OCAD University has created a unique program of day-long workshops designed to give you the opportunity to explore new territory, build confidence in your skills as a visual communicator and get a sense of what it's like to be a student here.
Start the day in a presentation about how to build a strong portfolio, followed by the workshop of your choice designed to inform and inspire your creativity. You will either complete a piece of work to include in your portfolio or learn a new skill that will enable you to create new work. The workshops provide a great opportunity to study with professionals.
Workshops run for a full day. The cost of the workshop covers instruction and most materials. Not all workshops are available at every scheduled date.
Please note that the Portfolio Clinics are primarily designed for those who are interested in applying to a post-secondary art or design school. The curriculum of the workshops is not appropriate for students under the age of 15.
SAMPLE WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS
AUGMENTED REALITY
Imagine how augmented reality can enhance your art and design practice. Mobile technology plays a large role in our everyday lives, within this section you will use Auramsa, an augmented reality app, as a device for storytelling and wayfinding. You will be encouraged to attach text and images to specific surfaces and geographical locations, in an attempt to create a virtual reality that depends on physical reference point.
MODEL MAKING
This workshop is intended for students interested in Industrial and Furniture Design. Students will generate a scale model of an object of their choice using extruded polystyrene foam. Students will be introduced to examples of foam in model making and the various tools required. It is advised that students generate their own design sketches of household items to model, examples: teapot, jug, sofa, chair, screwdriver, spray bottle, etc. Communicate your designs spatially, an important skill every designer will need in their toolkit.
FIGURE DRAWING
This workshop focuses on observing and representing the human figure. Drawing techniques will be explored through a variety of exercises that focus on the principles of composition, proportion, form, light and shadow, volume through line and tone, as well as contour drawing. The workshop will begin with short gesture poses and work towards longer sustained poses. Learn to observe and translate what’s around you in three dimensions to the page in front of you.
