PRE-COLLEGE
PORTFOLIO
PREP

Our portfolio programs are designed for motivated students ages 15+ preparing to apply to art, fashion, or design colleges and universities. We work with students building foundational work as well as those refining portfolios for specific schools.

Portfolio Studio is a six-week, in-person group course that meets weekly throughout the school year. It's the best fit for students who want steady, ongoing studio practice alongside peer critique and structured projects.

Summer Portfolio Intensive is a one-week, full-day studio immersion held in the summer. It's ideal for students who want to make concentrated progress in a short window, or who can't commit to a weekly schedule during the school year.

Portfolio Mentorship is one-on-one and fully personalized, available virtually or in person, with flexible scheduling and rolling enrollment. It's best for students who want individualized attention — either as their primary path or alongside Portfolio Studio or the Summer Intensive for extra support.

Yes. Many students pair Portfolio Mentorship with Portfolio Studio or the Summer Intensive for additional one-on-one guidance, while others choose a single program based on their schedule and goals. There's no required sequence — families can mix and match based on what fits.

Each six-week session meets once a week at Made West Philly. Students can enroll in a single six-week cycle or continue into additional cycles across the school year (September through May) to keep building their portfolio.

Mentorship sessions are booked individually, either virtually ($100/session) or in person at Made West Philly ($150/session), with package pricing available for students who book multiple sessions in advance. Packages offer incremental savings — the more sessions booked upfront, the lower the per-session rate.

One week provides a strong introduction and focused portfolio development experience. Two-week enrollment is recommended for students seeking deeper project refinement, sustained studio practice, and a larger body of portfolio work.

No. Students at different experience levels are welcome across all three programs. Instruction is individualized to support both beginners developing foundational skills and more advanced students refining portfolio-quality work.

Ideally, students begin portfolio development at least one year before college application deadlines. This allows time to build foundational skills, experiment with materials, revise thoughtfully, and develop a cohesive body of work without rushing the process. Students may enter at different stages — some begin sophomore or junior year to build steadily over time, while others join later to refine and strengthen existing work before submission deadlines.

Students should bring the materials listed in the recommended supplies section for their program. While students may work across different mediums, all three programs emphasize drawing, mixed media exploration, and observational studies.

No. Portfolio Studio, the Summer Intensive, and Portfolio Mentorship are all specifically structured for students preparing portfolios for art and design programs, with a focused studio approach and sustained critique throughout.

Portfolio Studio and Summer Intensive sessions, along with in-person Mentorship meetings, take place at Made West Philly, located at 4719 Pine Street, Philadelphia, PA 19143. Street parking is usually available nearby, and the studio is accessible by public transportation.

If you cancel your registration before the original registration deadline, you will receive a full refund. Cancellations made after the registration deadline but before the first day of class receive a 50% refund. No refunds are issued on or after the first day of the program.