COLLEGE
PORTFOLIO
PREP
At Made, we specialize in portfolio development for fashion, art, and design schools. Our college prep sessions are designed to prepare students for admission into higher education, and more. Whether through personal mentorship or small classes, students get the support they need to succeed.
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 one-on-one portfolio mentorships are designed for dedicated high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and college transfer students who want to attend art and design colleges or universities. These virtual sessions provide students with a more focused and personalized way to develop their portfolios. With weekly, tailored assignments and individualized feedback, students will improve their work under expert guidance. They can expect to strengthen and showcase their skills through a strategic approach, using visual storytelling techniques to express and communicate their unique artistic voice. Students and parents will receive a customized artwork schedule that aligns with each school’s portfolio requirements and application deadlines.* Ages 15+
KEY INFO
Virtual meetings will take place via Google Meet and last for 1 hr per session.
Rolling Sign-up
$100/hr
We offer packages at discounted rates:
3-month package / 12 Virtual Sessions $1080 - Save 10% ($120)
6-month package/ 24 Virtual Sessions $2040 - Save 15% ($360)
12-month package/ 48 Virtual Sessions $3840 - Save 20% ($960)
PROJECTS + OBJECTIVES
Personalised one-on-one instruction
Custom content schedule
Tailored weekly discussions, assignments, and feedback
Selection strategy for portfolio submission
Photography/Documentation guidance
RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES
As each student’s chosen mediums may vary, we will customize and refine supply lists and recommendations during our initial session.
END
Our portfolio prep summer intensive is tailored for students aiming for art, design, or fashion colleges and universities in their sophomore, junior, or senior year of high school. This week long intensive aims to immerse. 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 12-20 original works and a personalized final project to include in their portfolio. Previous art experience is recommended but not required. We encourage students to stay for both sessions.* Ages 15+
KEY INFO
Session 1
June 29 - July 3 (2026)
Monday - Friday
9 am - 4 pm
Session 2
July 6 - July 10 (2026)
Monday - Friday
9 am - 4 pm
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 12-20 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
*All youth offerings are not under the purview of the Board of Private Licensed Schools.
MEET YOUR
INSTRUCTOR.
Jae Ford is a professional artist working across various disciplines, including drawing, painting, and sculpture. Having exhibited both nationally and internationally, they bring over 20 years of experience as a professional artist and educator to students at Made Institute. Jae adopts an empathetic approach to their teaching, recognizing students’ potential through active listening and structured learning. They have an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BFA from Pratt Institute, and carry a unique perspective on transitioning from art student to arts professional.
FAQS
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Portfolio Prep is for sophomore, junior, or senior year high school students seeking structured and personalized guidance to build a strong, unique portfolio for entry into a chosen creative college, university, program, or internship. Previous art experience is recommended but not required.
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To prepare you/your child’s portfolio for acceptance to fashion, art, or design schools, programs, or internships, we recommend starting when you/they are in high school and know you/they want to commit to pursuing a creative education. Typically, juniors take college prep courses or mentor with advisors to be ready to submit applications in the fall of their senior year, but the early bird catches the worm, so we suggest starting as soon as possible to strengthen your/their work and your/their applications.
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College Portfolio Prep courses are designed for students who have some experience in their chosen field (e.g., have a natural aptitude, or have taken fashion, art, or design classes in school or outside of school) and know they want to pursue a creative education or career. Students will either work in a group setting or one-on-one with advisors to specify and refine their work for admission into a creative college, program, or internship opportunity. If you/your child has limited experience, we recommend signing up for our introductory youth sewing courses, summer camp, drawing courses, or workshops to get started.
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Please arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your class starts.
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We invite parents, guardians, and friends to visit and chat with our staff. We kindly request that anyone not enrolled wait outside of Made at a location of their choice until class ends. Made Institute’s West Philly location is close to many cafes and the charming Clark Park, making it a great place to pass the time.
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Yes! Made Institute sells a range of fabrics and sewing notions to students and the public. Check out our shop.
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If you cancel your order by the original registration deadline, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel after this deadline but before the first class begins, you will receive a 50% refund. However, no refund will be provided for cancellations on or after the first day of class.
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Made West is located at 4719 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143, and is accessible by public transportation. Street parking is usually available nearby.
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Currently, open studio access is only available to our studio members and students enrolled in the Fashion Certificate Program. Learn more about our Fashion Certificate Program or how to become a member.
