Portfolio Guide

The Art Institute of Boston looks for work that demonstrates both an experienced use of materials and an ability to communicate ideas and concepts with imagination, creativity, clarity, and originality.

General Guidelines

• A portfolio is required from all individuals applying to any of our undergraduate or Advanced Professional Certificate programs.
• You may include single works or a developed series that explores a particular subject or personal vision.
• Freshman applicants' portfolios should contain between 12 and 20 pieces. Transfer students are encouraged to submit additional work, though no more than 30 pieces.
• We accept electronic or slide portfolios; original, framed, or fragile work should not be sent and will not be accepted.
• Images on electronic portfolios should be in the format of JPEGs, GIFs, or PDFs burned to a CDR.
• Slide portfolios are only accepted if the slides are in plastic slide sheets.
• All CD portfolios must be labeled with your first name, last name, and whether they are best viewed on a Mac or PC; label slides with your first name, last name, and medium.
• The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University exercises considerable care in handling portfolio materials, but we are not responsible for portfolio loss or damage.

Portfolio suggestions for Fine Art, Art History, Illustration, Animation, and Design applicants:

Please submit any combination of the following:

• Original work (artwork copied from photographs or from other artists' work is not encouraged; however, a few drawings copied from master artists are acceptable)
• Drawings from direct observation. Examples of direct observation are self-portrait, still life, landscape, interior space, or work from the human form (at least 5-7 pieces, approximately 1/3 of your submission, should be from direct observation).
• Select sketchbook drawings showcasing your ability in composition, design, collage, life drawing, and development of space, form, or perspective.
• Sketchbook drawings demonstrating your creative process leading to a finished artwork.
• Design applicants, you may submit examples of your best work in 2D or 3D design, graphic design, typography, and web or interactive media (in addition to/ instead of the other work listed here).

Portfolio suggestions for Photography applicants:

Please submit no more than 20 images:

• Images may focus on any aspect of photography, such as commercial, editorial, documentary, or fine art photography.
• Photography applicants are not required to submit work from fields other than photography, though they may submit work in other mediums if they choose.
• We strongly encourage the inclusion of in-depth projects that have been developed over a period of time.
• We also encourage work that is non-assignment based; we are very interested in your own ideas.
• Alternative process and digital photography images are accepted.

Additional Information

All application materials, including the portfolio, must be mailed to:

AIB Office of Admission
700 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02215-2598

If you would like your slide portfolio returned, please include a self addressed stamped envelope (SASE) with your application. Slide portfolios will not be returned without a SASE. Electronic/CD portfolios are not returned.

One on one portfolio reviews with a member of AIB's Admission staff or faculty are strongly encouraged. To schedule a portfolio review, please contact the main AIB Admission Office at 617-585-6710 or toll-free at 1-800-773-0494 ext. 6710. Portfolio reviews are offered Monday through Friday and on select Saturdays.

AIB attends a number of National Portfolio Days (NPD) sponsored by the National Portfolio Day Association. For a listing the events we are attending, please view our visit schedule.

If you have questions about your portfolio, you may call the office at 617-585-6710 or toll free at 1-800-773-0494 ext. 6710. You may also e-mail us at admissions@aiboston.edu.

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