At ArtCenter, we believe that communicating the motivation and process behind your work can be as important as the final piece itself. So we ask you to share with us the story behind one of your pieces of work in a video essay format.Address the following questions in your essay:Why did you choose to create this piece?How did you approach the making of this piece?What aspects of this piece satisfied your intentions?What, if anything, might you change about your piece?Instructions:Select one piece from your portfolio.Identify the title and date of the piece.Make sure to list the title of the piece in Slideroom so that we can reference the correct piece.Length of your video essay should not exceed 2 minutes total.Upload the video essay to Slideroom along with the rest of your portfolio. (For Film applicants only, include your video essay with your portfolio submission to filmportfolio@artcenter.edu. Upload the video to Vimeo and submit the link.)Please Note:While it is okay to plan your thoughts before recording the video, we prefer that you do not write out an essay and read it aloud.While a visual component is required, if you would prefer not to appear in the video, you do not have to. You are welcome to create whatever visuals best support your presentation.It is the content of your submission that we are interested in. Don’t be concerned about production quality. Use the technology and resources that are readily available to you. Feel free to use your phone, for instance, to create your video.
The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don't feel obligated to do so.
650 words
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.