QUICK ANSWER
A RISD portfolio is a selection, not a collection. RISD asks for 12–20 works, with up to three additional uploads showing process, and says it discourages master copies, fan art, anime and drawing from photographs. Any use of AI should be described. There is no longer a RISD Hometest in the current requirements.
For international students that means two jobs: choose the strongest 12–20 pieces made from observation and your own ideas, and use the process uploads to show how you think, not just what you finished.
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RISD Portfolio Requirements, 2026–27
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Works | 12–20 pieces |
| Process | Up to 3 additional uploads (sketchbooks, studies, development) |
| Discouraged | Master copies, fan art, anime, drawing from photographs |
| AI | Describe any use of AI in the work |
| Hometest | Not part of current requirements |
| English | TOEFL minimum 5 on the new 1–6 scale |
| Early Decision | Apply by November 1; decisions mid-December |
From RISD first-year admissions and portfolio guidance, checked October 2026.
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Building the Selection
- Start from observation. Drawing from life, not photos, answers RISD’s guidance directly.
- Show range inside a direction. Several media are welcome, but the pieces should read as one person’s work.
- Use the three process uploads. Sketchbook pages and studies show thinking the finished pieces cannot.
- Cut weak work. Twelve strong pieces beat twenty uneven ones.
- Plan for the shared first year. RISD students do not enter a department until after the first year, so breadth helps.
FOR KOREAN STUDENTS
In our record RISD admitted 68 of our students but funded 4 (6%); plan the budget before using binding Early Decision. See RISD Early Decision and RISD vs MICA.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many works does RISD want?
12–20, plus up to three uploads showing process.
Can I include drawings from photographs?
RISD discourages drawing from photographs, as well as master copies, fan art and anime.
Does RISD still have a Hometest?
No. The Hometest is not part of RISD’s current requirements.
Can I use AI in my RISD portfolio?
Any AI use should be described in the application.
When is RISD Early Decision?
November 1, with decisions in mid-December.
ROYAL BLUE ART & DESIGN
Our director has taught Korean students for U.S. art schools for 19 years, from our studio in Apgujeong, Seoul. Our results page lists 1,099 acceptances, 2009–2026, each confirmed directly with the student, including 68 at RISD. Call 02-3446-5929 or book a consultation.
From RISD first-year admissions, portfolio and international pages. 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: RISD Early Decision · RISD vs MICA · RISD vs SAIC · Choosing an Academy · Royal Blue Results