GRAPHIC DESIGN PORTFOLIO REVIEW
EXTENDED DEADLINE:
11:59 PM CST/Sun, Nov 1, 2026
The deadline has been extended from October 25 to November 1 to identify and accommodate students who are missing projects due to Aaron McElfish's unfortunate passing. For more information, watch this short video. Contact Professor Cassie Hester (she/her) at chester@caad.msstate.edu if you have questions.
IMPORTANT DATES/EVENTS
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GRAPHIC DESIGN PORTFOLIO REVIEW WORKSHOP
05:00–06:15 PM, Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Hunter Henry Center/Room 1110
During this mandatory workshop, GD faculty will discuss the portfolio review process in detail, answer student questions, and show applicants how to correctly resize and export files for submission. Pizza will be served! (If you were unable to attend the workshop, you may still participate in the GDPR. However, it's your responsibility to contact a peer to review what you missed.)
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AIGA PORTFOLIO PARTIES
06:00 PM/Monday, September 28 + 06:00 PM/Monday, October 19
Hunter Henry Center/Room 1110
@aigamsu — check Instagram for updates and additional info!
Applying to the Graphic Design Concentration? Join an AIGA MSU Portfolio Party to receive feedback, advice, and assistance on your in-progress portfolio. During this help session, interested students will meet with current GD students via the AIGA MSU Student Group to discuss their portfolios, and receive insight on the review process.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN PORTFOLIO REVIEW EXTENDED DEADLINE
11:59 PM, Sunday, November 1, 2026
Students will apply via Submittable. Students may begin drafting their applications and uploading the required files on Wednesday, September 16th and continue to make changes until the extended deadline. Don't forget to hit "submit" before the deadline!
GRAPHIC DESIGN PORTFOLIO REVIEW RESOURCES
2026 Graphic Design Portfolio Review Workshop Handout (this link will open a PDF) — This 7-page handout contains a comprehensive overview along with detailed instructions. GD faculty presented this document during the workshop.
Academic Record Form (this link will open a PDF)
Portfolio Review Examples (this link will open a PDF) — This 10-page document contains examples of previous GDPR work.
WHAT IS THE GRAPHIC DESIGN PORTFOLIO REVIEW?
The Graphic Design Portfolio Review (GDPR) occurs every Fall semester — it is only offered once per year.
It is a closed-door evaluation of your artwork after completion of the following courses in the Department of Art BFA Program (or their transferred equivalent): Design I & II, Drawing I & II, 3D Design, and Digital Design I. Students who are currently enrolled in 3D Design and/or Digital Design I are eligible to apply.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE GRAPHIC DESIGN PORTFOLIO REVIEW?
The enrollment demand for the graphic design program is very high and classroom spaces and resources are limited. Only the top students will be selected for entry into the concentration. Students must pass the portfolio review in order to enter the graphic design concentration.
If you have questions, please contact:
Cassie Hester (she/her) | Associate Professor of Art/Graphic Design
chester@caad.msstate.edu
page updated by CH (10/21/26)