Portfolio Process
Click here to view our Portfolio Preparation Brochure!
The portfolio is one of the most important aspects of a student’s application toward acceptance for the New Hampshire Institute of Art’s BFA program. The review of a portfolio provides insight into the applicant’s creative process and methods and is an indication of an artist’s creative capacities and strengths. Portfolio reviews are required from all applicants and provide applicants with an opportunity to express their intent on pursuing their education in the visual arts. Here you will find some very useful information on putting together your portfolio, preparing yourself for the portfolio interview, and planning for your college application experience.
The New Hampshire Institute of Art prefers that portfolio reviews be conducted in person with the actual artwork. However, we accept portfolios in other formats from applicants who have circumstances that prevent scheduling a personal interview. Portfolio reviews can be conducted at the Institute through an appointment with the Admissions Office, National Portfolio Days that are attended by a New Hampshire Institute of Art representative, Institute Open Houses, or high school visits.
To schedule a portfolio review at the Institute or your high school, contact the Admissions Office at Admissions@nhia.edu or call 1-866-241-4918 (toll free). To see upcoming National Portfolio Days we are attending, as well as upcoming Open Houses, click here to view the Admissions Calendar or visit the National Portfolio Day Association Homepage.
Portfolio Requirements
Your portfolio should consist of 15 to 20 pieces of original works of art that reflect your artistic strengths and interests. Typical portfolios should include several direct observational drawings, which are not copied from photographs or published works. Other portfolio artwork may include a variety of 2D and 3D works, such as photography, painting, illustration, ceramics, sculpture, digital imaging, printmaking, metalsmithing, or other media. Sketchbooks can also be an important part of your portfolio review and should be included whenever possible. Artwork needs to be organized and neatly presented in a portfolio; however, it does not need to be matted, shrink-wrapped, or framed. Please do not mail original artwork to the college. If you would like to mail a portfolio to the college, please mail digital images on CD in a paper CD envelope. Make sure that all your images are properly labeled with your name, medium,
dimensions, date, and, if desired, a title.
General Visual Arts Portfolio:
The General Visual Arts Portfolio includes a variety of direct observational drawings and other formal works of art. Direct observational drawings should be the focus of this type of portfolio. The drawings can be completed in any medium but should not be copied from a photograph or other reference material. Formal works of art can be two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) exercises that deal with line quality, value, pattern, color theory, volume, space, mass, and concepts. These can be done in any medium, including ceramics, photography, digital imaging, illustration, printmaking, sculpture, metals, etc. sketchbooks can also be included.
Concentration Portfolio:
This type of portfolio reflects your specific area of interest. All or most of your portfolio pieces should represent a medium, style, or concept that relates to your current artwork or what you would like to study in college. At the Institute, Concentration Portfolios can be accepted in the following categories: ceramics, illustration, painting, and photography. Observational drawings and sketchbooks can also be included.
Visual Arts Portfolio with Concentration:
This portfolio contains artwork that reflects your personal interests and strengths as well as examples from the General Visual Arts Portfolio (see above). Half of the artwork included should reflect your interests, while the other half should include a variety of examples from the general visual arts category. Direct observational drawings are an important part of this type of portfolio. Sketchbooks can also be included.
APPLYING TO THE NEW HAMPSHIRE INSTITUTE OF ART
You may apply in person, at Institute Open Houses, Portfolio Days, or during high school visits. Click here to submit an online application today! All supporting application materials should be mailed directly to the Admissions Office.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a portfolio interview, please contact us at Admissions@nhia.edu or 866-241-4918 x589.
Admissions Office, New Hampshire Institute of Art, 148 Concord Street, Manchester, NH 03104
