Media Arts & Design

MADD Portfolio

The Media Arts and Design portfolio is the culminating requirement of both the major and the minor. Students assemble a selection of media artworks, artifacts, projects, and/or historical or theoretical writing, supported by an artist statement, project case studies, and clear documentation.

The portfolio asks students to curate their work, reflect on their decisions, and articulate how their projects grow out of the history, theory, and practice they encounter in the curriculum. It also offers space to present a fuller, well-rounded picture of who they are as creative thinkers and nimble makers whose interests, influences, and experiences extend beyond the MADD program. In this way, the portfolio helps students define and share their own trajectory, positioning their work in relation to the wider world and giving visitors (e.g., peers, faculty, potential collaborators, future employers, etc.) a clear sense of who they are as makers and what drives their practice.

submissions: You may submit your portfolio any time during your fourth year once it’s complete and ready for review.
deadline: Your portfolio must be submitted no later than Week 5 of the quarter you are graduating of your fourth year. (Spring Quarter for most)
Submit Portfolio for Review

Resources

These two PDFs are from the MADD Portfolio Workshops.

Bio & Statement Guide

Portfolio Guidelines

Requirements

Questions

Email Jon Satrom, Associate Director of the Media Arts and Design program





MADD system message dialogue screenshot

MADD Portfolio Open Office Hours

Swing by Edelstone and bring your projects, drafts, links, or questions– wherever you’re at. We can help figure out what counts, what’s needed, and how to present it clearly. Low pressure, high bandwidth.

⁉️ mini FAQ:

Q: Do the projects have to represent all my MADD courses?

A: No! The portfolio is a representation of you! Feel free to include work from internships, serious hobbies, side hustles, and more!

Q: Why do I need a portfolio?

A: A portfolio is a way of presenting your work, skills, interests, and point of view. Whether you are applying for jobs, seeking collaborators, or continuing your studies, it helps others see not just what you made, but how you think and what kind of practice you are building.

Q: I have no idea where to start!? (not really a question… 😅)

A: You’re in luck! We have Portfolio Office Hours during the Open Study Sessions from 3–6 every Tuesday, leading up to the deadline. Swing by the MADD offices in the Edelstone Arts Commons (6030 South Ellis Avenue) for snacks, chill study vibes, and ad-hoc advising. Profs Satrom and Mankin will be around from 3–5.

Q: When is the deadline again? Does required mean I need to do it to graduate?

A: You can submit your portfolio any time it’s ready, but no later than end of Week 5. Yes, it’s a graduation requirement–a milestone in My Planner that needs to be completed prior to graduation.

Q: I often leave things to the last minute. Should I do that?

A: 🤔