John Arciniega

Scholarship

1st Place

$3,000

2nd Place

$2,000

Apply

The John Arciniega Scholarship Program, funded by West Edge, was created to serve young individuals living in Laramie County who wish to pursue a career in graphic design, digital media or visual arts.

Deadline to apply is April 7th, 2025

Awards will be presented at the Capital City Art Show on Friday, April 17th, 2025.

Who is eligible

You must be a resident of Laramie County, WY, between the ages of 16 and 22 at the time of application, and demonstrate intention towards a career in graphic design, digital media or the visual arts.

What to include

In addition to completing an application, please include:

  • 3 recommendation letters
  • Proof of residence
  • Video essay submission
  • Digital portfolio with 5-8 visual examples of your work

All applicants must submit their materials digitally.

Once submitted, applicants will receive an email notification of receipt.

Application review

All applications for the John Arciniega Scholarship Program will be reviewed by a panel team of community members and West Edge staff, specifically selected based on background and experience in the creative arts industries.

Questions

For questions about eligibility, application requirements, etc., please email Nicole Cameron at East High School.

Application checklist

Application

Fill out the entire application form online.

Proof of residence

Include a photo/scan of a driver’s license or other ID that shows proof of residency within Laramie County, WY.

Recommendation letters (3)

Three recommendation letters are required for each applicant to demonstrate work ethic, passion, experience and success in the applicant’s chosen field.

Letters must come from an adult the individual is close to, such as a family friend, mentor, teacher, coworker or manager, etc.

If possible, at least one recommendation letter should come from a teacher or instructor the applicant has a connection with, who can speak on behalf of the applicant and their future in the desired field.

Video essay

Applicants are required to submit a link to a video “essay”—no more than 3 minutes in length—expressing the following:

  • An influential moment that has shaped their career goals or led them to their chosen field, such as:
    ○ A first experience with their chosen media
    ○ An influential person who has helped to guide them
  • Goals for use of the scholarship funds and how they plan to use them further their career

Keep in mind; submission reviewers will see many of videos from many applicants!  What sets you apart? What will make your submission memorable?

Digital portfolio

All applicants are required to submit a digital portfolio demonstrating examples of their work in any of the following areas:

  • Graphic design
  • Animation
  • Web design or development
  • Videography or photography
  • Traditional visual arts media (painting, drawing, sculpture, mixed media, etc.)
  • Other related field; please reach out to Nicole Cameron at East High School if you are unsure

Portfolios must fulfill the following requirements to be considered:

  • Include between 5-8 visual examples of the applicants’ work
  • Be presented in a professional manner, in digital format
    ○ Behance, Adobe Spark, a website, or other digital representation are acceptable
    ○ Instagram, Facebook or other social media will not be considered as a professional portfolio submission

Digital media (such as videography) applicants should plan to have their work submitted through workable links (YouTube, website, etc.)

For more guidance, see portfolio tips below.

Portfolio tips

Choose only your best work

Prioritize quality over quantity. It’s better to have a few strong pieces than to show everything you have ever done.

Showcase a range of skills

Show your abilities in multiple different mediums, such as (but not limited to!) drawing, videography, painting, photography, graphic design, digital art, mixed media, animation or 3D.

Demonstrate compositional and technical understanding

Choose pieces that show an understanding of composition (such as balance, contrast, hierarchy, scale, etc.) and technical proficiency (such as perspective, lighting, shading, etc.)

Use high-quality files

Scan or photograph traditional mediums. Use good lighting and remove any background distractions. Check your work for fingerprints or dust before you photograph it. Don’t edit photographs of your artwork to distort its true color.

Use high-quality, finalized files of any digital work to ensure there is no pixelation.

Include a brief artist statement with each piece

Explain what inspired your work, your creative process and any themes expressed. If this is commissioned work, explain what the client’s ask was. Keep this to 3 to 5 sentences, if possible.

Use a professional online portfolio platform

Online platforms allow you to share your portfolio with a simple link. Below are a few good options, but this is not an exhaustive list: