Moore College of Art and Design

Show your art. Share your ideas.

First Year Portfolio Requirements

You should submit a portfolio of 12-20 pieces of artwork in any media or style demonstrating a consistent or developing body of work completed within the past 1-2 years. You may include examples of artwork in any media that emphasizes your artistic strengths. Your ideas, concepts and technical ability should be clearly represented in your portfolio.

It is suggested that all applicants submit some examples of direct observational drawings, and highly recommend if you are anticipating majoring in Art Education, Fine Arts (2D or 3D Emphasis), Textile Design, Fashion Design or Illustration.

“Drawing from direct observation” specifically means drawing from what you see in real life, including people, objects and or spaces directly around you. Drawings that are copied from photographs, posters, or another person’s artwork are not considered to be observational drawings.

Your portfolio is a critical portion of your application to Moore College of Art & Design. You are highly encouraged to present your portfolio in person during your campus visit and meeting with your admissions counselor, so that you may have an opportunity to discuss your ideas and artistic motivation. If you live over 100 miles from Philadelphia, digital images may be submitted with a brief statement identifying each piece. You may also have your portfolio reviewed by an admissions counselor or faculty member during a National Portfolio Day event near you. However, a campus visit is strongly recommended for all applicants.

Portfolio Option II
If you are a First Year applicant and plan to enter Moore directly from high school and have already submitted an application, acceptable transcripts and SAT scores, you may choose the Portfolio Option II. Upon approval, if you choose Option II, you will be accepted into the BFA program, provided you successfully complete the Summer Art & Design Institute (SADI) program.

SADI is a four-week intensive summer program with coursework in Portfolio Development, Life Drawing and Basic Design, as well as a Fine Art, Animation or Fashion Design studio concentration. Upon successful completion of the program, you will enter the BFA program and earn three college-level studio elective credits. A prospective student may complete the SADI program in the summer after their junior or senior year of high school.

If you wish to be considered for Portfolio Option II, you are required to submit samples of artwork, and a written request to the Director of Admissions.

Transfer Portfolio Requirements
You should submit a portfolio of 12-20 pieces of artwork in any media or style demonstrating a consistent or developing body of work completed within the past 1-2 years. You may include examples of artwork in any media that emphasizes your artistic strengths. Your ideas, concepts, and technical ability should be clearly represented in your portfolio.

It is suggested that all applicants submit some examples of direct observational drawings, and highly recommend if you are anticipating majoring in Art Education, Fine Arts (2D or 3D Emphasis), Textile Design, Fashion Design or Illustration.

If you are a Transfer applicant seeking advanced standing, please be sure to include examples of work completed in the college-level studio courses that you wish to be considered for credit transfer.

• Learn more about National Portfolio Days.