Our group portfolio prep course is designed for high school students in their sophomore to senior years looking to apply to art and design colleges or universities. We help students develop a focused, unique portfolio with guidance from creative professionals and MFA graduates. The course emphasizes observational drawing, material exploration, and nurturing individual styles. Students will enhance technical skills, expand creativity, and hone their artistic voice, completing the course with a personalized final project and 6-12 works to include in their portfolio. Prior art experience is recommended but not required.* Ages 15+
KEY INFO
January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15 (2026)
4 - 6 pm
6 sessions
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 2nd
MADE WEST PHILLY: 4719 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
PROJECTS + OBJECTIVES
Establish a visual narrative that expresses who you are
Mark-making and surface applications
Observational drawing techniques and exercises
Still life and value studies
Mixed media and material exploration
Individualized final project
Learn how to document your work
Students will leave with 6-12 pieces to add to their portfolio
RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES
While every student’s chosen mediums may vary, this course will focus on using the following:
1 Canson XL Mix Media Pad, 60 pages white, 9"x12"
1 Drawing Pad, 30 pages white, 18"x24"
1 Drawing Clip Board, 23"x26"
1 Faber-Castell 9000 Set of 12 Graphite Pencils in different grades of softness and hardness
1 General's Charcoal Drawing Assortment (2 charcoal pencils, 3 compressed charcoal sticks, 4 willow charcoal sticks, sharpener, kneaded eraser)
1 Faber-Castell Goldfaber Studio Soft Pastel Set
1 pack of 4 Tortillons, medium (for smoothing and blending charcoal)
1 Staedtler 2-Hole Pencil Sharpener
1 Staedtler Mars White Plastic Eraser
END
Our group portfolio prep course is designed for high school students in their sophomore to senior years looking to apply to art and design colleges or universities. We help students develop a focused, unique portfolio with guidance from creative professionals and MFA graduates. The course emphasizes observational drawing, material exploration, and nurturing individual styles. Students will enhance technical skills, expand creativity, and hone their artistic voice, completing the course with a personalized final project and 6-12 works to include in their portfolio. Prior art experience is recommended but not required.* Ages 15+
KEY INFO
January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8, 15 (2026)
4 - 6 pm
6 sessions
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: January 2nd
MADE WEST PHILLY: 4719 Pine St, Philadelphia, PA 19143
PROJECTS + OBJECTIVES
Establish a visual narrative that expresses who you are
Mark-making and surface applications
Observational drawing techniques and exercises
Still life and value studies
Mixed media and material exploration
Individualized final project
Learn how to document your work
Students will leave with 6-12 pieces to add to their portfolio
RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES
While every student’s chosen mediums may vary, this course will focus on using the following:
1 Canson XL Mix Media Pad, 60 pages white, 9"x12"
1 Drawing Pad, 30 pages white, 18"x24"
1 Drawing Clip Board, 23"x26"
1 Faber-Castell 9000 Set of 12 Graphite Pencils in different grades of softness and hardness
1 General's Charcoal Drawing Assortment (2 charcoal pencils, 3 compressed charcoal sticks, 4 willow charcoal sticks, sharpener, kneaded eraser)
1 Faber-Castell Goldfaber Studio Soft Pastel Set
1 pack of 4 Tortillons, medium (for smoothing and blending charcoal)
1 Staedtler 2-Hole Pencil Sharpener
1 Staedtler Mars White Plastic Eraser
END
