SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF ART FINE ARTS TALENT SCHOLARSHIP

The Department of Art at Bradley University offers competitive scholarships to art majors with talent and motivation. The Department faculty strongly believe that funding for talented studio artists is essential. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, the process is simple.

1. Submit 12 – 20 slides (35mm) of your best work. The slides should demonstrate variety of work and can include any media. Do not send photographs or CD’s of your work. Only slides will be reviewed. Slides will not be returned because of the large number of applications received. (Scholarship recipients’ slide portfolios will be filed in their Department of Art student file.) Do not send slides in a binder or with a return stamped envelope.
   
2. Your application must include:
   
1. Slides labeled with your name and slide number at the top of each slide.
   
2. A typed inventory of your slides that corresponds to the numbered slide - include the title of the work, size and media. Also include your name, address in the upper left corner.
   
3. A completed copy of the Application Form for the Department of Art Fine Arts Talent Scholarship.
   

Please plan ahead – your slides must be received by March 1. Slides received after that date will not be considered for the review. Please send the slides directly to the address listed below. Do not send your slides to the Admissions Office. Scholarships awarded are for the following academic year. The full Bradley University Department of Art faculty will review the slides. The Department is looking for strong evidence of talent. Scholarships are not related to family income or other grants or scholarships. If you receive a scholarship, it is renewable according to academic standards and regulations established for the scholarship.

Please submit slides of your work to:
FINE ARTS TALENT SCHOLARSHIP
Bradley University Department of Art
1501 West Bradley Avenue
Peoria, IL 61625

If you have questions, call 309-677-2967

Download Application Form (PDF)

A Guide to Slide Portfolio Preparation
Fine Arts Talent Scholarship Bradley University

What is a portfolio?
A portfolio of artwork should be a collection of your best and most recent work. It is a crucial part of your application. The portfolio helps the school evaluate your achievements and potential, and represents your view of yourself and your work. Many different portfolios are necessary during your career as an artist: for graduate school, exhibits, galleries, buyers, and employers. The preparation of each portfolio varies according to its purpose. The portfolio required for the Department of Art Fine Arts Talent Scholarship should include twelve to twenty pieces in a variety of media. Fewer pieces may not allow an accurate assessment of your potential. We are interested in your drawing ability and use of color in two-and three-dimensional work. There is no-exact formula for preparing the “right” portfolio. Art teachers can help you with the selection and photography of your work, but you should make the final decision on what best represents you.

Slide Portfolio
Slides will be necessary throughout your career: when you seek employment, grants, commissions, or exhibits, as well as when you apply to a professional art school. The following is a list of techniques to help you assemble slides that will represent your original artwork faithfully.

• Two-dimensional work should not have a glass or plexi covering to avoid reflections.
  
• Use a 35mm single-lens reflex camera.
  
• A tripod and cable release will prevent blurred pictures at slow speeds
  
• Use a solid white, gray, or black background: a clean painted wall, seamless paper, or large sheets of drawing paper.
  
• Black cloth reflects less than black paper.
  
• Avoid any busy background that detracts from the artwork.
  
• It is important to purchase the correct film for your light source. Each film chemistry is made for one kind of light. Use daylight film for outdoors and tungsten film with tungsten light for indoors.
  
• Do not mix light sources.
  
• Set up in a room where lights can be turned off and windows covered
  
• For best results inside, we suggest tungsten film (Ektachrome ASA 160) with tungsten 3200K photoflood bulbs.
  
• Use two 250 watt bulbs in reflectors on stands, so they can be moved.
  
• For two-dimensional work, set one light on each side at a 45-degree angle to start. The distance of the lights from the work is determined by doubling the distance the camera is set from the work. A light meter and a gray card are helpful. Whether the meter is hand-held or in the camera, you should take a reading at the center of the art and at the four corners. Adjust the lights so all the readings are the same.
  
• Photograph your largest piece first and continue down in size and the setting will remain correct for all. Fill the frame in the viewfinder with the image of your artwork. The frame lines will help you to position the work so it is centered, level, and parallel to the sides.
  
• Prevent shadows from falling on the work. This is a problem when photographing outside because of clouds or trees. When outdoors, be sure to use daylight film and a simple background. Photograph in even open shade to avoid shadows.
  
• Bracket the meter reading: photograph at one setting, then expose a half-stop above and a half-stop below that setting (Do not change the shutter speed.) Soften shadows in three-dimensional work by adding a third light.
  
• Sometimes shadows are desirable because they define edges or materials. Try using one light for a more dramatic effect.
  
• For each piece take five or six shots emphasizing different angles, details or textures, then select the best for your portfolio.
  
• Project the slides before making your selections. In most cases, they will be seen projected by the college review committee.
  
• Handle slides carefully and avoid getting fingerprints on the film.
  
• Label the slides using a pen with permanent ink.
  
• Place slides in a plastic slide sheet and number them consecutively.
  
• Make a corresponding inventory sheet noting the title, media, size and any other pertinent information about each piece.
  
• Do not use labels or tape on the slides. Such additions can cause the slides to jam in the projector.
  
• Your local camera store can help you. Also check your library for books on photographing artwork.