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Portfolio Requirements

In addition to your application to Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ, you may be required to submit a portfolio for acceptance into the Visual & Performing Arts (VPA) department at Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ.

Which programs do NOT require portfolios?
  • Arts Management, BS
Which programs DO require portfolios? 
  • Animation BFA, Art BS, Graphic Design BFA, Illustration BFA, Painting or Sculpture BFA, Visual Arts Education BFA

Portfolio requirements and submission steps are listed below, or you can download this PDF with portfolio submission information. Please email vpa@daemen.edu with portfolio questions.

What do I submit?

  • Submit 5 to 7 of your best pieces of traditional and/or digital media.
  • Work can be from high school classes, or self-directed.
  • Include an art list with pertinent information.
  • Sketchbooks are not required, but highly recommended as they give us insight to your process.
  • Observational drawings (still life, buildings, trees, people, animals, etc.)

How do I submit an art portfolio?

  • Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ VPA faculty will review your portfolio and generally respond within two weeks.
  • We accept both physical and digital portfolios—see requirements for each below.

Physical Portfolios

  • Physical portfolios should be presented as clearly and professionally as possible. 
  • Consider a portfolio or case, with work matted and clearly labeled on the back of each piece.
  • Include an art list with information on each piece (title, size, medium, etc).
  • You can drop physical portfolios off at admissions, or they should be mailed and must include a postage-paid mailer for us to return to the applicant: Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ Admissions, 4380 Main Street, Amherst, NY 14226.

Digital Portfolios

  • Digital submissions should include clearly presented, high resolution work. 
  • JPG or PDF files recommended.
  • Please upload to  and do not email your portfolio to admissions. 

Are there art scholarships?

Yes! Every year in February, Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵ hosts All High Art Weekend, which consists of a Portfolio Scholarship Day and an Art Exhibition, where thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded. Learn more about Scholarships and All High Art Weekend.