PORTFOLIO
FOUNDATIONS
Develop essential drawing skills and explore your creative voice. Build a strong portfolio in this four-week studio course made for emerging artists, designers, and creatives.
Develop foundational drawing skills through introductory studies of line, proportion, composition, light, and shadow. Working from still lifes, draped fabric, and live models, students learn to translate three-dimensional (3D) subjects into expressive two-dimensional (2D) representations. Through guided exercises, independent assignments, and visual research, students will refine their personal creative direction and translate their interests into original work. The course culminates in an independent project, a group critique, and an individual portfolio assessment, supporting continued development and preparation for Made Institute’s Fashion Certificate Program and other courses offered, or for continued work or study in creative fields.
DATES
Choose your session:
New four-week sessions begin monthly.
Mondays & Fridays (6-9 pm) | 4 weeks | 8 classes
November 13, 16, 20, 23, 30, December 4, 7, 11th (closed for Thanksgiving)
January 4, 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 25, 29, February 1st (closed for MLK Jr. Day)
Registration Deadline: Third week of the month
MADE RITTENHOUSE: 1719 Chestnut St, Second Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
PROJECTS + OBJECTIVES
WEEK 1: LEARNING TO SEE
Gesture and contour drawing
Proportion and negative space
Light, shadow, and volume
Still-life and fabric studies
Independent observational assignment
WEEK 2: THE BODY IN MOTION
Drawing from live clothed models
Gesture, movement, and proportion
Fabric, folds, and the body
Expressive mark-making
Independent figure-based assignment
WEEK 3: EXPLORATION AND PERSONAL VOICE
Experimental drawing and mixed media
Visual research and concept development
Material exploration
Individual project proposals
Preliminary studies and group critique
WEEK 4: INDEPENDENT PROJECT AND PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT
Independent studio project
Individual instruction and refinement
Portfolio selection and documentation
Group critique and presentation
Personalized recommendations for continued study
SUPPLIES
Sketchbook, 9" × 12" or larger
Graphite drawing pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
Vine charcoal and compressed charcoal
Kneaded eraser and white vinyl eraser
Drawing pad, 18" × 24"
Pencil sharpener
Portfolio folder for storing and transporting artwork (no smaller than 20” × 26”)
Additional materials for experimental assignments will be discussed during class.
No previous drawing, art, or fashion experience required. Ages 15+.
Develop foundational drawing skills through introductory studies of line, proportion, composition, light, and shadow. Working from still lifes, draped fabric, and live models, students learn to translate three-dimensional (3D) subjects into expressive two-dimensional (2D) representations. Through guided exercises, independent assignments, and visual research, students will refine their personal creative direction and translate their interests into original work. The course culminates in an independent project, a group critique, and an individual portfolio assessment, supporting continued development and preparation for Made Institute’s Fashion Certificate Program and other courses offered, or for continued work or study in creative fields.
DATES
Choose your session:
New four-week sessions begin monthly.
Mondays & Fridays (6-9 pm) | 4 weeks | 8 classes
November 13, 16, 20, 23, 30, December 4, 7, 11th (closed for Thanksgiving)
January 4, 8, 11, 15, 22, 25, 25, 29, February 1st (closed for MLK Jr. Day)
Registration Deadline: Third week of the month
MADE RITTENHOUSE: 1719 Chestnut St, Second Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
PROJECTS + OBJECTIVES
WEEK 1: LEARNING TO SEE
Gesture and contour drawing
Proportion and negative space
Light, shadow, and volume
Still-life and fabric studies
Independent observational assignment
WEEK 2: THE BODY IN MOTION
Drawing from live clothed models
Gesture, movement, and proportion
Fabric, folds, and the body
Expressive mark-making
Independent figure-based assignment
WEEK 3: EXPLORATION AND PERSONAL VOICE
Experimental drawing and mixed media
Visual research and concept development
Material exploration
Individual project proposals
Preliminary studies and group critique
WEEK 4: INDEPENDENT PROJECT AND PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT
Independent studio project
Individual instruction and refinement
Portfolio selection and documentation
Group critique and presentation
Personalized recommendations for continued study
SUPPLIES
Sketchbook, 9" × 12" or larger
Graphite drawing pencils (HB, 2B, 4B, 6B)
Vine charcoal and compressed charcoal
Kneaded eraser and white vinyl eraser
Drawing pad, 18" × 24"
Pencil sharpener
Portfolio folder for storing and transporting artwork (no smaller than 20” × 26”)
Additional materials for experimental assignments will be discussed during class.
No previous drawing, art, or fashion experience required. Ages 15+.
*All portfolio foundations courses are not under the purview of the Board of Private Licensed Schools.
FAQS
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Portfolio Foundations is designed for adults interested in developing their artistic abilities, exploring fashion and design, or preparing for further creative education. The course welcomes beginners, career changers, emerging designers, and returning students seeking to strengthen their portfolios.
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Not at all. The course welcomes students of all experience levels. Beginners receive instruction in essential techniques, while more experienced students pursue individualized assignments that challenge their abilities.
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Absolutely! Portfolio Foundations is specifically designed for continued enrollment. Each four-week cycle introduces new observational subjects, creative exercises, and opportunities for independent work. Returning students receive progressively challenging assignments tailored to their development, allowing them to expand their skills and portfolios without repeating the same experience.
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Students develop observational drawings, figure studies, experimental work, and an independent final project. The number and type of completed works depend on each student's experience, interests, and individual creative direction.
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Yes. Portfolio Foundations provides opportunities to develop foundational artistic skills and original creative work that may support your Fashion Certificate application, including its creative-project review. The course is intended as an optional preparatory pathway and does not guarantee admission.
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No. Although the course supports students preparing for fashion education, its emphasis on drawing, experimentation, and individual creative development makes it relevant to anyone interested in pursuing art, design, or a more sustained creative practice.
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At the end of each cycle, you'll participate in a portfolio review and receive recommendations for continued development. You may enroll in another monthly session, return at a later date, or use your work to prepare for an application or another creative opportunity.
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All fashion, art, and design courses and programs are held at Made Rittenhouse, 1719 Chestnut Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
Interested in youth offerings or workshops? These are available at our Made West location, 4719 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143.
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