• How many pieces of artwork do I need in my portfolio ? Artists need 12 pieces of artwork at a minimum for their portfolio. The max is 20. 

   

• What does CIA look for in a portfolio ? The Cleveland Institute of Art is looking for three things when it comes to your portfolio : Technical Ability, Conceptual Development and Uniqueness/Ambition. [Please refer to our Portfolio Tips/Guidelines to get a better understanding and definition for this. We also will go over this in training]

   

• What should I include in my portfolio ? For your portfolio you should include pieces that are exemplary of who you are as an artist. Include work that show your best in Technical Skills , Conceptual development and Uniqueness ; this work should really highlight these areas in conjunction with your style and passion. We highly recommend to add at least two examples of observational drawings to your portfolio to show foundational skills. 

   

• Do I need variety in my portfolio ? We suggest being intentional about the variety you put in your portfolio. Think a bit more clearly about what you add , so that its not just variety for varieties sake. If you want to include sculpture but your portfolio was primarily painting ; figure out what about that sculpture fits with the rest of the works. What are some similarities your finding amongst these various mediums that compliment each other !

   

• Can I just have one medium in my portfolio or do I need to add other mediums and/or styles ? As this is your portfolio and we do not require to add specific pieces or go outside of your medium of choice, the answer is YES. But we HIGHLY recommend students to show how their skills can be transferrable to other mediums. This shows range in their work and allows us to see work that connects to foundational principles of art.

   

• Am I allowed to put video work in my portfolio? Of course ! We just ask to keep the videos as shorter clips rather than feature length films. 

   

• Should I include sketchbook work/progress shots ? The Cleveland Institute of Art Faculty love seeing sketchbook/progress pieces , it gives them a chance to understand how you’re processing your thoughts when it comes to your work! We give the tip of saying “You can record a short video of you flipping through your sketchbook and it would count as just ONE piece in your portfolio !” Therefore you save more room for your amazing work ! 

   

• Where is the Cleveland Institute of Art located ? We are located in Ohio , within the University Circle area that is just minutes away from downtown Cleveland ! 

   

• What are your application deadlines ? Early Action : December 1, Priority Deadline : March 1 

   

• Do I need to submit work that pertains to my major? Not necessarily, though it does help so that we are able to see your actual interest; you are not obligated to JUST submit work that pertains to the major.

   

• If I am interested in a major but haven’t necessarily had experience in the software/materials/space that they use , is that bad ? We understand that sometimes students do not have access to certain classes or mediums that would pertain to their major for them to create artwork specific to it. So, its completely fine if you were interested in Animation but never utilized animation software OR if you were interested in Glass but never stepped foot into a Hot Shop. All we need to see is your foundational skills in art and we take care of the rest when you are here ! 

   

• How do I submit my portfolio to you guys? Is it in person? Do I ship it to you ? Portfolio submission is completely online, just take great photographs of your work and submit those works through the application online. For those using slide room, you still have to start your application through CIA’s website as well. For those using Common Application , you receive a link to submitting your portfolio after you submit the application in about 24-48 hours after you submitted your Common Application. 

   

• Do you think I have a chance of getting in ? I know this is a very HEAVY question but please answer with care regardless of the work you saw. Students usually ask this when they are insecure about their work and/or themselves. You will have two types of students that ask this 1. The student who’s work obviously meets the mark and 2. The student who needs a bit more work in getting their portfolio to the mark. 

No matter the situation , Reassure the student. I am sure that in your critique you would have mentioned what IS working and what they SHOULD be working on. If the Type 1 student is asking this , then from that context you can tell them “ Honestly , Based off of what we talked about today you do not have to let your nerves get to you! You are doing some amazing things within your work that touches on these points we look at so keep doing those and you should be fine ! 

For Type 2 student : “ Honestly, Based off of what we talked about today, letting your nerves get to you is no good! We talked in depth about what to add and what could do you justice for your portfolio and I believe you can kill it !

• What should I improve on ? This is a reasonable question to get into what you guys went over in the review ! Just refer back to some of the things you said they should tweak and/or work more into !