Art Portfolio Requirements
Art Portfolio Requirements
Applications & Portfolio Guidelines for Department of Art, Rowan University
Your application is a combination of an essay and a visual portfolio which together reveal how you think and create.
Note: In order to be admitted as an Rowan Department of Art major, you must also complete the Rowan University General Application. Please complete the University application first, before submitting your essay and visual portfolio through Slideroom rowan.slideroom.com (see below) – account creation required
Visual Art Application Requirements
Art Application Submission
After submitting your Rowan University General Application. Please submit your Art application online through Slideroom:
- rowan.slideroom.com – account creation required
Essay Requirement
In this essay, applicants must address the following:
- Explains why you create
- Reflects on your process, influences, career and degree goals
- Shows growth, curiosity, and awareness of your artistic direction
- Requirement: 300-500 words
Visual Portfolio Requirement
- Shows us how you create
- Demonstrates a range of skills, materials, and ideas
- Requirements: 12-25 pieces
- At least 6 direct observational works (At least half of your portfolio should be drawn or created from direct observation, not from photographs or imagination alone. The medium and subject are up to you.
Examples: still life, figure studies, landscapes, interiors.) - At least 6 original or creative works (done in class, community projects, or independently)
- Choose works that best express your personal voice, technical skills, and conceptual curiosity.
- Choose/Curate thoughtfully; quality matters more than quantity.
- Let the work speak about how you think, not only how well you handle a particular medium..
- Focus on work that represents the area of study you are interested in (painting, graphic design, illustration, animation, printmaking, sculpture, printmaking, etc.)
- Recommended: scanned sketchbook pages (in addition to 12 required pieces)
- Note: Multiple views/details of two- or three-dimensional work are counted as one work.
- At least 6 direct observational works (At least half of your portfolio should be drawn or created from direct observation, not from photographs or imagination alone. The medium and subject are up to you.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Tools
All work submitted as part of your application must be entirely original. Submissions may not be generated, assisted, or modified using artificial intelligence tools, including AI image generators or AI writing tools, nor may they incorporate or replicate the work of other creatives. While we respect and value new opportunities AI provides, reviewers want to see your authentic and personal skill levels as a baseline from which we can all move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “direct observational works” mean?
These are works that are drawn or created from direct observation, not from photographs or imagination alone. They show your ability to realistically translate the real world and actual objects around you to a 2D surface. Any drawing medium is okay. We will be looking for your understanding of tonal values, perspective, proportion, and compositional relationships.
Examples: still life, figure studies, landscapes, interiors.
What does “original or creative works” mean?
These are works that can come from imagination and show your personal interests, your questions, and your ideas. Reviewers want to see risk-taking, curiosity, and evidence of original thought. Let the work speak about how you think, not only how well you handle a particular medium.
Do not include copied photographs, ads, comics, or other artworks from magazines, books, etc., since these are based on other artists’ works. We are interested in seeing your original ideas.
Can I include images from my sketchbook?
Yes. We encourage it. Sketchbooks reveal your process, thinking, and curiosity. Include a few scanned or photographed pages that show how you explore ideas, experiment, or prepare for finished works.
Do I have to show drawings if that isn't the area of art that interests me?
Yes. Drawing is a fundamental skill that is important in all areas of 2D, 3D and digital art and design. Drawing is usually part of a student's high school or transfer preparation. Our faculty value broad understanding and competence in art as well as a curiosity and deep investigation into your chosen program of study.
Does it matter where I made my work?
No. The artworks may be created in class, created independently, created for/within a community, or anywhere else– as long as it is your work.
How should I choose my works? What kinds of art/design work should I include?
You can ask your art teacher to help you select works that best demonstrate your skills and concepts.
If you have a specific area of interest, it can be helpful to show works in that area as well as your drawings, but by no means is this required. We welcome a variety of pieces.
Do my examples have to be formally mounted, finished works?
No. You can show sketches, studies, and works that have been part of your learning process. Not everything has to be a 'final' piece, and they do not need to be mounted or framed.
How should I document my work?
- Photograph in bright, even light with minimal shadows or glare.
- Adjust images only to ensure accurate color and contrast.
- For 2D works, crop to the edges of the piece.
- For 3D works, show multiple views or angles.
- Document sketchbook pages as carefully as finished pieces.
Why do I have to write an essay?
Your essay helps us understand the thinking and attitudes shaping your career plans. The ability to critique, analyze, and explain your work and ideas through effective communications is important as a future professional.