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Before applying, please make sure to familiarize yourself with the MFA Graphic Design program, faculty, facilities, curriculum, and student work.
If you’re interested in character design and storytelling in animation, please consider applying to the Character Animation or Experimental Animation programs instead. CalArts does not offer programs in illustration or in 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.
In CalArts’ application system, use the portfolio section to upload your portfolio of digital image or motion graphics files. For each work, include a short synopsis (one- or two-sentences about the context and concept of the piece), date, and any other notes. If a project was a collaboration, please tell us your exact role in the project.
Your portfolio should consist of a minimum of 20 pieces. Present work that shows your point of view as a designer as well as your technical ability. Please include professional or student work in any of the following: graphic design, typography, image-making, motion graphics, UI/UX, photography, and type design.
Do not submit a pre-formatted portfolio completed previously. Each slide should show an individual work with synopsis information in the caption area.
Once your portfolio is uploaded, it can be viewed and rearranged until the final submission. No changes can be made after the final submission. Be advised, CalArts is not able to view your work until the final submission is made and the application fee is received. Be sure to submit your portfolio to the correct degree level and program.
If you experience technical difficulties while uploading your portfolio, please email admissions@calarts.edu.
Please write specifically about your interest and knowledge of graphic design. Your designer statement should concisely address your objectives and goals as a designer in the context of current issues in design practice, as well as how these goals serve as a basis for graduate-level study.
Please include information that answers the following:
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 designer 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 ask 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
Letters of recommendation must be written in English or accompanied by a certified English translated document.
Applicants who’ve passed the preliminary selection process will be notified in mid-February. At that time, candidates will be invited to visit CalArts in March for an interview and to meet faculty and students. The interview is required of invited candidates and is an important component of the final selection process. Video chat interviews are available in exceptional cases, however, we want to emphasize the importance of having an in-person interview as part of the application process for prospective students. Additionally, it gives you an opportunity to see the school and meet and talk to the faculty.