Get creative feedback from creative institutions

An education in art and design is a special learning experience. National Portfolio Day is a unique opportunity to meet professional representatives from some of the finest design and visual arts schools in the world.

What are National Portfolio Days?

National Portfolio Days are annual events held typically in multiple locations across the United States, Canada and Europe. These events now include virtual portfolio review days, to provide an online option. OCAD U will be participating online and in-person for many of the National Portfolio Day Association's (NPDA) 2022-2023 events.

The National Portfolio Day Association (NPDA) was created in 1978 solely for the organization and planning of National Portfolio Days. NPDA is the only organization of its kind and the membership represents the highest standard of visual arts education available in the world. For more information about the association visit the National Portfolio Day website.

Explore our Fall visit schedule to see where and when an OCAD U representative will be present at NPD!

Representatives from OCAD U will take part in several of the online and in-person National Portfolio Day Events. Chat with an OCAD U expert, learn about the admissions process and requirements, show your work and have it critiqued. No admission decisions or scholarship awards are offered at National Portfolio Days.

ONLINE

CANADA

UNITED STATES

Each review is 10 minutes long and is with an OCAD U portfolio expert. You can also sign up for appointments with other participating art & design schools around the world. You will want get your best and most recent work together in a multi-page pdf. You'll also want to include work in progress and sketchbooks. Check out these FAQs for more information.

The National Portfolio Day Association has moved some events online to support students, parents, teachers/educators, and counselors during these challenging times. First, you’ll register for free, online. You’ll receive a reminder just before the event date you’ve chosen to attend and on the day of the event, you will simply log in to the online event platform.

To register for the events, visit the National Portfolio Day website. Participate in any of the National Portfolio Day events between now and May 2023. Representatives from OCAD U will be in attendance at select events.

Upcoming Dates
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Portfolio Resources & Tips

Looking for inspiration and tips to start your portfolio? Looking to show off your portfolio now and get feedback? Explore our supports and portfolio review opportunities
Student drawing with chalk on pavement
Portfolio Clinics
Portfolio Clinics are designed for learners between the ages of 15-19 interested in pursuing a creative pathway towards postsecondary education. We are excited to work alongside you in developing your studio art and design skills. This series of workshops encompasses all aspects of the art and design process; these may range from research and conception, to problem solving, to finalizing and sharing.
Link to Portfolio Clinics
Get creative with OCAD U
Creative Prompts and Tips
Follow us on Instagram @ocaduadmissions to participate in our #OCADpromptsU challenge! Work from our creative prompts and share with us for a chance to be featured!
Link to Creative Prompts and Tips
A teacher leans over to assist student with their drawing.
Portfolio Building Events
We can help you build a strong portfolio through online sessions, hands-on workshops with OCAD U instructors and more! Register here to sign up for an event.
Link to Portfolio Building Events
AICAD
AICAD Portfolio Review Portal
Get feedback on your work! Submit 5 complete or in-progress pieces to see if you’re on the right track for your program! (Make sure to select OCAD University as a reviewer.)
Link to AICAD Portfolio Review Portal
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