Submit an online application to Capilano University, this is required before you submit your portfolio.
Applicants must submit their portfolio through the online portal SlideRoom.
upload to SlideRoom
The portfolio must consist of 15–24 images demonstrating your artistic and creative skills. Post only your best and most recent work. The portfolio should consist of a variety of the following types of artwork:
Life Drawing: Quick sketches, gesture drawings and sustained drawings of the human figure, clothed or nude or animals in various action poses. The drawings should show accurate proportions and your ability to draw structure (the simple shapes that make up the form). Make sure these drawings show a diversity of poses and angles (i.e. More than front on or profile views). Studies of anatomy, faces, hands, etc… are good additions.
Prop and Location Designs: This would include drawings of objects, location designs, scenery, vehicles, architectural drawings, still life, etc...These drawings should convey an understanding of line, light and shadow, colour, design and perspective.
Original Character Designs: This will showcase your interest in animated characters. This may include action poses, character expressions, model sheets, turnarounds and illustrations.
Original drawings, designs, sculpture, paintings or computer graphics work:
These will showcase other related artistic abilities and interests. This may be a selection of artwork that best describes your personal artistic interests and influences as well as the depth of your artistic achievements and may include website design, computer graphics, 3D images, motion graphics, fine art, photography or sculpture work.
Traditional and hand-drawn work should be scanned. If you don't have access to a scanner check your local library or school. In a pinch a digital camera will work, however, the quality will likely not be as good due to lighting issues (like using a flash). Photographing artwork on an overcast day without a flash will give better results.
In addition to uploading a portfolio, you will also be required to answer some questions that address your interests and reasons for applying to the 3D Animation for Film and Games diploma program.
Once you create your account in SlideRoom, you can begin uploading your portfolio and other requirements. Take your time; you may edit your submission as much as you like but remember that we can review it only after you click the SUBMIT button!
What not to include in your portfolio
Originality is vital. Do not submit work that is not your own. If you have to include drawings you made from an anatomy book or any kind of group project, make sure you label what is not yours and whose work it is. If we see work that is not yours but looks like you're trying to pass it off as yours, it will reflect poorly on the whole portfolio.
Drawing from photographs is less impressive than drawings from life because, with a photo, much of the work is done for you already (and it usually looks flat and lifeless anyway). If you have to send us drawings you copied from photos, make sure you still have lots of examples of life drawing and sketchbook work.
Good luck!
Important Dates and Deadlines
Fall 2025
- Apply to Capilano University before submitting your portfolio to SlideRoom.
- Portfolios submitted without a corresponding University program application will not be reviewed.
- The deadline for uploading your portfolio is 11:59 p.m. (PST) on March 11, 2025.
- Only portfolios uploaded to SlideRoom will be reviewed.
Applicants are encouraged to attend one of our free open house sessions before applying in order to see the facilities, talk to students, observe their work and ask questions about our programs.
This program is an Unreal Engine academic partner.
