While the work you choose to include in your portfolio is important, how you present yourself and your attention to detail make an impression too. Please follow the directions carefully.
Online portfolio submission
As long as you have already applied for admission to the program, you may submit your portfolio online anytime after the online submission system opens for the year.
1. Apply to Fine Art
Applications are submitted through ApplyAlberta. Check MacEwan's How to Apply page for the steps in the application process.
2. Create your portfolio and statement of intent
Review the assessment criteria
Your portfolio and statement of intent are your opportunity to present your skills, experience, goals, and why you wish to study with us. Admission to the program is competitive. Your portfolio will be evaluated by the program application assessment committee, which is responsible for determining your readiness for the Fine Art program. The committee looks for:
A basic understanding of composition, colour, tone and perspective
A variety of mediums and subjects
Attention to presentation and organization
Choose your portfolio pieces
Your portfolio is a collection of original work that gives you the opportunity to show off your creativity. Submitted works can be created in a variety of approaches and subject matter, including but not limited to: realism (e.g., figurative or portrait work, still life, landscape), abstraction, imaginative or conceptual works. Be sure to include works that demonstrate an understanding of representational drawing. Choose from work you have already completed or create something new. Include anywhere from 12 to 20 photos of original pieces.
You might want to consider including the following in your portfolio. These are suggestions only, not requirements. You may choose to include work from one or several of these categories:
Drawings in any media such as charcoal, ink, pencil, pastel or any combination of media. We recommend observed drawing (drawing from real life as opposed to copied work).
Paintings in any medium, such as acrylic, oil, encaustic, water colour or gouache. Paintings can be on paper or canvas.
Photographs, black and white or colour.
Digital artwork.
Sculpture in any media such as clay, wood, plaster or steel.
Mixed media works such as collage or assemblage.
Screen prints, etchings, lithographs, woodcuts or digital prints.
Do not submit cartoon or comic book imagery (e.g., anime).
Prepare your statement of intent
In the statement of intent, we want to learn about your ideas and inspirations, your influences and your goals. This is your chance to tell us what you think about art and your place in the world as an artist.
Your statement of intent will be reviewed by the program application assessment committee, which is responsible for determining your readiness for the Fine Art program. The committee looks for:
Your ability to express ideas in writing
The ways the Fine Art program aligns with your personal and professional interests and goals
Your interest in the theories and practice of historical and contemporary art
3. Submit your portfolio and statement of intent
Photograph your portfolio
Take some extra time when photographing your work and submit photographs that best represent your original artwork. Here are some tips for photographing your artwork.
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Use a tripod to avoid motion blur.
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Make sure the lighting is adequate. Avoid using a flash – natural lighting is preferable. Photograph in a bright room instead. Avoid bright spots of glare.
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Set up your artwork with a neutral background like a plain wall or simple backdrop. Avoid clutter or busy backgrounds.
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Photograph each piece individually. Try to fill the camera frame with your work.
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When shooting three-dimensional work, take a few photos of your piece and then determine which shot best captures your work. Take a photograph from the front, above and side angles.
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We recommend that you do not use your cell phone to photograph your work.
Online tutorials
There are many good tutorials on youTube about how to photograph your work.
Point and shoot camera tutorial
Online articles about photo resolution
Submit your portfolio
Submit your portfolio
Submit your portfolio after you have applied to the program and after the online submission system opens for the year. Portfolios will not be assessed unless you have officially applied through ApplyAlberta and paid the application for admission fee.
Using SlideRoom
The portfolio and statement of intent are submitted through an online application called SlideRoom. When you access SlideRoom, you will need to create a login ID, password and profile. Once you've done that, you can start uploading images. You can upload and save your images as many times as you need to before submitting your portfolio, and your portfolio progress will be saved online until you are ready to submit it.
Note: once you have submitted your portfolio, you will no longer be able to make changes to it.
access SlideRoom: online portfolio submission site
For technical assistance with SlideRoom, email support@slideroom.com
Next steps
After discussing and assessing your portfolio and statement of intent, the program application assessment committee will make a recommendation. You will receive an admission decision from the Office of the University Registrar and a copy of the decision will be added to your portfolio case.
