Hello. I’m currently a junior in high school and our counselor asked our class to sign up for a NACAC college fair. I’ve signed up for one this Thursday. I want to enter the animation industry and CalArts is going to be at this college fair so it’s on my to-visit college list. I prepared some questions to ask the representatives but I’m wondering: should I take any sketches (based on the accepted portfolios on Youtube, I notice they prefer sketches over finished work)?
At first, I didn’t plan to because I figured the college fair is not the place to get a quick sketch review and there isn’t enough time for the representatives to do so anyway. Though, my friends keep urging me to at least take a few sketches so I’m now unsure if I should take their advice.
Should I take a minimal 2-3 sketches or is the college fair not the right time/place?
Those college fairs are usually very crowded affairs so you can’t go in expecting any extensive face time with an admissions rep. In addition, I also don’t know if the admissions reps would the people judging artwork. I’d focus more on asking them what type of work should be submitted etc. If you want to bring a few sketches in case CalArts has no other people waiting that is fine – there is nothing to lose – but don’t count on your having time to show the sketch and don’t count on the admissions rep to commenting on it.
Admission counselors want to reach as many prospective students as possible. These fairs are very, very loud and crowded. This is not the appropriate time or place bring sketches. Some of the colleges also have alum staffing the table and maybe only one counselor. Make sure that you leave your information with them so that you “show interest”.
^^Agree with GMTplus7. If you can save a photo to your phone, you save yourself the trouble of having to carry it around all day with you, and I think it will seem a little more casual. I definitely wouldn’t count on talking to anyone in-depth though, the two college fairs I’ve been two were packed and very noisy. They’re mostly good for getting a cursory look at a school you’re not familiar with and leaving info to demonstrate interest. Also, getting lots of pens.
If you’re a serious animation applicant, they will have procedures on how to view your portfolio – you can ask about it at the session. In NO WAY will they be able to nor want to look at samples at the college fair – your friends are wrong.
Fine Arts colleges have tried and true evaluation procedures-- don’t worry about that. It’s up to you to learn what they are and follow their directions.
I disagree. You just will never know. Be prepared.
Take your small sketch book with you. It doesn’t need to be conspicuous. Never push. A phone photo isn’t any good if the occasion does arise to get feedback. You need original.
But just know the opportunity probably won’t arise. Don’t push. Only if asked.
And asking questions is a good use of your time.
@gouf78: my brother is an art school faculty member. The admissions staff does fairs where they hand out brochures and answer questions. And then they have evaluation times when applicants bring in their stuff for faculty to review. They are separate affairs and each is manned by different personnel and each has its time and purpose. Faculty don’t man college fair tables.
