Graphic Design Scholarships

When and How to Apply

Graphic design scholarship reviews will take place in-person on February 15, 2025, and virtually by request.

Submit the graphic design scholarship form

If you need to change or cancel your scholarship portfolio review meeting, please contact vpascholarships@js-ayds.com as soon as possible. This is especially important for cancellations, as other students may be on the waiting list and could benefit from a slot becoming available.

Questions? Email Visual and Performing Arts at Carthage at vpascholarships@js-ayds.com or call 262-551-5859.

In-Person Portfolio Review

THE INTERVIEW

The scholarship interview is your opportunity to convey your interest and passion for graphic design. What interests you about being a designer? Even if you are just starting out, if you have a great passion and perhaps the start of some strong projects, we want to meet with you! Where do you get your inspiration? Who are your favorite designers or artists? Do you ever check out the student section of AIGA.com? What would you like to be involved in at Carthage? DRAFT, our graphic design group? Our newspaper? Getting to know you is an important part of this interview.

THE PORTFOLIO

Your portfolio can include up to 12 pieces of your strongest creative work, and could contain a mixture of art, photography, graphic design, web design, and other creative pieces. It would be best to showcase your work in a slideshow presentation or a website. The body of artistic work you present should exemplify your design abilities and creative potential.

Additional Portfolio Materials

Your portfolio should also contain:

• Process Work: We also encourage you to include process work you have for any of your projects, such as brainstorming and sketches so we can see how your brain works.
• A “List of Works” document with written descriptions of each of your design pieces that explains a) what you are trying to say (did you have a concept?), and b) how you are trying to say it (what line, color, shape, texture, technique did you use to enforce the message?. During your interview, we don’t want you to use this as a script, but we would like you to consider the thought process behind your work before you present it to us.

OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS

• Please bring a copy of your resume.

Virtual Portfolio Review

THE INTERVIEW

Your interview with the CDM faculty will be virtual, but it follows the same guidelines as listed above for the in-person interviews. You will receive information about your Zoom invitation and faculty contact in the confirmation email which will be sent after your application has been processed. Please read and keep this email.

THE PORTFOLIO

Your portfolio can include up to 12 pieces of your strongest creative work and could contain a mixture of art, photography, graphic design, web design, and other creative pieces. It would be best to showcase your work in a slideshow presentation or a website. The body of artistic work you present should exemplify your design abilities and creative potential.

Send the link to your website, or share your Google presentation folder, etc. with the faculty member listed in your confirmation email.

The confirmation email will come from our scholarship coordinator at vpascholarships@js-ayds.com. Please communicate with the faculty member listed in the email to schedule your exact review date and time.

Additional Portfolio Materials

• Process Work: We encourage you to include process work for your projects, such as brainstorming lists and sketches so we can see how your brain works.
• A “List of Works” document with written descriptions of each of your design pieces that explains a) What you’re trying to say? (Did you have a concept?), and b) How are you trying to say it? (What line, color shape, texture, and technique did you use to enforce the message?). During your interview, we don’t want you to use this as a script, but we would like you to consider the thought process behind your work before you present it to us.

OTHER REQUIRED MATERIALS

Students are required to email a current resume along with their portfolio to the faculty member listed in the confirmation email.

Portfolio Project Ideas

When we say “graphic design”, this includes finished products like logos, brochures, and T-shirt designs. We’ll be looking for strong skills in conceptualization, image-making, typography, and color use. We’ll also be looking for original concepts started by hand, as well as work that features your own images and photos. If you need ideas for graphic design projects, consider doing work for your school, find a non-profit in need of designs (search www.volunteermatch.org for work in your area), or look on call-for-design websites (such as www.talenthouse.com).

You may also include the items listed below:

• Social media posts
• Newspaper or yearbook
• Digital Illustration
• Photography
• Studio art
• Time-based media
• Website work
• Crafts
• Anything you love to make

You do not have to label your work, and you do not have to bring a flash drive unless you do not have a printed portfolio or website.