QUICK ANSWER
Online portfolio programmes can do some parts of U.S. art school preparation well, such as feedback on digital work, essays and practice videos. The part they handle least well is work made from direct observation, which many schools now require by name. SVA asks for at least three pieces from direct observation. CalArts Character Animation asks for 15 or more observational works. ArtCenter Illustration asks for 8–12 live-model figure drawings.
So the useful question is not “online or in person?” but which parts of this student’s application need a studio, and which can be done on a screen?
We are an in-person studio in Apgujeong, so we have an interest in this question. We have tried to answer it from what schools publish rather than from our preference, and to say plainly where online help is a good fit.
STUDIO / SCREEN · 1
What Schools Require That Is Made From Life
| School / programme | Observation or life drawing requirement (2026–27) |
|---|---|
| SVA (most majors) | At least 3 of 15–20 images from direct observation |
| RISD | Some pieces based on direct observation; drawing from photos or video discouraged |
| CalArts Character Animation | 15 or more observational works, plus a sketchbook video |
| ArtCenter Illustration | 8–12 live-model figure drawings within 20–25 pieces |
| ArtCenter Entertainment Design (Concept) | At least 6 analog live-model figure drawings |
From each school’s admissions pages, checked October 2026. Note that CalArts Experimental Animation takes the opposite view and generally does not accept figure or still life drawings.
Drawing from a live model or a real still life needs a model, a set-up and a teacher who can see the drawing and the subject together. It can be done without a studio, but it is much harder to teach well through a screen.
STUDIO / SCREEN · 2
What Online Help Does Well
- Written work. Statements and essays can be reviewed well remotely, provided the words stay the student’s own. SVA forbids AI-generated text in its application.
- Video practice. ArtCenter’s 60–90 second video essay and CalArts’ 30–90 second introduction can be rehearsed and reviewed over video calls.
- Digital and design projects. Process for graphic, interaction or product design projects can be shared and critiqued on screen.
- Access. For students outside a major city, online feedback may be the only specialist option.
STUDIO / SCREEN · 3
A Simple Way to Decide
| If the student… | In-person studio | Online can work |
|---|---|---|
| Needs observational and figure drawing | Strongly preferred | Difficult |
| Is applying mainly in design with digital process | Helpful | Often enough |
| Needs essays and video practice | Helpful | Works well |
| Lives far from specialist teaching | Not always possible | Good option |
A general guide; each student’s mix of schools and majors decides it.
COSTS IN CONTEXT
Whatever route a family chooses for preparation, the larger cost comes later. 2026–27 tuition is $66,460 at RISD, $64,703 at Pratt, $62,954 at CalArts and $55,270 at SVA, before housing. Preparation that improves scholarship chances can matter more than the price of the preparation itself. Our records show award rates ranging from 6% of our RISD admits (4 of 68) to 82% at Otis (31 of 38).
Our guide to what makes a strong portfolio sets out what we look for, and the other half of the application covers essays and videos.
STUDIO / SCREEN · 4
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare a U.S. art school portfolio fully online?
For some design-focused applications, largely yes. For schools that require direct observation or live-model drawing, an in-person studio makes that part much easier to do well.
Which schools require observational drawing?
For 2026–27, examples include SVA (at least 3 pieces), RISD (some pieces), CalArts Character Animation (15 or more) and ArtCenter Illustration (8–12 live-model figure drawings).
Is there a school that does not want observational drawing?
Yes. CalArts Experimental Animation says figure, landscape, still life and perspective drawings are generally not acceptable.
What can online feedback do well?
Essays, video practice and review of digital design projects, as long as the work and words remain the student’s own.
Can I combine online and in-person preparation?
Yes. Many students could use in-person time for observational work and online sessions for writing and video practice.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
For 19 years we have prepared Korean students for U.S. art schools from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our public record lists 1,099 acceptances confirmed directly with students. As an in-person studio, we can work on drawing from life alongside essays and videos. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
Requirements from SVA, RISD, CalArts and ArtCenter admissions pages; tuition from each school’s 2026–27 published figures. Royal Blue figures from our results record (2009–2026). Checked October 2026. If something here has changed, tell us and we will correct it.
Related reading: A Strong Portfolio · The Other Half · CalArts Experimental Animation · SVA: Before You Apply · Royal Blue Results