Email: admission@champlain.edu
Call or Text: (802) 625-0201
Creative Media (BFA) Portfolio Requirements
Students in the Creative Media BFA program work in multiple media, eventually declaring two areas of focus from our options: Moving Image, Creative Writing, Visual Art & Design, Interaction Design, Sonic Arts, Game Media.
In the program, students are encouraged to combine media in unexpected and innovative ways. Experimental, socially engaged, and personal approaches are emphasized. In tandem with developing technical and professional skills, students are expected to develop a personal voice in their work. We aim to cultivate your abilities as an artist and your confidence toward developing and pursuing your own distinctive ideas.
There are three parts to the Creative Media BFA portfolio:
1
Creative Media Portfolio Challenge
As part of your portfolio, create a new creative piece that responds to the theme of “transformation.” This piece can be in any medium (or combination of media) or genre and can address the theme in any manner. You may upload multiple files if need be; for instance, a sculptural piece may be documented from multiple angles. Please limit time-based works (audio or video) to 8 minutes and written pieces to 2,500 words. Links to your work posted on YouTube or Vimeo are also acceptable. In addition to the piece itself, please submit a brief statement of 100–400 words about your process and intentions in creating this specific piece.
2
Creative Media Portfolio Work Samples
Submit five (5) additional pieces demonstrating your creative work. We appreciate seeing your technical skills, but we are especially interested in your creative direction. Please submit at least some pieces that demonstrate the themes, processes, or ideas that drive you.
- Portfolio work samples do not need to be created specifically for this portfolio. They may be drawn from a combination of work done on your own and for class assignments.
- Portfolio work samples must include work in more than one medium. Since working in multiple media is a fundamental part of the program, we want to see that you have a commitment to working in multiple media. So, for example, if you are primarily submitting writing, we will also need to see at least one piece of visual art, video, sound, or some other medium. If you are primarily submitting audio recordings, we will also need to see at least one piece of creative writing, visual art, video, etc. We recognize that applicants may have more familiarity with some media and less with others.
- Please limit time-based works (audio or video) to 8 minutes each and written pieces to 2500 words.
- Links to your work posted on YouTube or Vimeo are also acceptable.
3
A personal statement of between 400–1,000 words
The faculty want to learn about your creative process, sources of inspiration, goals in pursuing the arts, and anything else you feel demonstrates your creative passions and readiness for the program. Please let us know which of the Creative Media focus areas (Moving Image, Creative Writing, Visual Art & Design, Interaction Design, Sonic Arts, Game Media) you think you would be most interested in pursuing, identifying two areas at a minimum.
(Links to your work posted on YouTube or Vimeo are also acceptable.)
Please contact your Admissions Counselor for specific questions on the Creative Media (BFA) Portfolio Review requirement.
How the Portfolio Will Be Evaluated
We realize that students will arrive at Champlain with many stages of skill development. Skill and craft are important, but we are especially interested to see your capacity for developing your own ideas or approaches. Students applying to the Creative Media major should demonstrate their readiness through the combination of creative works and a written statement. Our faculty members seek students who are willing to take creative risks and explore varied approaches to art making and presentation.
Submitting Your Project
Upload your files to Slideroom and finish the application by answering the last questions about yourself in the online form.
Early Decision Benefits
- Find out fast: Get your admission decision months before Regular Decision applicants
- Raise your odds: Compete against a smaller pool of applicants
- Secure your spot: High-demand majors fill up fast. Apply by 11/15
Personal Interviews Are Wonderful!
You can tell a lot about people by simply speaking with them. We encourage virtual Personal Interviews for high school seniors and transfer students interested in applying to Champlain. The conversation is casual—it's like two friends getting to know one another.
Champlain Application Dashboard
Our Application Dashboard allows you to monitor the status of your application and determine if you have any outstanding requirements. If you do not already have an account for our Dashboard, please create one using the same email address you used when applying.
Application Deadlines
| Application Dates | Decision Release Dates* | |
|---|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 | Mid December |
| Early Decision II | December 15 | Mid January |
| Regular Decision | January 15 |
Mid February |
| Transfer | Priority Deadline: June 1 | Rolling |
| Spring Enrollment** |
Priority Deadline: October 1 | Rolling |
All deadlines are 11:59 PM (Eastern Standard Time)
File your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when it becomes available to ensure that your financial aid award includes all of the institutional and federal aid you are eligible to receive.
Champlain's FAFSA code is 003684
*Decision release dates are contingent on receiving all requisite application materials by the stated deadlines, including transcripts and portfolios, if required.
**Certain majors are not eligible for Spring enrollment.
