Our group portfolio prep course is tailored for students aiming for art, design, or fashion colleges and universities in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. We help you develop a focused and unique portfolio with expert guidance and attention from creative professionals and MFA graduates. The course emphasizes observational studies through drawing and material exploration, while nurturing each student’s individual approach. You will improve your technical skills, expand your creative vision, and discover your unique artistic voice. We’ll hone your tools so you shine at your next portfolio review! Students will complete 6-12 original works and a personalized final project to include in their portfolio. Previous 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 tailored for students aiming for art, design, or fashion colleges and universities in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. We help you develop a focused and unique portfolio with expert guidance and attention from creative professionals and MFA graduates. The course emphasizes observational studies through drawing and material exploration, while nurturing each student’s individual approach. You will improve your technical skills, expand your creative vision, and discover your unique artistic voice. We’ll hone your tools so you shine at your next portfolio review! Students will complete 6-12 original works and a personalized final project to include in their portfolio. Previous 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
