Your artwork reflects your visual sensitivity, your intellectual curiosity and creativity, your motivation and self-discipline, and your previous experience in the visual arts.
Your artwork reflects your visual sensitivity, your intellectual curiosity and creativity, your motivation and your self-discipline. The Admission Committee assesses the way you express your ideas and concepts visually. Your previous training in the visual arts and your technical skills and ability are also evaluated. A well curated portfolio can increase both your chances of admission to MICA and your merit scholarships.
If possible, you should start thinking about your portfolio before your senior year of high school. The more time you have to prepare your work, the more confident you’ll be when it’s time to hit the submit button! Below are some ways you can set yourself up for success:
Schedule an in-person or virtual portfolio review with us! Our Admission Counselors are here to help you as you build your portfolio. They can provide feedback on your in-progress work and help you curate your portfolio before you apply. It’s never too early to set up a meeting, and we’re happy to meet with you as much as needed as you work your way through the application process. Find your personal Admission Counselor here and set up a portfolio review today!
When applying to MICA, you’ll need to submit 10-15 pieces of artwork for your portfolio segment. There are no prompts and no home exam is required. Curating your portfolio might seem overwhelming, but it’s really just organizing the pieces you’re most proud of that visually and thematically go together. When assembling your portfolio, look at all of your work together and identify your strongest and most interesting pieces. You should remove work that’s older or unfinished.
And remember, your portfolio is about you. Show us what you’re good at, who you are, and what you like. Remember to have fun, take risks, and be unapologetically you!
It’s important to document your work carefully. For 2D and 3D work, make sure that your images are clear and well lit, and are against a neutral background that doesn’t distract from the work. If your work is installation, performance, or time-based, document your work in the context it was meant to be seen in. You’ll be able to upload a wide range of image files, as well as sound and video files. There’s also no need to include any text in your images such as the title or description of your piece. You’ll be able to add additional information about each piece when you upload your portfolio in your Applicant Portal.
Schedule a virtual portfolio with one of our Admission Counselors today!
Transfer applicants should have had formal art instruction prior to applying to MICA. If you need additional experience in art making before you apply, consider enrolling in a two-year community college art/design program. You’ll be able to take classes for additional transfer credit, while also improving your skills and making work for your portfolio.
Schedule an in-person or virtual portfolio review with us! Our Admission Counselors are here to help you as you build your portfolio. They can provide feedback on your in-progress work and help you curate your portfolio before you apply. It’s never too early to set up a meeting, and we’re happy to meet with you as much as needed as you work your way through the application process. Find your personal Admission Counselor here and set up a portfolio review today!
When applying to MICA, you’ll need to submit 10-15 pieces of artwork for your portfolio segment. There are no prompts and no home exam is required. Your portfolio can include classwork and homework assignments, as well as work completed independently. Select finished pieces (not sketches or studies) created within the last two years that best represent the level of work you have accomplished in college. Your portfolio can also be used to evaluate course equivalency, the mastery of skills and technique, and the transfer of credit for upper level studio courses.
And remember, your portfolio is about you. Show us what you’re good at, who you are, and what you like. Remember to have fun, take risks, and be unapologetically you!
It’s important to document your work carefully. For 2D and 3D work, make sure that your images are clear and well lit, and are against a neutral background that doesn’t distract from the work. If your work is installation, performance, or time-based, document your work in the context it was meant to be seen in. You’ll be able to upload a wide range of image files, as well as sound and video files. There’s also no need to include any text in your images such as the title or description of your piece. You’ll be able to add additional information about each piece when you upload your portfolio in your Applicant Portal.
Let's Meet Up!
Come see us at a National Portfolio Day! National Portfolio Days bring students together with experienced college representatives who review artwork, offer critique, discuss college plans, and share information about their programs.
Thank you for your interest in Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). If you would like to receive information about MICA, please click on the link below to fill out a form. We look forward to responding to your inquiry.
