Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you’ll find some common questions that come up about Full Sail University. If you’re looking for information that you can’t find here, please contact us.
- What are the programs that require an art portfolio sample?
- Why is an art portfolio required?
- What are the requirements for the art portfolio?
- What type of files are accepted?
- Where can I refresh the concepts required for the art portfolio?
- How do I submit it?
- How is the portfolio scored?
- What happens if my portfolio is not accepted?
- Who do I contact with questions?
Computer Animation and Game Art Degree Program applicants must provide evidence of artistic skill. Evidence includes the submission of a portfolio for review by the program. Traditional art classes are recommended prior to entering the program. A foundation of life-drawing, sculpting, and painting is important for the animation industry and is essential in developing 3D content for any production application, that being films, games, architecture, or any other application.
Students enrolling in Computer Animation or Game Art degree programs must submit THREE original pieces of Observational Artwork. These are artwork created by you. AI art will not be considered. Digital Art should be completed using traditional methods – no composites, filters, or tracing will be considered. Characters or copies of existing artwork such as anime, manga, or fan art will not be considered.
It is recommended to submit samples of artwork that show:
- Still-life drawings or paintings showing attention to proportion, value range, lighting, texture, or observed details. They should depict actual objects in the home, outdoors, or office.
- Figure drawings including Gesture Drawings, portraiture, or full-figure work from observation.
- Animal drawings or paintings showing attention to anatomy, texture, or detail from observation.
- Illustrations showing attention to Linear Perspective.
- Illustrations showing an understanding of color theory and color application.
Alternatively, applicants can use the following workshops to create their samples. Each workshop will guide you to create a different type of art. You may create more than one piece of art for any of the guided workshops you select.
- Any other sketch drawings demonstrating observational skills.
- Workshop 01: Gestures Drawing & Outline Contour Drawing
- Workshop 02: Still-life Sketch
- Workshop 03: Outdoor Environment
- Workshop 04: Informal Perspective Drawing
- 3D Modeling work demonstrating skill beyond simple primitives, some level of detail, or compound curvature
- 3D Character animation or object animation showing some understanding of the principles of animation, timing, etc.
- Photography
- Traditional or digital sculpture
Optional Artwork
In the Optional Artwork section, you will have the opportunity to showcase other original work or passion projects defining your artistic direction. From the following list submit your work:
Please note that submissions like anime, manga, dragons, or unicorns will not be considered. Please do not submit Maya files.
Your files must be JPG or TIFF. Max size per file is 100MB. Please, do not upload screenshots. If you are using a phone-camera or a laptop camera to photograph the work, ensure that it is properly lit avoiding shadows or unclear results. Only the artwork is to be visible, avoiding backgrounds or parts (hands, fingers, pens, desks, etc.) that don't belong to the piece.
Label your files with your name and last name and the file number, such as:
john_smith_artwork_1.jpg
john_smith_artwork_2.jpg
john_smith_artwork_3.jpg
All applicants can review the foundations of art and design by accessing our Workshops at: go.fullsail.edu/3darts
For applicants without formal art training, spending some time practicing the topics covered in each Workshop is highly advised. This will ensure you have enough iterations of each exercise to then select your best work.
There is an Art Portfolio Review Webinar offered to students who have applied and have yet to submit a portfolio. A link to register will be emailed.
To submit artwork for the portfolio a student must access their Full Sail One student portal. This is accessible after submitting an application either with an Admissions Guide or through our website at apply.fullsail.edu. After applying they can create their student portal using their student ID number. Once they create their student portal, they will be able to access a To Do list. One of those To Dos will be labeled as a Portfolio Assessment.
Applicants will have three opportunities to complete the Portfolio Assessment. Once you submit your first version, you will receive an email with feedback from the Assessment team. This feedback will include your next steps or any additional requirements.
If after repeated failed attempts the portfolio has not been accepted, the student will need to connect with an Admissions Representative to discuss other potential degree programs. We offer both Digital Arts and Design and Graphic Design as alternative art degrees that do not require a portfolio assessment. The Admissions Representative can help the student and update their enrollment to a degree that fits best.
For any admissions questions please call 800.226.7625 and ask to speak to the Admissions department.