Art major advice???

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
1

Hello,

So I recently transferred within my university to its art school and realized the major I was hoping for was not within their program (I was considering either graphic design or animation). Because of that I am now trying to consider actual art schools like SVA, RISD and Pratt and etc in hopes of finding better programs than the one I am in now. But since I have to create another new portfolio to submit for my future transfer, I’ve realized by looking at other submitted and successful portfolios from others that I’m wondering if my own art is up to par with current students attending those art schools. Most of the time I use a lot of reference pictures when I draw and do not have a lot of experience with other mediums like painting. Is it okay that I’ve been using references such as online pictures and other art pieces, or would that not be considered for me to become a proper art major?
Thanks.

2

Are you at Rutgers? (saw your other post)
They list graphic design within their art department.

If you apply to dedicated art schools you will need to draw from life not reference pictures. Figure drawing is important. On the internet you can find examples of students portfolios as comparisons to your own work.

3

Thank you for the reply!
And yes, I’m at Rutgers Mason Gross.
Thank you for the suggestions

4

Go to each schools’ website and look at the admission/application requirements. Most will list what they want from your portfolio. Each school will ask to see different art media. One graphic design program my son applied to only wanted examples of his graphic design work. Other schools asked for sketches or drawings, short video clips, and/or photography.