PRE-COLLEGE
PORTFOLIO
STUDIO
Our Pre-College Portfolio Studio supports students preparing to apply to art, fashion, and design colleges through structured portfolio development grounded in studio practice. We help students build strong skills, develop original work, and refine their portfolios with clarity and confidence within a focused and supportive environment.
This six-week program supports sustained portfolio development through a steady hybrid rhythm of personalized virtual mentorship and in-person Studio Lab sessions. Students meet once weekly, alternating between focused 1:1 guidance and small-group studio time (max 5 students). Over the course of the cycle, students refine foundational skills, develop new portfolio-ready pieces, and receive clear direction for continued growth, ending with a thoughtful roadmap for next steps. Prior art experience is recommended but not required.* Ages 15+
KEY INFO
Program Structure
Six weekly sessions
4 virtual 1:1 meetings (60 minutes)
2 in-person Studio Lab sessions (2 hours, max 5 students)
Meeting Time
Virtual: Scheduled through Calendly
In-person: Sundays, 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Enrollment
Rolling admission based on availability.
In-Person Location
Made West Philly
4719 Pine Street
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 Summer Portfolio Intensive is a focused five-day studio experience for students preparing portfolios for art and design programs. Each day combines demonstrations, extended studio work, structured critique, and guided revision within a dedicated studio environment. Students strengthen observational skills, produce new portfolio-ready work, and develop greater clarity around their ideas and process. By the end of the week, each student leaves with meaningful progress and a clear plan for continued portfolio development. Two-week enrollment is recommended for students seeking deeper portfolio development and sustained project refinement.* Ages 15+
KEY INFO
Session 1
June 29 - July 3 (2026)
Monday - Friday
10 am - 4 pm
Session 2
July 6 - July 10 (2026)
Monday - Friday
10 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 5-10 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 an interdisciplinary artist and educator whose studio practice centers on inquiry, material exploration, and disciplined observation. Holding an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BFA from Pratt Institute, Jae approaches teaching as an extension of studio practice—emphasizing process, revision, and clarity of intention.
Through individual mentorship and small cohort programs, Jae guides high school and college students in building thoughtful, technically strong portfolios aligned with their artistic interests and long-term goals within a focused and supportive studio environment.
FAQS
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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.
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The Hybrid Portfolio Mentorship runs in structured 6-week studio cycles and combines virtual 1:1 sessions with in-person Studio Lab meetings in a small cohort (max 5 students). It supports sustained development over time.
The Summer Portfolio Intensive is a focused one-week studio immersion (Mon–Fri, 10–4) that supports concentrated progress in a dedicated studio environment.
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Each 6-week cycle follows a consistent rhythm: two weeks of virtual mentorship, one in-person Studio Lab session, then the pattern repeats. Students receive four virtual sessions and two in-person meetings per cycle.
Enrollment is rolling based on availability.
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Students develop observational studies, material investigations, and concept-driven projects while receiving guidance on editing, sequencing, and refining their portfolios in alignment with art and design admissions expectations.
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Yes. Portfolio development often benefits from sustained attention. Many students continue into additional studio cycles to expand their body of work, refine technical skills, and strengthen their application materials as deadlines approach.
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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 in their sophomore or junior year to build steadily over time, while others join later to refine and strengthen existing work before submission deadlines.
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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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Made Institute offers a range of creative summer programs. The Portfolio Intensive and Hybrid Mentorship are specifically structured for students preparing college portfolios, with a focused studio approach and sustained critique.
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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.
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