In order to be accepted to the BFA program at William Paterson University, prospective art students must submit a portfolio of their work as part of the admissions process. A portfolio review is NOT required to enter our BA Studio major. Your portfolio should be a selection of work that best represents you and your interests, and it should include works in a variety of media. You can present either the original pieces or photographs of them. Roughly 12 to 15 pieces total. Work can also be presented on a CD, DVD or via a website. The work in your portfolio can include drawings, oil or acrylic paintings, watercolors, collages, two- and three-dimensional designs, photography, examples of graphic design and sketchbooks. Self-portraits, still lifes, landscapes, and drawings from life or from imagination are some of the appropriate subjects. The portfolio can also include a brief essay about your artistic goals and objectives, as well as how William Paterson University can help you reach them. In the essay, please mention any awards or citations you have received for your artwork. Your portfolio will be evaluated in terms of the creativity, originality, technical skills, artistic potential and the variety it displays. Please call our Art Recruitment Office at 973.720.3732 to schedule a time for the portfolio review, and to receive additional information regarding our Open House festivities, portfolio workshops, and other art department events.
