RISD (Rhode Island)
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Founded in 1877, RISD stands out among the world’s preeminent colleges of art and design. We are a community of critical thinkers and makers who share a belief in the value of hands-on learning, experimentation and an ever-evolving approach to studio education reinforced by liberal arts studies.
Able to attend classes in different programs as well as Brown University.
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As a creative discipline Illustration at RISD is defined by purpose, not media. While using the same tools as in painting, photography, film, graphic design and other disciplines, in Illustration you learn to make imagery with the intent of conveying specific meaning and messages.
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The Film/Animation/Video (FAV) program cultivates the next generation of media makers, giving you opportunities to immerse yourself in a community that emphasizes curiosity, creative thinking, sociocultural awareness and critical dialogue. We encourage unique personal perspectives and experimentation, as you make work across and within three general approaches: animation, live-action, and open media.
Students in FAV develop an expressive language and professional skill set in moving images and sound. These fluencies enable you to communicate in diverse, thoughtful and innovative ways, sustain your practice and contribute to the future growth of your chosen profession.
Sophomores are introduced to the major through a series of short assignments designed to provide a basic technical foundation in film, video, animation and digital media. Skills are further developed the following year as juniors choose to specialize in live action, animation or open media while tackling more ambitious projects involving cinematography, lighting, sound design, character design, digital editing, compositing, producing, storyboarding and interactive programming.
FAV’s four-year BFA program cultivates creative thinking, along with social and cultural awareness. Graduates are prepared to:
demonstrate an understanding of the plasticity of time through techniques such as manipulating sound and visual rhythm to alter the feeling of time passing and convey narrative structure.
articulate their roles and responsibilities as mediators of information.
exhibit competence in at least one of the three forms of live action film, animation or open media.
design and implement individualized creative processes to plan, organize and execute complex projects.
recognize and assess their assumptions, and the implications and practical consequences of those assumptions.
understand experimentation as a form of research.
recognize, develop and refine narratives.
raise and clearly formulate vital questions and problems.
communicate effectively and work with others to find solutions to complex problems.
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Nationally accredited (NAAB) and internationally recognized, our five-year undergraduate program in Architecture leads to a professional degree: the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch). The program prepares students to enter the profession by first addressing the knowledge required for making architecture and second, by underscoring the complexities of the discipline and the responsibilities inherent in practicing architecture.
Through a program that builds on itself, students learn to think critically; to produce architecture through both reflection and invention; to build using a variety of materials; to understand the technical aspects of architecture; to communicate ideas through drawing, model making, writing and speaking; and to be socially and ethically engaged in society.
After exposure to the fundamentals of the field—design, material performance, digital and manual representation, and architectural history—students move on to solidify work by focusing on architectural, urban design and environmental issues, engaging in advanced topics in architectural history and responding to complex architectural design problems.
Graduates are able to:
use critical thinking to build abstract relationships and understand the impact of ideas.
use and experiment with the representational techniques of the discipline.
investigate architectural form using spatial principles and material properties.
comprehend technical aspects of building practices, systems and materials and apply this knowledge to architectural solutions.
synthesize a range of complex variables into an integrated design solution.
understand principles for the practice of architecture, including advocacy, ethical actions and project management.
develop a creative process and frame theoretical questions through making.
conduct advanced research, including gathering and assessing information and establishing research methods.
In the final year of the program, students focus on an intensive investigation and analysis of building systems, professional practice and design as part of a self-determined degree project.
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At the intersection of architecture, conservation and design, Interior Architecture takes an innovative approach to the reuse and transformation of existing buildings. Studios focused on adaptive reuse are central to both the undergraduate and graduate programs. And unlike interior design and decoration, Interior Architecture aims to understand the design of buildings from inside out.
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Drawing on its contribution to responsible, human-centered design, Industrial Design (or ID) teaches you to use critical thinking and the design process to enhance companies, communities and citizens. Expert faculty guide you in researching user experiences to create well-conceived and executed objects, products and systems that make everyday tasks easier.
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Portfolio submission
Your portfolio should present 12–20 examples of your most recent work showcasing your thinking and making. Once you've started your RISD application in the Common Application, you will be directed to the online platform SlideRoom to upload your portfolio.
What to include
The work you select should reflect a full range of your ideas, curiosity, experimentation and experience in creating and making. This can include work in any medium, in finished or sketch form, and can be the result of an assigned project or a self-directed exploration.
We strongly recommend that you include some examples that involve drawing from direct observation (rather than from imagination, photograph or video). Since drawing is a fundamental tool for visual makers from initial concept to execution, it is valuable for reviewers to see examples of your experience with and approach to drawing.
While the majority of your portfolio should feature finished pieces, we suggest including some research or preparatory work in up to three—but no more than three—portfolio uploads/slides. This helps reviewers better understand how you develop your ideas.
College essay
RISD requires the Common Application personal essay (up to 650 words). You will find the writing prompts in the Writing section of the Common Application.
Here are some tips for the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) admissions portfolio:
Show your growth
Consider how your work has evolved as an artist and if it demonstrates your growth.
Highlight your interests
Consider if your work reflects your interests, personality, passion, or identity.
Take risks
Consider if your work shows risk-taking or breaking out of your comfort zone.
Explore mediums
Consider how you are exploring mediums and ideas.
Document your work
Consider if you are documenting your work in a clear way.
Include traditional materials
Consider including artwork that shows your experience working with traditional drawing, 2D, and 3D materials.
Avoid anime
RISD discourages anime because it is a well-established style that can make it difficult to show your own voice.
Include AI information
If you used artificial intelligence (AI) in your work, include a description of the process and tools you used.
We wstrongly recommend that you include some examples that involve drawing and/or painting from direct observation (rather than from imagination, photograph or video). Since drawing and painting are fundamental tools for visual makers from initial concept to execution, it is valuable for reviewers to see examples of your experience with and approach to drawing.
While the majority of your portfolio should feature finished pieces, we suggest including some research or preparatory work in up to three—but no more than three—portfolio uploads/slides. This helps reviewers better understand how you develop your ideas.
RISD also offers portfolio review events for high school seniors, juniors, and transfers. These events are an opportunity to show your portfolio to a RISD representative and get feedback.