The Art Test
Communication Design @ Buffalo State
the Art Test
BREAKNG NEWS: An Art Test will be required for entrance into the Communication Design (CMD) program at Buffalo State.
The Art Test is optional for Fall 2013, but will be mandatory for Spring 2014. All incoming students and transfers will be required to take the CMD Art Test for entry to the Spring 2014 semester.
The Art Test will be comprised of 4 elements.
All artwork will be done by hand (specific subject matter will change each semester):
1. A drawing that shows you understand perspective, lighting, and composition. It also shows your technical competence.
2. An advertisement that shows you have a grasp of creative problem solving, typography, color, composition, balance, message, and target audience.
3. Self portrait of some decription that shows imaginative visualization, personal expression, and creativity applicable to the Communication Design field.
4. A one page letter. E.g. A letter to a prominent historical figure in the design field. This shows your ability to do pertinent research, organize thoughts, and express ideas.
When a student is accepted into the Communication Design program with the Art Test, they are exempt from the current Portfolio Review process. Portfolio Review
How the test will be used
The Art Test will be used as a screening tool, much like an SAT score or audition. The Communication Design course sequence is extensive and demanding, requiring the incoming student to have a well-developed artistic sensibility at the outset. The Art Test allows the faculty to judge a student’s talent and skills as they relate to the curriculum.
A student wishing to enroll in the Communication Design program should apply to Buffalo State as early as possible.
Beginning FALL 2013
After admission to the college the prospective student will be provided with the Art Test. The student must submit the Art Test by the deadline for the upcoming semester. The student will be notified if they have or have not passed the Art Test. When a student passes the Art Test they are accepted into the Communication Design program and will be notified through a letter of acceptance.
Art Test Re-Submission
A student who does not pass or misses the entry deadline for the Art Test will be notified by the Buffalo State Admissions office. The student may re-submit the following semester. (maximum of two submissions) The student should enroll in a visual arts major as this will allow him/her to take classes that will contribute to their major. Options include a variety of majors in Design, Fine Arts, or Arts and Letters. The student should take classes that will contribute to the major, including:
FAR101 Drawing I
FAR104 Themes and Issues in Contemporary Arts
DES307 Color Theory
DES101 Introduction to Design 2DI
DES103 Introduction to Design 3D 1
FAR250 Art History I
FAR251 Art History II
Every CMD major or prospective major must attend a Communication Design advisement session during orientation at the beginning of the semester to discuss course selection.
If a prospective student plans on re-applying, they would submit the current version of the Art Test adhering to the deadlines for the following semester. (Maximum of two Art Test submissions allowed)
In addition, the freshman student will continue to take Intellectual Foundations (General Education) courses (CWP101, COM100 and BSC101). The transfer student may enroll in courses unique to Buffalo State to fulfill these requirements. (Diversity, Technology and Society, Oral Communication (SPC205), and Writing Intensive credits, or other courses in the IF, (Intellectual Foundations).
To be considered for internal transfer a student must have a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 at Buffalo State and submit work from the current version of the Art Test by the appropriate deadlines. If a student was not accepted in an earlier application, they must complete the latest version of the Art Test.