Understanding RIT's Portfolio Requirements

A Deep-Dive into Portfolio Requirements

Whether you’re focused on fine art, illustration, digital media, or another visual discipline, one thing is key to getting noticed: your portfolio. Your portfolio is more than a collection of your work—it's your visual voice. Think of it as your creative resume, showing off your skills, vision, and growth as an artist. Below, we break down exactly what you’ll need to include, how to prepare your files, and what to avoid when submitting.

First Things First: What Is Required?

To be considered for admission, all School of Art applicants must submit a digital portfolio through the RIT admissions portal. Here’s the breakdown:

Portfolio Must-Haves:

• 15 to 20 pieces of your best visual work
• A variety of media, methods, and subjects is encouraged.
• Show your understanding of composition, creativity, and craftsmanship.
   

Curate, Don’t Just Collect

Choose work that tells a story about your journey as an artist. Include class projects, personal explorations, finished pieces, or works-in-progress—whatever best reflects your style and potential. What do you want to say, and which pieces tell us that the clearest? Don’t always say the same thing. Variety within a portfolio shows us your breadth of knowledge and willingness to try new things. 

Don’t Let the Tech Trip You Up

Organizing your files correctly is crucial. Admissions can’t review work that doesn’t meet the specs, so make sure you follow these requirements:

For Images (drawings, paintings, digital art, etc.):

• Submit each artwork as a single PDF (RGB color mode)
• Max size per PDF: 20 MB
• If you have multiple views (e.g., close-ups or process shots), combine them into a multi-page PDF (up to 3 pages max)

For Video Submissions:

• Accepted formats: M4V, MOV, MP4, or WMV
• Resolution: At least 1280 x 720 pixels
• File size: 60 MB or less per media file
• Keep total video submissions under 3 minutes.

What Not to Submit:

• No physical portfolios, DVDs, USBs, or anything mailed in
• No audio files (MP3, WAV, AIFF, etc.)
• No oversized or incorrectly formatted files will be accepted; we will not open or view them.

Label Everything 
Your portfolio should be just as organized as it is artistic. Each file must be clearly labeled with these details:

• Title of the work
• Medium (e.g., graphite on paper, digital collage, oil on canvas)
• Brief description – this is where you can tell us about your work
   

Description Tips:

Tell us what inspired the piece or what the assignment was. Your description can add power to your images. Use this opportunity to strengthen your portfolio. Mention your role in collaborative projects (e.g., director, editor, writer). If your work has been exhibited or won awards, include that too!

Make It Personal

Your portfolio is more than a requirement—it’s a window into how you think, create, and evolve. The admissions team wants to see your artistic voice, not just technical skills. Choose work that feels honest and reflective of where you are and where you're heading.

If you’re ever unsure whether a piece fits or how to format something, don’t hesitate to reach out to the admissions team or your graduate counselor. They're here to help.