what you believe to be the correct meter reading. This is called "bracketing" the exposures. With the use of Ektachrome type B film 3200K tungsten lights is recommended.
If you decide to use Tungsten film to shoot your work, place the two light stands on either side of the piece at an angle of 45 degrees. Keep the stands at equal distances from the work, approximately twice the distance as the camera is placed form the piece. Start with your largest piece first, fill the frame in the viewfinder and continue down to the smallest to insure correct light exposure.
Final words
Remember, your digital images or slides will be a substitute for your originals. You cannot be expected to be an expert photographer the first time you pick up a camera. A little practice along with some helpful advice from a camera shop owner or a knowledgeable, competent photographer, computer person or art teacher may be all you need to produce excellent results. When you consider your image taking as an exercise and training that will serve you well for your college admission and for future submissions in applying for an art-related position, it's worth the extra time and attention.
Choosing and labeling images
When you have selected the images you believe are the best, number them and put your name on each slide. Place a dot in the upper left hand corner of each slide to determine top and direction. Put your name on CDs, DVDs, Zip files or VHS cassettes.
On a separate piece of paper, write a description of the size of the piece, media used in the work, and any concepts, problems, or projects which were involved. Number the descriptions to correspond to the correct images/slides. Put your name and address on the description sheet. Enclose slides in a clear plastic slide file page or digital media in proper case. Make sure your name is clearly visible.
Have several duplicate copies of your best images (CDs or slides) made. There is always the possibility of loss or damage, and this will insure that you always have replacements available. Also, the same selection of slides may be sent to more than one college for application and scholarship entry. Since colleges often retain these images, you should allow for a complete set for each purpose. Always reserve a master copy for yourself.
Packaging your portfolio
Submission of your portfolio for admission to the Kansas City Art Institute represents valuable time and effort. Protect its value with secure packaging and careful delivery. Send it either first-class mail or use parcel service so that it arrives in good condition and in a timely manner. It is preferable that the completed application form and other required components be submitted at the same time. Be sure to include the description sheet mentioned above with your portfolio.
All CDs, DVDs, slides, VHS cassettes, and Zip disks will become the property of the Kansas City Art Institute. Please send a duplicate set of your work and retain the originals.
Mail application materials to:
Kansas City Art Institute
Office of Admissions
4415 Warwick Bldv.
Kansas City, MO 64111
E-mail your digital portfolio to: portfolios@kcai.edu
If you have any questions about your application or portfolio, please call the admissions office at 800-522-5224 / 816-474-5224 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central Time, Monday-Friday, or e-mail us at: admiss@kcai.edu. A member of the KCAI admissions staff will be glad to help you.
Priority deadlines
January 15 - Freshman Competitive Scholarship application postmark deadline.
January 15 - Freshman Merit Award application postmark deadline. Participants who are not selcted to receive a Competitive Scholarship will be immediately evaluated for Merit Award consideration.
February 15 - Transfer Student Competitive Scholarship application postmark deadline.
February 15 - Second application postmark deadline for Freshman Merit Award consideration.
March 15 - Third application postmark deadline for Freshman Merit Award consideration.