Admission Requirements for Design

Portfolio

A maximum of 15 pieces of work from the following three categories:

1. Multimedia

1. Digital or interactive media: 2D image modeling, 3D modeling and animation, interactive work such as Flash, Processing, Max, sound or original music, games
2. Digital or interactive media that highlights programming or scripting, hardware/electronics, software/technical skill

2. Two-Dimensional

1. Still Images: graphic design, painting, drawing, photography, typography, print media/printmaking, posters, technical and/or expressive drawing, visual poetry and/or creative writing
2. Moving Images: including film, video, animation

3. Three-Dimensional

• 3D object: sculpture, furniture, mixed media objects, clothing, fibres design, body wearables, models and maquettes, ceramics, moldmaking

Applicants to Design are expected to submit a range of work. An ideal portfolio would include work from each of the categories. Applicants who cannot submit a range of work should address this in their letter of intent.

The letter of intent should:

• address the applicant’s reasons for applying to the program and summarize the applicant’s studio/academic/work experience, goals;
• summarize the applicant’s level of digital software skills, image- and object-making education/experience;
• summarize the applicant’s understanding of the nature and goals of the program (Design and/or Computation Arts) to which they are applying;
• be no longer than one page, written in English or French with attention to grammar, punctuation and quality of writing.

Academic Records

• These should include, where applicable, high school, community college, Cegep and university transcripts. This is a student copy of the transcript(s), not the official copy sent to the Application Centre.

Letter of Reference (optional)

• Applicants may include letters of reference from teachers and/or employers. Students who have taken courses within the Department of Design and Computation Arts prior to this application should request letters of reference from their instructor(s).

Resumé/Curriculum Vitae (optional)

Applicants may include a resumé/curriculum vitae.

General Guidelines

• Acceptable portfolio size is 18" x 24" or smaller.
• Works larger than 20" x 24" must be presented as slides, photographs or on CD-ROM.
• DVDs and USB keys are accepted. The USB key should clearly indicate the applicants’ name and be secured in an envelope.
• Websites or HTML-based work must be burned to CD-ROM to avoid connection or server faults and long download times.
• CD-ROMs must clearly indicate which operating system (Mac or PC only) they require.
• Do not put paper labels on CDs or DVDs. Use a permanent marker to label your disks.
• Work submitted on CD or DVD must be accessible via an index HTML page or otherwise organized for easy, fast viewing.
• Websites or HTML-based portfolios must include a clearly visible HTML index page.
• Each work must be clearly numbered and labelled with the applicant’s name, the title of the work, the date of completion, the size of work, and the medium(s) used.
• In the case of collective or collaborative projects, applicants must clearly define their contribution to the project.
• An index must be included of all material submitted for review.
• Applicants may construct their own innovative portfolio packaging/container, but all works must be secured within the container and consideration should be given to easy access, review and storage.
• Mailed portfolios may be condensed in format, weight and size, and packaged for easy shipment.

The Department reserves the right to refuse any portfolios that do not conform to the guidelines.

Portfolio Retrieval

Applicants who wish to have their portfolios returned may

• arrange for the return of their portfolio by including a self-addressed stamped envelope or a prepaid courier invoice which fully covers the cost for return
  or
• pick up their portfolios in person from the Department between April 15 and October 31 of the application year.

The Department will discard any unclaimed portfolios.