Review of OCAD Art Portfolio Camp: The First Step Towards Becoming a Future Artist
For students dreaming of entering art school, summer vacation means more than just a break
It is a golden time to refine their artistic inspiration and materialize their portfolio, which is the most crucial key to college admission. This summer, with the guidance and support of Schools ON AIR, a student who participated in the high school summer program at OCAD University in Toronto, Canada, has shared a valuable review. We share this vivid experience hoping it provides practical help to other students and parents preparing for art and design majors.
Participating in the ‘Portfolio Clinics & Summer Programs for High School Students’ at OCAD University, located in downtown Toronto, this summer was an unforgettable and special opportunity for me. Instead of the ordinary art classes I used to take at academies, I felt my heart pounding every moment as I created things with my own hands on a university campus full of energy and passion.
Especially as someone aiming to enter art school, this camp served as a decisive turning point where I could firmly grasp how to prepare my portfolio. By showing my artwork directly to university professors and experts and receiving realistic advice and feedback, I clearly realized what I was lacking while preparing alone. The most precious takeaway was learning how to embed my own stories and thoughts into the portfolio, moving beyond mere drawing techniques.
The classes were also incredibly interesting. I could greatly broaden my range of expression by taking various practical workshops, including a life-drawing class. The pride I felt when completing ideas I had only imagined into real artworks using diverse materials was beyond words.
The most memorable and thrilling moment was the experience of setting up my first-ever exhibition. It didn't stop at viewing other friends' wonderful works; I engaged in 'curating' for the first time, planning and decorating an exhibition space like an art gallery with my own pieces. Adjusting lighting angles to make the artworks stand out, holding a hammer to drive nails into the wall, and pondering where to place them brought a unique sense of accomplishment I never knew when just painting on a canvas.
Dormitory life was also enjoyable beyond expectations. I easily became friends with peers from various countries around the world through our shared interest in 'art'. Talking late into the night about our respective works and sharing ideas with friends who have different cultures and perspectives expanded my thinking significantly.
Although it wasn't a long time, the numerous ideas, artistic inspiration, and the clear direction for my portfolio preparation gained through this OCAD portfolio clinic will serve as a very solid foundation for me to enter art school and grow into a great artist in the future.
Contributed by Student Jihye Choi
TLC International School, G11
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The official name of the program at OCAD University is the ‘Portfolio Clinics & Summer Programs for High School Students’, and students interested in applying to art schools can check related information, schedules, and apply through the university's official website. (https://admissions.ocadu.ca/visit/workshops-summer-programs/portfolio-clinics)
If you find the program application process unfamiliar, or if you need help and guidance with overall procedures required for participation, such as applying for and being assigned a dormitory locally, airport pickup, and other arrangements, please feel free to contact Schools ON AIR. We support the creative challenges of students dreaming of becoming next-generation artists.
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