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Illustration

Portfolio Requirements

Print these requirements by clicking here for a .pdf version. 

The Illustration portfolio evaluation includes a thorough review of your original artwork and written essays. We want to understand your creative process in both written and visual components and ask that you put extra thought and effort into your work to produce and submit impressive art that reflects your special talents and personal means of self-expression. Because this is a test, we are unable to provide you with any additional information beyond what you receive here. Carefully follow instructions for each project. We want to see who you are and where you are as a unique and inspired visual artist.

PART ONE: Illustration Test 

CATEGORY ONE:  ORIGINAL DRAWINGS AND PAINTINGS CREATED FROM DIRECT OBSERVATION

Please submit 7-10 paintings and drawings produced directly from life. You should submit a competitive selection of original work that may include the following subject areas: 

  • Portraits/Model Drawings 
  • Situations (e.g. people sleeping, eating, watching TV) 
  • Environments (e.g. landscapes, a kitchen with untidy stacks of dishes, a bedroom with unmade bed) 
  • Conceptual (e.g. self-portrait as an animal) 
  • Still Lifes

CATEGORY TWO:  ORIGINAL WORK CREATED FROM OTHER SOURCES

Please submit 7-10 drawings, paintings, and digital imagery that are produced from photo reference and/or the artist’s imagination, as well as additional artwork derived from direct observation from life.

CATEGORY THREE:  ILLUSTRATION DRAWING OF EXTERIOR SCENE

For this test you will create one black and white drawing using conte, charcoal, or graphite (lead).  Draw a country or city scene:  Observe and depict an exterior scene, which might include a busy city street, your neighborhood, the local grocery store, the parking lot of a mall, your school, or even the exterior of the home you live in. Include figures, vehicles, and other elements to bring interest to your rendering. Use perspective, composition, lighting, and mood to capture a sense of time and place.

PART TWO: Written Essays

Please provide short essays (250 words or less) to answer the following questions:

  1. What is your greatest strength and skill as an artist?
  2. What art mediums do you most enjoy working in?
  3. What kind of work do you envision yourself doing after graduating college?

Please provide an essay of 500 words or less to answer the following:

  1. How have you have evolved as an artist over the years? What people, places, and things inspire you to be an artist? Explain how and why you think the FIT Illustration program can assist you with the achievement of your goals. 

Please also refer to the General Portfolio Guidelines.

Apply now.