Here's what you need to get started on your portfolio

Applicants must submit their portfolio and program applications through the online portal SlideRoom.

Upload to SlideRoom

Please submit no fewer than 15 images of recent work. 

We assess portfolios based on drawing, design, and creativity. We encourage work that uses a variety of mediums (e.g. acrylic, pastel, pen & ink, digital).

Mandatory items are a minimum of five drawings rendered directly from life, without using photographic reference. These can include the human form (faces/figures), still life, people sitting in a café, your dog sleeping, a tree in your yard, etc. For the human figure, you may find it useful to attend life drawing classes for a variety of models and poses. Our aim is to assess how you observe and respond to your living world.

The remaining images can be any combination of traditional or digital illustration, painting, or design. Up to one piece of photography or two videos/animations can also be included.

Please photograph your work straight-on, in clear daylight, to a size of at least 1024 pixels wide. Ensure your photos are clear, faithful to the original, and saved as jpegs.

In addition to uploading a portfolio, you will also be required to answer some questions that address your interests and reasons for applying to the Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication program, and to upload two letters of recommendation. Applicants may also have their letters of recommendation sent directly to the IDEA School of Design; have them emailed to idea@capilanou.ca.

The SlideRoom portal for the 2020 Early Admission period will open on November 1, 2019.  Once you create your account, you can begin uploading your portfolio and other requirements. Take your time; you may edit your submission as much as you like but remember that we can review it only after you click the SUBMIT button! SlideRoom will charge you a small fee to submit your portfolio.

If your portfolio meets the standards of the program you will be invited to attend an interview conducted by a faculty panel. In addition to the interview, you will take part in timed tests of drawing, creativity, and communication skills. You will also be required to bring a current sketchbook for review. Please be prepared to spend up to four hours at the University on interview day.

Important Dates and Deadlines

Early Admission (recommended):

• Apply to the University before you submit your portfolio online.
• Complete your SlideRoom submission on or before Wednesday, January 22, 2020. Note:  submissions received after this date will be considered in the Late Admission Period.
• Interview and testing dates will take place Tuesday, February 18, 2020 and/or Wednesday, February 19, 2020. Exact date(s) TBA.  Applicants will be notified by telephone if their submission meets the standards of the program.
• Waitlisted applicants will be notified after the Late Admission period if space becomes available.

Late Admission:

• Apply to the University before you submit your portfolio online.
• Complete your SlideRoom submission on or before Wednesday, April 15, 2020.
• Interviews and testing will take place Wednesday, May 6, 2020. Exact date(s) TBA. Applicants will be notified by telephone if their submission meets the standards of the program.
• Waitlisted applicants will be notified if space becomes available.

For the official publication of programs, course descriptions and admission requirements please view the Capilano University Calendar (pdf).