Digital Media Design Entrance Portfolio
Important: Generative AI systems are becoming invaluable tools in our industry. However, since we’re assessing your aptitude and skill level, use of AI for the portfolio will be seen as academic dishonesty and result in a disqualified portfolio.
Program Application Deadline: March 1, 2027
Portfolio Submission Deadline: April 30, 2027 at 5pm
The ability to meet deadlines is a crucial skill. Therefore, handing the portfolio in on time is part of the admission process. No portfolios will be accepted after this deadline.
The mandate of the Digital Media Design (DMD) program is to provide comprehensive training in visual arts and design for a broad range of new media. Specifically, DMD students are trained in web and mobile design and development, photography and video production, motion graphic design, 3D animation, graphic design and illustration.
Portfolio Instructions
As part of the application process for the DMD program, you will submit an entrance portfolio featuring 3 to 5 original pieces that showcase your aptitude for art and design. We welcome a diverse range of mediums, including everything from drawing, photography, and graphic design to 3D work, animation, video and film work, and web design. While not strictly required, including a few behind-the-scenes sketches, drafts, or early concepts of your 3 to 5 pieces can boost your score by showing us how you develop an idea from start to finish.
Special Selection
We require applicants to submit an entrance portfolio. This portfolio is graded by a committee, and the applicants achieving the highest grades on the portfolio are granted entrance into the program.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for people who love to create and are passionate about design. We’re also looking for those that demonstrate an eye for detail, craftsmanship, artistic talent, a variety of abilities, and a strong work ethic, as these are the key components to being a successful new media designer. But don’t be intimidated: do your best and try to have fun with this. Good Luck!
Before You Begin Working on the Portfolio
Make sure that you have applied for the DMD program. Apply online or at the Student Service Centre on the main floor of 160 Princess Street in Winnipeg.
Handing In Your Portfolio
Hearing Back From Us
After the admission committee has assessed all of the portfolios, you will be contacted by RRC Polytech Enrolment Services letting you know if your portfolio score falls within acceptable range. If so, you will be required to attend a June informational session in which we will hand out all of the specs for the laptop and camera, and also give you a chance to ask questions about the program.
We will then begin sending out letters of admittance to qualified applicants based on portfolio scores in descending order until all available seats are filled. Five to seven people with the lowest acceptable portfolio scores will be placed on a waitlist. Once the program starts in September, anyone still on the waitlist will have their application cancelled and must re-apply if they wish to try again for program entry in the following year.
How the Portfolio is Marked
Your portfolio will be evaluated by faculty using a rubric that looks beyond just the finished product. We score each submission based on your technical skill, creative concepts, and your ability to visually communicate ideas. While the final pieces carry the most weight, showing your creative development through drafts or sketches can earn you valuable insight points. Our goal is to assess your readiness for the program and your potential to grow into a successful digital media professional.
| Criteria | Developing (0-2 Points) | Proficient (3-4 Points) | Exemplary (5 Points) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creativity and Originality | Work relies heavily on existing tropes, templates, or direct copies. Ideas are predictable or lack a personal perspective. | Pieces show a unique personal voice, interesting concepts, or creative problem-solving. Avoids standard clichés. | Exceptional originality and innovative thinking. The work is highly engaging, memorable, and pushes creative boundaries. |
| Technical Skill and Execution | Demonstrates basic familiarity with the chosen medium, but execution lacks control, neatness, or fundamental technique. | Good technical control of the medium (composition, colour, lighting, typography, or timing). The work is clean and well-executed. | Outstanding technical mastery. Execution is polished, precise, and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the chosen medium. |
| Visual Communication | It is difficult to understand the intent, message, or story behind the pieces. Composition or layout is confusing. | Clearly communicates an idea, mood, or narrative. The visual elements work together effectively to support the concept. | Powerful visual storytelling or communication. The intent of the piece is immediately clear and emotionally or intellectually impactful. |
| Creative Process | No process work, sketches, or early concepts are provided. | Includes some basic sketches or rough drafts that give a glimpse into how the project was planned. | Includes well-documented stages of development (ideation sketches, iterations, wireframes, or other behind-the-scenes details) that clearly demonstrate a strong workflow and problem-solving journey. |
RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.
We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.