Portfolio Guidelines

Portfolio Submission and Questionnaire

The portfolio is designed to assess your skill level to help instructors increase your chances of success in your studio program. Kootenay Studio Arts (KSA) is looking for a demonstration of visual awareness, creativity and technical skill.  The portfolio pieces may be of any medium and they need not be specific to studio preference.

Submit the questionnaire and portfolio online.

Portfolio and Questionnaire

Submission Guidelines

  • The number of pieces in an applicant's portfolio will vary depending on the manner in which the applicant works. Generally, the admissions committee would like to see a minimum of six and a maximum of twenty-four pieces.
  • Portfolios can be submitted by using the online form or mailed to KSA.
  • Two-dimensional works may be presented in their original form. Three-dimensional pieces or any works on a large scale should not be brought to the interview but represented by slides or photographs.
  • An applicant's portfolio must be the applicant's own original work. It can include variations and modifications of existing work.
  • Applicants should organize their work and set it out so that it shows development over a period of time or group it according to type.
  • Applicants should bring their workbooks and journals. School assignments and independent explorations will also be helpful to the Admissions Committee.
  • Applicants must keep their presentations simple and neat. Work should not be matted or elaborately framed.

How to Submit Your Portfolio

Mail your hard-copy portfolio for telephone interviews to:

Kootenay Studio Arts at Selkirk College
606 Victoria Street
Nelson, BC 
V1L 4K9

Every precaution is taken to ensure that portfolios are handled with care. KSA does not accept responsibility for any loss or damage to submitted materials. All portfolios that the school has not been able to return to applicants by November 15 will be recycled.

Questionnaire

All applicants must complete and submit the following questionnaire at least one week prior to their scheduled interview date. The questionnaire helps us to understand the applicant’s interest and commitment to the studio program. Please note that a Selkirk College application should be put in for this program at BEFORE submitting an applicant questionnaire.

Interview

All applicants are required to participate in an interview with a program instructor from KSA. Telephone interviews will be arranged for those applicants who, because of distance, cannot attend in person. The interview is an opportunity for applicants to introduce themselves, present their work and discuss their interests within the arts. The instructor will assess the applicant’s preparedness for entry into the program and will ask about commitment, goals and expectations, design knowledge, experience and communication skills. It is also an opportunity for applicants to ask any questions they might have about the program and for faculty to recommend upgrading if necessary.