<p>Preferably UCLA, UCSD, and/or USC students, but other art schools are okay too as long as it's around the multimedia/digital media art major. Anyways if you guys don't mind, could you post up your portfolios that you submitted to the school? I'm trying to get a gist of what admission panels look for and I can't really get much information or examples through school's websites since they don't really provide them :/ This would really help me, thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Son applied to and was admitted to UC San Diego’s Visual Arts major; they required no portfolio. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thanks! Anyone else?</p>
<p>I was accepted to USC for animation and some art schools, and I would say that schools usually want to see a strong personal voice with some work showcasing your skills. Sketchbook pages with that show a lot of thought and preparation are golden (especially having words explaining your process ie what to do better and such) and are usually good to have. You can never go wrong with some still lifes, or figure drawings, as they can show draftsmanship skills and dedication. And of course have your own personal work. Whether you are more on the graphic design side or you enjoy making concept art, show them what you love. And lastly, show development of ideas or in other words have a series of work that explores a specific subject matter or style. </p>
<p>I can say that most schools don’t expect you to be the most perfect artist, but they do expect you to have potential and drive. I can say I haven’t animated a thing in my entire life but I have been accepted to some animation programs. My host at Explorer USC hadn’t animated a thing either. Therefore if you put a lot of time and effort into your statement (be true, be honest, and speak to your aspirations after college), keep your grades up, and work hard on your artwork you’ll be fine. A large part of getting into the schools you mentioned is having good grades.</p>
<p>I could send you my portfolio but I don’t think that stuff will help much. You can’t go wrong with the portfolio style I mentioned and it will allow you to apply to a good deal of schools without changing much. I’ve talked to a bunch of art professors and a few school reps over the years, and it is usually the best formula. Check with your schools though and they will give you a better picture of what they want. When I applied to Ringling they wanted more observational while SAIC likes less observational and more unconventional work showcasing a strong personal voice. If you email or call up admissions they could possibly give you a review over email. And if you want me to give you some crit I’d be more than happy to help too, but admissions is your best bet.</p>
<p>Are you looking to apply next fall? If so, you might check out portfolio development workshops offered by art schools. Son did an 8 week course at Laguna College of Art & Design; it helped balance out his portfolios for USC, LMU, etc. Son had several years of animation experience under his belt already and included three hand-drawn animations in his portfolio. But he had relatively weak fine art/observational life drawing background, so the LCAD course was helpful. It was from 9-12 on Saturdays, very affordable ($275 for the whole shebang) and is specifically designed to help students strengthen/hone portfolios for college apps.
Not sure where you are, sunfulgirl, but there may be something like this in your area. Of course if you come from a fine art background already, you likely wouldn’t need it.</p>
<p>Wow thanks for the replies 
I’m a freshman in a community college right now and looking to transfer out for my third year. I actually found interest in arts a bit late so I didn’t really have a strong art background or have any pieces for my portfolio. But anyways thanks for all your detailed answers!</p>