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Before applying, please make sure to familiarize yourself with the BFA Graphic Design program, faculty, facilities, curriculum, and student work.
If you’re interested in character design and storytelling in animation, consider applying to the Character Animation or Experimental Animation programs instead. CalArts does not offer programs in illustration or comics.
You cannot make any changes to your application after it has been submitted.
Create an account to begin the application process. This is where you’ll complete each step in the application and receive updates on your application status. Add your personal background and academic history.
Please use the portfolio section of the CalArts application to upload your files. You may upload still images or video works. For each slide, include a short synopsis (one- or two-sentences about the context and concept of your piece), date, medium, and size. If a project was a collaboration, please tell us your exact role in the project.
Once your portfolio is uploaded, it can be viewed and rearranged until the final submission is made. No changes can be made following the final submission of your portfolio. Please be advised that CalArts is not able to view your work until the final submission is made and the application fee is paid. Be sure to submit your portfolio to the correct degree level and program.
Your portfolio should consist of 20 pieces minimum. Submit work that shows your point of view as a designer as well as your technical ability. Please include work in any of the following: graphic design, typography, illustration, animation, web design, 3D design, photography, painting, and drawing.
One image per slide; send detail shots in a separate slide as we are not able to zoom in.
An Optional Graphic Design Project (PDF) is highly recommended for applicants who need graphic design samples for their portfolio.
If you experience technical difficulties while uploading your portfolio, please email admissions@calarts.edu.
In your statement, please write specifically about your interest and knowledge of graphic design. Describe your design projects, any design-related experience(s) you’ve had, and your future design goals. Your statement should be between 500 and 1,000 words.
Applicants are required to submit a video introduction. Although we’d love to meet you in person, this wouldn’t be practical, so we ask that you send a brief video introducing yourself.
Please tell us about yourself and your interests.
Two letters of recommendation are required. At least one recommendation should be written by a person who understands your work, such as an art teacher.
All letters of recommendation should be received by the application deadline, so it’s important that you contact your recommenders months before. We request that you submit the requests for your letters of recommendation through the online application, as it will allow you to track when we receive your requested letters.
If this is not possible, you may download the Letter of Recommendation Form (pdf) and have your recommender send their letters by mail to the Office of Admissions. Please choose only one method - either through the online application (preferred) or by mail - per recommender. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted via credentialing services such as Parchment or Naviance.
Mailed letters of recommendation should be sent to:
CalArts Office of Admissions
24700 McBean Pkwy.
Valencia, CA 91355
United States of America
All letters of recommendation must be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translated document.