Submitting Work Samples

Digital Art and Animation 

University of Silicon Valley prides itself on cultivating students who can invent, create and implement ideas.

To be accepted at USV, you must take the first step into your educational adventure by completing your first assignment: submitting work samples. If you already have existing work to show us, you should simply gather and organize it. If you don’t have any work samples, do not worry. In these guidelines, we provide directions on how to create work samples.

What to do

All work samples should demonstrate your best work and be presented professionally. Your work samples should display your interests regarding future study, to enhance your success at USV.

Samples of work that do not conform to the instructions below will not be reviewed. You cannot be accepted into the program without an approved portfolio.

How to Submit Your Work

You can submit 7 to 10 original drawings, paintings, sculptures, concept art pieces and/or screenshots of game art that you have created. Present your work professionally, either in a slide deck, website or other appropriate medium. Make sure to cite what you did for each piece, including title, medium, date, and a brief sentence on your work.

All work must be original: no copying from other artists/animations/cartoons.

Preferred Formats

USV accepts work samples through digital and online mediums. Examples include PowerPoint, KeyShot, GoogleSlides and/or other digital mediums.

We discourage bringing physical formats and are not responsible for any lost/damaged items. It’s best to scan your work and organize it in a slide deck, as previously mentioned.

Grading Criteria

Your work samples are reviewed based on measurable criteria, including but not limited to: originality/creativity, craftsmanship, design elements, and presentation/organization.

No Work Samples?

If you do not have any work samples, don’t worry! There is plenty of help! USV is looking for is your observational drawings: practice drawing figures/humans, as well as still lifes and perspective rooms.

For example: Look at the corner of your room and draw it. Another idea is to search Google images for “human figures” and refine your anatomy skills. Put a few items together on your table, and sketch a still life. Pencil and blank paper will work!

Want to push it further?

Try online resources. YouTube has a lot of “introduction to drawing” videos. Watch and follow along.

Stop by USV and join us for our figure drawing workshops. Get some tips while you are here.

We want you to be successful!

Questions and Support

Do you have any questions or need any help to submit or create work samples? Please contact the Department Director, Michael Kaczmarek, or your admissions advisor. We are here to help you.