Admission

As a department, our greatest strength derives from our position as an integral part of the larger liberal arts university; and students pursuing degrees in our programs are the beneficiaries. Since the making of images is an intellectual process, the education of artists should go considerably beyond instruction of technique and media. Artistic process-at it's best-is creative, intuitive, analytical and complex.

Our commitment is to instruct young artists, providing them with the tools, techniques, vocabulary, traditions and history of their chosen profession, so that they possess as comprehensive and substantive and educational experience as possible. In this way they will have the technical and intellectual preparation necessary for the development of their own personal creative solutions and the means to make better-informed career decisions. Further,  our vibrant department has gained NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design) accreditation, aligning us with the highest standards held by leading art schools nationwide.

If, after having read this, our programs interest you, and you would like to visit our department for a studio tour, please contact us at (718) 990-6250. Or E-mail us at paladpan@stjohns.edu. We'll be happy to meet with you, review your portfolio and discuss your career plans.

The Portfolio Requirements
10-12 original pieces using a variety of materials.

Judging will be based on the following criteria: creativity, conceptual ability, design, color sense, idea communication, draftsmanship, and use of materials. It is suggested that you include in your portfolio at least two examples of each of the following:

  • original drawings (studies from life; objects, nature, people)
  • two-dimensional design compositions
  • painting(s) on paper using at least three colors

Fine Arts candidates may add:

  • flat canvas oil or acrylic paintings
  • slides of ceramics or sculpture
  • graphic design projects
  • original photographs

Graphic Design candidates may add:

  • illustrations
  • graphic design projects
  • layout designs
  • typographic designs
  • original cartoons
  • original photographs

Photography Candidates may add:

  • black and white original photographs
  • original 35 mm color transparencies
  • Out of state students may submit their portfolios on Cd(s) or 8x10 high quality inkjet outputs.

Note
Photography candidates may also present a portfolio consisting only of photographic work.

Portfolio Presentation

  • All two-dimensional work should be matted if enclosed loosely in a portfolio. (Work that is presented in a portfolio with plastic pages would be the only exception to matting.)
  • All pieces should be facing the same direction.
  • If slides of sculptures or ceramics (or original slides for photo majors) are presented, they must be in a plastic slide sheet.
  • It is of the utmost importance that the portfolios be presented in a neat and attractive manner.

Out-of-State and International Portfolio Reviews
Out-of-state and international portfolio submissions are also accepted. Although we prefer to see work in its original form, students may also submit slide or digital reproductions of their work for portfolio evaluation.