Winter 2022 Graphic Design and Illustration Program Admission Process
Upon completion of their Foundations classes, students interested in pursuing an emphasis in Graphic Design and/or Illustration must participate in the Graphic Design and Illustration Program Admission Process. Both programs prioritize admission based on a review of portfolio work from the Foundations courses.
Remember! You must be a Studio Art major to register for the Graphic Design and Illustration Program Admission Process
Graphic Design and Illustration Program Admission Process
Download the presentation template below and place your works in the respective areas.
Use this form to upload your portfolio by March 24th, 11:59 pm.
You will also need to write a 250–500 characters essay answering the prompt: "What attracted you to pursue an emphasis in graphic design and/or illustration?
Your results will be communicated by email on March 31st, 2022. If accepted, you must accept the position by completing the confirmation form by Tuesday April 5th. If not accepted, you can choose a different emphasis area, pursue a BA/BS degree, or a different major. Consult your advisor for your options.
As soon as you receive communication about your course permits, register for the required classes in Graphic Design and/or Illustration.
Upload Your Portfolio and Essay
Number of Spots per area
Graphic Design
Up to 35 spots for Winter 2022 applicants
Illustration
Up to 16 spots for the Winter 2022 applicants
Portfolio Preparation Instructions
It is important that you organize and present your portfolio in a professional manner. The following guide will assist you in this task. It also contains specific instructions, essential dates and times, and the room assigned to you for displaying your work.
ART 150 - 2-D Design
Include 3 of your best projects. Projects with multiple explorations still count as one project.
ART 151 - 3-D Design
Include 3 of your best projects. Make sure you include multiple photographs of the same piece to show its various angles.
ART 152 - Color & Design
Include 3 of your best projects. Projects with multiple explorations count as one project.
ART 153 - Making and Meaning
Include 3 of your best projects. For 3D projects, including multiple views of the piece. Any work significantly large in scale should be presented by a photograph(s).
ART 155 - Drawing I
Include 3 of your best projects. Projects with multiple explorations still count as one project.
ART 157 - Drawing II
Include 3 of your best projects. Projects with multiple explorations still count as one project.
Transfer Courses?
Did you transfer to GVSU and received Foundations credit? No problem! Please upload the work you have to the Powerpoint anyway.
(If you do not have the work, please contact Bill Hosterman ASAP to come up with a plan.)
How to Photograph Works for Your Portfolio
Need a refresher on how to photograph your works for your portfolio? Check out this video for some tips.
Upload Your Portfolio and Essay
Important Dates
Date |
Activity |
---|---|
March 24th, 11:59pm |
Last date to upload Portfolio and Essay |
March 31st |
Students get notified of the results by email |
April 5th, 11:59pm |
Last day to accept their placement in the emphasis. (If information is not received by that time, the placement will be offered to students on the waitlist.) |
Starting April 7th |
Registration overrides will be issued for the respective courses in each emphasis. |
Questions ?
If you have any questions, please contact the Foundations Review Coordinator. He will be glad to assist.

Professor Bill Hosterman
1111 Calder Arts Center
[email protected]
(616)331-3486