Graphic Design Scholarships
The Carthage Art & Design Program offers a number of competitive scholarships to prospective graphic design, studio art, photography, art education and film and animation majors. Scholarships are also available for graphic design, animation, photography, and film and new media minors.
When and How to Apply
The 2025-26 scholarship season has concluded. Information for the 2026-27 season will be updated over the summer.
You can apply for a graphic design scholarship through February 14, 2026.
The scholarship portfolio reviews will take place on November 15, 2025, January 31, 2026 and February 7, 14 and 21, 2026. In-person and virtual portfolio reviews are available. If you visit Carthage before Feb. 21, please contact us at carthageart@carthage.edu to set up an alternate review time and studio tour.
Note: Students entering midyear should apply for a November scholarship review date. Students entering in fall should apply for a February scholarship review date. The results of all interviews and portfolio reviews will be included in the applicant’s financial aid package.
Portfolio Review
Scholarships are awarded based upon a review of the applicant’s portfolio by faculty members of the Art & Design Program, which includes Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art Education, Photography, Animation, Film and New Media. You will have the opportunity to share and discuss your portfolio with faculty – talking about your ideas, materials, processes, and aspirations as a developing artist or designer. In-person reviews include a personal tour of the Art & Design studios, computer labs, and facilities.
what to bring to your portfolio review
1. A portfolio consisting of approximately 15 or more of your best pieces in a variety of media. This may be work you have made in school and/or outside of classes. Sketchbooks are welcome!
Types of media may include: animation, ceramics, crafts, digital art, drawing, film, graphic design, metal, painting, photography, printmaking, sound art, wood, video, web design, etc. If your work includes writing (screenwriting, short stories, poetry, etc.), you may want to include 1-3 writing samples.
It is good to include both a breadth of work and any in-depth explorations in your work. We really want to get to know your abilities and potential!
- For in-person reviews, please bring the actual artworks.
- For pieces you cannot bring, please send digital images or a link.
- If your work is primarily digital, you may want to showcase your work in a slideshow presentation or a website.
Links should be sent before your interview to carthageart@carthage.edu.
- For virtual reviews, please share digital portfolios, web links or video links with carthageart@carthage.edu.
2. Your resume.
3. One letter of recommendation (preferably from a teacher or mentor).
TIPS FOR SELECTING WORK FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO
- Have an art or design teacher or mentor help you choose your best and most representative works.
- If you work in sketchbooks, or have other process work, these are welcome at your review.
PORTFOLIO PROJECT IDEAS
When we say “graphic design”, this includes finished products like logos, brochures, and T-shirt designs. We’ll be looking for strong skills in conceptualization, image-making, typography, and color use. We’ll also be looking for original concepts started by hand, as well as work that features your own images and photos. If you need ideas for graphic design projects, consider doing work for your school, find a non-profit in need of designs (search for work in your area), or look on call-for-design websites (such as ).
INTERVIEW PREPARATION FOR GRAPHIC DESIGN
The scholarship interview is your opportunity to convey your interest and passion for graphic design. What interests you about being a designer? Even if you are just starting out, if you have a great passion and perhaps the start of some strong projects, we want to meet with you! Where do you get your inspiration? Who are your favorite designers or artists? Do you ever check out the student section of AIGA.com? What would you like to be involved in at Carthage? DRAFT, our graphic design group? Our newspaper? Getting to know you is an important part of this interview.
Questions?
For more information, please contact the Art & Design Program at carthageart@carthage.edu or 262-551-6247.
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