Portfolios due:

Thursday, June 6, 9am–6pm

Submit all materials to psu.gd/spr.

No late submissions will be accepted.

SOPHOMORE
PORTFOLIO
REVIEW

In order to take upper division courses in graphic design at PSU, all students are required to meet all prerequisite requirements listed in the Sophomore Portfolio Review handbook. If students have not passed the Review, then regardless of experience or class standing they are not qualified to take 300- or 400-level courses. Transfer students who are ready to begin third and fourth year requirements must also pass the Portfolio Review. The purpose of this Review is to ensure that students are learning skills required for successful completion of the program.

The Sophomore Portfolio Review is based primarily on creative performance. Supporting documentation such as a the writing sample, contextual statements, and process contribute to the evaluation as secondary elements. The focus of the Review is on the totality of the projects presented, with emphasis placed on the ability to demonstrate the expertise needed to be successful in upper-division courses.

The Sophomore Portfolio Review is a milestone for all students in Graphic Design. Regardless of the outcome, there are several pathways available to students.

PORTFOLIO TECH SPECS

• Dimensions: 1920x1080px
• Color Space: RGB (make sure to set this up at beginning!)
• Image Resolution: 144ppi
• Text size: 24pt (for body copy, smaller sizes can be used for very short text elements, like captions)
• File size: < 20MB (use a PDF compressor if your portfolio is too big)

2024 Review Requirements

The 2024 Sophomore Portfolio Review handbook (PDF) outlines the guidelines for participating in this year’s Review, and includes key dates, required coursework, evaluation criteria, intended outcomes, frequently asked questions, and a checklist of required pieces and other portfolio components. Review all requirements carefully as some have changed from previous editions.

Reading through the handbook is critical to success, and it is suggested that you both read through thoroughly before beginning your portfolio and refer back to it frequently when making decisions or determining what to include.

Cover for the 2024 Sophomore Portfolio Review Handbook; click to download

All students planning on participating in the Sophomore Portfolio Review must:

  1. Download and read the Sophomore Portfolio Review handbook (linked above)

  2. Watch the required info session video

  3. Attend a required Q&A session

Required Info Sessions

2024 Q&A Session Dates

Monday, February 19 at noon in AB 320

Tuesday, March 5 at noon in AB 320

Wednesday, April 10 at noon on Zoom

Help & Resources

  • Mentorship

    Mentorship is here! Sign up to be a mentee if you’re an underclassmen looking for guidance and/or support with the Sophomore Portfolio Review, or sign-up to be a mentor if you’ve passed the Sophomore Portfolio Review and are eager to help someone in the program!

    Sign up for mentorship!

  • Soph Return

    Are you in need of some tips on the design of your portfolio? Have you been wanting to see examples of portfolios? Want to hear some encouraging words from upperclassmen who’ve made it through portfolio? Meet SOPH Return. A space where past sophomores return the favor by sharing and reflecting on their portfolios. Here, you can view past sophomore portfolios, learn from the feedback they received, and rest knowing that you’ve got this, we’ve been in your shoes, and we are here for you!

  • Student Help Groups

    In prior years, students successfully organized a number of critique groups to help themselves develop their portfolios and get to know their peers. Some groups may already be out there, but if you can’t find one, start one! Have a group already that you want other students to know about? Email Sean Schumacher and they can add it below.

  • Meet with a Faculty Advisor

    Full time faculty in PSUGD have advising hours each term and are happy to help give feedback on portfolio pieces and ensure you have all necessary classes to take the Review.

    Check the Schnitzer School’s “Book an Advising Appointment” page for office hours and to schedule an appointment.

    Walk-in hours are also available.

  • Supplies & Printing

    For recommendations on where to get supplies or printing done, go to our general resources page.

  • Photographing your work

    Want a space to document your work? The Creative Suite (AB 290) has a backdrop and lighting booth you can use with your camera equipment.

    For a tutorial on photographing your work, check out Briar Levit’s fantastic online guide to help you do exactly that booklet. Prefer a PDF instead of an online booklet? You can download your own here.

  • Digital Facilities

    Need tools to work on projects? Need to print? College of the Arts’ Digital Facilities has a variety of equipment in labs and available for checkout in some cases.

    Learn more about what’s available from COTA Digital Facilities on their Google Sites page.