What should I include in a WashU Sam Fox portfolio for art and design applications?

A portfolio with drawing, painting, and digital work can absolutely work well as long as it feels intentional and shows range without becoming random.

For art applicants, strong direct-observation work often matters because it shows your ability to see and translate space, proportion, light, and texture. For design-oriented applicants, reviewers also like to see problem-solving, layout, typography, sequencing, digital composition, or any project where you made choices for a purpose.

Include work in a few different mediums if those pieces are all strong, but do not force variety just to check a box. If you have process work, such as sketchbook pages, iterations, thumbnails, or alternate versions, include some of that too, especially for design.

For presentation, photograph physical work cleanly with accurate color, even lighting, and simple cropping. Label each piece clearly with title, medium, dimensions, and date if requested, and use descriptions to briefly explain concept or process only when that adds something the image cannot show.

If you are choosing between pieces, prioritize work that feels specific to you rather than generic assignments. A still life, figure study, poster series, interface mockup, or digital illustration can all be effective if it shows strong decision-making and craftsmanship.