AMPD Frequently Asked Questions

Your portfolio should be comprised of 10 to 12 samples of original work that demonstrate a wide range of ideas and competency with different media and tools. At least one piece in your portfolio should present word(s) and image(s) that communicate a message.

In addition to the types of work listed below, sample images from a sketchbook or concept/idea book, e.g., studies and examples of your media/tools experiments, process explorations are required. Your sketchbook samples should contain “notational drawings,” i.e., quick line drawings done to explore layouts and visual concepts.

Your portfolio should contain your best work from at least 3 of the following areas (areas 1-5 are highly recommended for inclusion):

1. 2D work, e.g., designs for posters, logos, letterheads, book/magazine covers and interior page spreads.
2. Typography, e.g., poetry or words using an expressive font and page layout, typeface designs, expressive lettering. Projects with text settings designed for clear communication. Drawings and experiments with typographic form.
3. Interactive media, e.g., website design and/or other interactive work.
4. Motion graphics, e.g., video or animation using images and typography. Short pieces with a strong message are preferred.
5. Drawing & Illustration, preferably direct observational drawings (not drawn from photographs). Imaginative drawing is also welcome. Ideally, demonstrate use of a wide variety of media (e.g., pen & ink, charcoal, pastel, coloured pencil, marker pen, collage, digital drawings).
6. Photography, e.g., b&w prints, colour prints, hand-tinted prints, digitally manipulated.
7. Painting, e.g., representative and/or non-representative work in oil, acrylic, watercolour, gouache.
8. 3D design/sculpture, e.g., scale models from plan drawings, craft, and fibre experiments.

Show only work which reflects your strengths – both creative and technical. After you upload your portfolio files, add a title to each piece. This will help the reviewer in understanding your portfolio work. Please limit your titles to a maximum of thirty (30) characters.

Typically, the applicant selects their pieces to show in their portfolio from school assigned projects, personal interest projects (e.g. a book cover you designed on your own for your favourite novel), ideas (sketchbook, concept/idea book, etc.), development/variations of ideas (design process documentation), extra curricular art/design classes and professional work where appropriate.

To apply directly to the Design program from an Ontario high school, you must meet specific academic requirements. For a complete breakdown of these criteria, please review the details on our How to Apply page and select your program.

Typically, the applicant selects the art pieces to include in their portfolio from school-assigned projects, independently developed art projects, extra curricular art classes or professional work where appropriate. Any original artwork developed by the applicant can be included in the portfolio.