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The Portfolio Advantage

Want to explore the world of illustration and design? These courses will introduce you to a range of materials and techniques. We recommend them for those wishing to build a portfolio for art school entry.

PRINCIPLES OF DRAWING & PAINTING

In this introductory course, you learn how to develop your skills in both drawing and painting. Build your portfolio as you learn basic compositional solutions as well as how to handle a variety of media (pencil, charcoal, pastel, acrylics and ink). You will come away with a better understanding of media and how to apply them on different surfaces. Please note this course is mostly black & white drawing and painting media, with some introductory use of color. Course fee includes supplies.

LIFE DRAWING

Life drawing is a foundation skill needed for all types of visual arts, particularly animation. Using gesture drawing from a live model, you learn the basic principles of observational skills, and develop your understanding of volume, form and line. Work on your portfolio and improve your drawing skills under the guidance of an expert instructor. Bring a 2b pencil and 50 sheets of white copy paper or a sketchbook of at least 11" × 14" to the first class. Price includes the weekly model fee.

Work from Student Application Portfolios

Featured
Happy Halloween featuring illustrations from our first-year students (IDEA Grad 2026)
Happy Halloween featuring illustrations from our first-year students (IDEA Grad 2026)

We’re thrilled to feature some work from first-year IDEA School of Design students (IDEA Grad 2026)! Shown above: “Harvest Moon” by Mena Mcgill (IDEA Grad 2026). Early Applications for IDEA School of Design Fall 2023 begin November 4, 2022, on SlideRoom. Explore CapU, the in-person open house for CapU’s IDEA School of Design is Nov. 19, 2022!

Early Applications for IDEA School of Design Fall 2023 begin November 4, 2022 on SlideRoom
Early Applications for IDEA School of Design Fall 2023 begin November 4, 2022 on SlideRoom

Study design in North Vancouver at IDEA School of Design!

IDEA School of Design at Capilano University in North Vancouver has a reputation for industry-ready graduates. Entry to the Bachelor Of Design In Visual Communication and Interaction Design Diploma program is competitive, and applicants must submit a portfolio and other documents through the online portal SlideRoom.

Applications for Fall 2023 open Friday, November 4, 2022. Come checkout the in-person open house for CapU’s IDEA School of Design - Nov. 19 2022 CapU Campus. Shown above: “Embrace” watercolor painting by Louis Yau (IDEA Grad 2026)

Find out how to apply and check out additional samples of pieces from a typical student application portfolio.

Late Applications for IDEA School of Design Fall 2022 (IDEA Grad 2026) close Wednesday April 13th
Late Applications for IDEA School of Design Fall 2022 (IDEA Grad 2026) close Wednesday April 13th

Looking for design, illustration, or interactive design education in Vancouver? Study at the IDEA School of Design!

The Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication at Capilano University in North Vancouver has a reputation for industry-ready graduates. Entry to the Bachelor of Design is competitive, and applicants must submit a portfolio and other documents through the online portal SlideRoom.

Shown above: “Pizzazz!” branding/product design by Lily Rosen (IDEA Grad 2025) as part of her application to IDEA School of Design.

Find out how to apply and check out additional samples of pieces from IDEA Grad 2025 student application portfolios.

Matte Soda Can Top View Mockup by Anthony Boyd Graphics

Happy Valentine's Day from IDEA School of Design!
Happy Valentine's Day from IDEA School of Design!

Looking for design, illustration, or interactive design education in Vancouver? Study at the IDEA School of Design!

The Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication at Capilano University in North Vancouver has a reputation for industry-ready graduates. Admission to the program is competitive, and applicants must submit a portfolio and other documents through the online portal SlideRoom.

Late Admission for the Fall 2022 Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication closes Wednesday, April 13, 2022.

Shown above: “You Are Loved” lettering design by Celina Zhong (IDEA Grad 2024).

Late Applications for IDEA School of Design Fall 2022 close April 13. Let us help you prepare with Portfolio Day on February 12
Late Applications for IDEA School of Design Fall 2022 close April 13. Let us help you prepare with Portfolio Day on February 12

Looking for design, illustration, or interactive design education in Vancouver? Study at the IDEA School of Design!

The Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication at Capilano University in North Vancouver has a reputation for industry-ready graduates. Admission to the program is competitive, and applicants must submit a portfolio and other documents through the online portal SlideRoom.

Shown above: “La Casa Gelato App” Figma design by Rayna Lai (IDEA Grad 2025) as part of her application to IDEA School of Design.

Find out how to apply and check out additional samples of pieces from IDEA Grad 2025 student application portfolios. RSVP for Portfolio Day on Saturday, February 12th, 2022!

First-year students (IDEA Grad 2025) offer their advice and experiences applying to IDEA School of Design
First-year students (IDEA Grad 2025) offer their advice and experiences applying to IDEA School of Design

Early Applications for Fall 2022 at IDEA School of Design close January 26, 2022!

Entry to the Bachelor of Design is competitive, and applicants must submit a portfolio and other documents through the online portal SlideRoom.

First-year students (IDEA Grad 2025) offer their advice and experiences applying to the Bachelor of Design (BDes) program at Capilano University. We hope a first-hand student perspective will give you more insight and direction on the application process.

Shown above: “Depersonalization - Red” by Liza Borissova (IDEA Grad 2025) as part of her application to IDEA School of Design.

Happy Halloween featuring student application images and new work from our first-year students (IDEA Grad 2025)
Happy Halloween featuring student application images and new work from our first-year students (IDEA Grad 2025)

We’re thrilled to feature some of the work from IDEA School of Design first-year students (IDEA Grad 2025) as part of their application to IDEA and new work this term!

Shown above: “The Woods Have Eyes” by Emma D. (IDEA Grad 2025) as part of her application to IDEA School of Design at Capilano University.

“A small looping animation I did based on the silver birch/aspen trees.”

Early Applications for IDEA School of Design Fall 2022 begin Friday, November 5, 2021 on SlideRoom. Explore CapU Virtual Open House is on Saturday, November 20, 2021.

Early Applications for IDEA School of Design Fall 2022 begin Monday, November 8, 2021 on SlideRoom
Early Applications for IDEA School of Design Fall 2022 begin Monday, November 8, 2021 on SlideRoom

Study design in North Vancouver at IDEA School of Design!

Entry to the Bachelor of Design program at Capilano University is competitive, and applicants must submit a portfolio and other documents through the online portal SlideRoom.

Applications for Fall 2022 open Monday, November 8, 2021. Explore CapU Virtual Open House is on Saturday, November 20, 2021 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.).

Shown above: “Cut off” digital painting by Lauren Howard (IDEA Grad 2025) as part of her application portfolio.

Find out how to apply and check out additional samples of pieces from a typical student application portfolio.

Second-year students (IDEA Grad 2024) offer their advice to students considering applying to IDEA School of Design
Second-year students (IDEA Grad 2024) offer their advice to students considering applying to IDEA School of Design

Entry to the Bachelor of Design is competitive, and applicants must submit a portfolio and other documents through the online portal SlideRoom.

Second-year students (IDEA Grad 2024) offer their advice to students applying to the Bachelor of Design (BDes) program at Capilano University. We hope a first-hand student perspective will give you more insight and direction on the application process.

Applications for Fall 2022 open Friday, November 5, 2021. Explore CapU Virtual Open House is on Saturday, November 20, 2021 (10 a.m. – 6 p.m.).

Check out this story!

Late Applications for IDEA School of Design Fall 2021 close April 14. Let us help you prepare with Portfolio Day on Saturday, March 12
Late Applications for IDEA School of Design Fall 2021 close April 14. Let us help you prepare with Portfolio Day on Saturday, March 12

Study design in North Vancouver at IDEA School of Design!

Entry to the Bachelor of Design program at Capilano University is competitive, and applicants must submit a portfolio and other documents through the online portal SlideRoom.

Shown above: 3-part Book Cover Redesign by Nuha Thayyib (IDEA Grad 2024) as part of her application to IDEA School of Design.

Find out how to apply and check out additional samples of pieces from IDEA Grad 2024 student application portfolios. Let us help you prepare with Portfolio Day on Saturday, March 12!