Portfolio Consulting for Teens

Portfolio consulting is an excellent way to ensure your child’s art portfolio not only stands out but also significantly enhances their chances of being accepted into their desired university or college art program. Through personalized guidance, portfolio consulting helps your child showcase their unique strengths and creativity in a way that aligns with the specific requirements of their chosen schools. There are numerous benefits to investing in art portfolio consulting—allow me to elaborate on why this can be a game-changer for your child's future in the arts! Learn more about portfolio consulting below!



Portfolio Consulting- What is it?

Art portfolio consulting sessions are conducted online via Zoom or Google Meet, where we meet one-on-one to review your child’s art portfolio and discuss their preferred schools and programs. Since 2020, I have been assisting teens in preparing their art portfolio applications, drawing from my experience as a certified high school art teacher. I also have extensive experience working with students with Autism, ADHD, and other learning disabilities, ensuring they receive tailored support. I’ve successfully guided numerous teens toward acceptance into their dream art programs.



In art portfolio consulting here are some topics I can help with: 

  • Planning the portfolio

  • What art pieces to include and in what order

  • How to title artwork 

  • How to write descriptions or essay writing 

  • How to take photos of art and edit them 

  • Help with planning your child’s schedule so they can balance -schoolwork, a part time job, a social life and making their art portfolio plus any other commitments they might have. 

  • And so much more!

How Does Portfolio Consulting Work?


Click the button below to sign up for a spot choose a date and time that suits your schedule and book the session. Then you will be sent a meeting link. If you have any questions or need help booking or would like different availability then what is listed -fill out the contact form below to get in touch with me. 



What are the Benefits of Portfolio Consulting?


Getting Into a Competitive Art Program


Competitive art programs tend to only accept 20% or less of the total applicants. 



If your child wants to go to a competitive or popular art school portfolio consulting will help them get in. 




You can see a list of popular art schools in Canada and the U.S. here. 




Homeschooled Art Students 

If your child is or has been homeschooled, they may lack the formal visual arts education typically provided by a structured curriculum and might not be familiar with the key terminology that college or university review panels expect.


Homeschooled students often find themselves with fewer completed artworks ready for submission in their art portfolios and may need to create additional pieces. I can assist with this by guiding your child in creating new artworks and refining existing ones to ensure they meet the submission standards.

portfolio consulting

Teens That Don’t Have A lot of Artwork

I can work with your teen to develop a detailed plan and schedule, helping them determine how many pieces of art they need to create and setting deadlines to keep them on track. With my guidance, they’ll have the accountability and structure needed to stay organized and manage this significant task effectively. Some schools require as many as 20 pieces of art in an application, so having a clear plan is crucial.


I also have lots of ideas to share so your child can create phenomenal pieces in less time. 


Who Should Do Portfolio Consulting?

Grade 11 or Grade 12 teens who want to pursue an art career or arts-related career. To learn more about arts-related careers -click here. 



Some arts related careers like architecture require an art portfolio depending on the school. 


Do some research ahead of time to determine where your child wants to go to art school and for what art program. 




You can look under the admissions section of the school or contact someone from the school’s admissions office to ask if your child needs to submit an art portfolio application. 




For tips to make your child’s art portfolio stand out click the button below for your FREE guide! 



Book a coaching session with me by clicking on the button below! You can choose a 30 minute or hour session. 

The Biggest Difference Between BFA and MFA


I want to share the biggest difference between BFA and an MFA. As an artist who attended both a BFA and MFA program for Fine Arts I want to share some of the differences and similarities between both of the programs. Learn the biggest difference between BFA and an MFA by reading more below! 



The Biggest Difference Between a BFA and an MFA Program 


The biggest difference between a BFA and an MFA is the level of independence you have as a student. In both programs as you move throughout the years from a first year student to a senior in your final year there is more independence. This level of independence is to prepare you for the “real world.” So, that you can be successful in whatever path you choose as an artist- whether it be having exhibitions, applying to grants, teaching at a college or workshops, working at an art gallery etc. 


With an MFA program in particular, you apply knowing you have a plan in place. In many MFA applications you create a letter of intent stating what you intend to do while in the MFA program. In your letter of intent you might explain what you plan on researching, what techniques you want to try, what installation methods you want to try and what your goals are for taking the program. What type of artist do you want to be? What do you hope to get out of the MFA program?



If you are needing help writing your letter of intent you can check out my one on one coaching and I am happy to review your letter of intent in an hour or half hour coaching session. 

Click the button below to book a coaching session with me! 



Download 10 FREE Tips for creating an art portfolio that stands out! 



Other Differences Between BFA and MFA programs:


Readings 

An MFA program is usually more research focused. There are more papers you need to write as a student and more required and suggested readings. Required readings are assigned by a professor in a class - often you are graded on participation and a written response in relation to the assigned reading. 

Suggested readings are given to you by your professor or a visiting lecturer as a reading you should look into that will help you develop as an artist. The suggested readings might be based on a technique you use, an artist working in a similar style or medium (either a contemporary artist or an artist from history), or based on the subject matter you are making art about.  These readings might get suggested to you during a critique or while meeting with your professor.


Both types of reading are valuable and help you really develop the way you talk and write about your work. 


You can read more about my MFA time at Concordia University by clicking here. 

You can read more about my BFA time at Lakehead University by clicking here. 

Projects 

In a BFA program, especially the first three years there are a lot of different types of projects. While the projects get more open ended as you progress through your BFA they do start specific. The reason for this is to encourage you to experiment and push yourself and your art. The professors want to challenge you and to help you figure out what art you want to make and why you want to make it. Why does it matter? What does your art communicate?


In an MFA there are little to no guided projects. You are in charge of managing your time and creating what you want to work on. That’s why having a clear letter of intent and clear goals are so important in an MFA.


Due Dates 

In a BFA program there are clear due dates, there are more check ins and in progress critiques. In an MFA there are still deadlines but you need stronger time management skills to be able to manage deadlines. There is less feedback of work in progress as you are often working on art at home or in your studio. There is little to no class time to work on your art in an MFA whereas in a BFA you have some class time so professors can give you timely feedback. 


These are some of the biggest differences between a BFA and MFA program. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions about these programs. 



Click the button below if you would like help with your art portfolio application to a BFA or MFA program! 


Join the waitlist below for my NEW art portfolio course for high school students applying to a college or university art program! 



What is in the Art Portfolio Course?



I have created an art portfolio course to help high school students with preparing their art portfolio applications for art school or an arts-related program like fashion design, video game design, architecture and more! Learn more about what is in the art portfolio course and when it is available by reading more below! 



Art Portfolio Course - Get Into Art School 

When is the art portfolio course available?

The Art Portfolio Course is only available during May and September - you cannot purchase it other times during the year. 

To get on the waitlist and hear about when the course is available -make sure you are on my mailing list - you can click on the button below and I will send you a copy of 10 Tips to Make Your Art Portfolio Stand Out - for FREE! 


Click the button below to join the waitlist! 


If you have questions about the portfolio application process or would like feedback on your work and the course is not open for registration - check out my art portfolio coaching by clicking on the button below. We meet online and you can choose to book 1 hour or 30 minutes. 




Who is the Art Portfolio Course for?

This course is designed for high school students who know they want to pursue a creative career. Most creative careers like graphic design, illustration, fashion design, video game design, animation, fine arts etc. need an art portfolio submitted for students to apply to that program/school. 



While this course is great for grade 12 students/high school seniors -this course is great for students who love art and are in any grade of high school.




It is better for students to start preparing for their portfolio early and to begin thinking/planning for the process instead of leaving it to the last minute and having to balance:

  • Part time jobs

  • Significant others

  • Friends 

  • Exams/school projects 

  • Family time/vacations etc. 




This course is also great for high school art teachers looking to learn more about the portfolio process and better assist their high school students while saving time with the done for you resources, worksheets and planning pages! 




What’s Included in the Art Portfolio Course?


Video lessons that you can watch anytime. You have lifetime access to the course. You don’t need to finish the course by a certain date or in a certain amount of time. 




You can watch the video lessons as many times as you want to help you learn or review the material. 




You will also gain access to a private Facebook group where you can ask questions, share your work and find other people who are applying to art programs to hold yourself accountable.


This course will cover the following topics in depth through video lessons and PDF resources, checklists, templates, worksheets all to help you learn and save time and headaches:



  • How to plan your portfolio - what to include/not, how to prepare, how to fix artwork, how schedule and manage your time, what to consider when applying to schools, how to make your pieces stand out etc. 

  • How to create key pieces, where to find inspiration, how to improve your artist mindset, 

  • Time management tips, how to avoid plagiarism, how to show the creative process

  • How to critique and improve your work, how to ask for feedback

  • How to choose titles, details in your portfolio to pay attention to, how to write and speak about your work

  • How to photograph your work and edit photos, how to plan your shots and what shots to include 

  • And so much more! 


In addition there are some bonuses:

-How to prepare for an art interview 

-How to write an artist statement and bio

-Art 101 course - colour mixing, learn about/review the elements and principles of design, composition, how to create a focal point, figure drawing, portrait drawing, drawing from observation and more! 




  • Quick action bonus - of if there is limited time -ideas and examples of artwork you can make to add into your portfolio. 




VIP option


I have 30 spots available for VIP. In VIP you will get access to the course above, the bonuses, the private Facebook group you will also receive a portfolio review where you will submit 20 images to me of completed work and I will give you written feedback of what to fix, what is great, tips to rephotograph the work etc. You will receive a 30 min coaching call one on one with me where you can ask questions, get feedback, ask what pieces to include etc. We will coordinate a time throughout your process to choose a time that works best for you. You will also receive a discount of purchase 30 min. Get 30 min. Free for one on one coaching to be used at any time. 



There are only 30 spots available as the VIP coaching. 



If you don’t get a spot or you would prefer to pay for the one on one coaching - you can pay for that here.


Click the button below to get on the waitlist for the course and VIP course option! 

Have Questions About the Course? Contact me Below!

10 Lessons I Learned in Art School

Here are 10 lessons I learned in art school. While you can be an artist without going to art school I learned so many valuable skills while studying my Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts.  I have also included some help in preparing your art portfolio for art school. Check out my tips for the 10 lessons I learned in art school below! 


Lesson #1 Time Management

In post-secondary education there are a lot of deadlines and the same is true for art school. At the end of the semester there are critiques where you are presenting the art you have been working on and there are also papers and presentations in other classes. It is a lot to balance especially if you are working other job(s) like tutoring or being a teaching assistant on top of that! Art school taught me how to define my priorities, schedule my time, make goals and break down tasks so that I could accomplish everything!


Lesson #2 Listening to Feedback

In art school there are a lot more critiques than in high school. In high school I don’t remember really having any critiques. Critiques are a great chance to present your artwork to your classmates and professors and listen to their feedback. I would take notes in my sketchbook for each critique. Often, I would hear ideas to try, books to read, artists to research or changes to consider. It’s a great opportunity to really refine your listening skills. It’s less about you talking and explaining the work and more about letting the work speak for itself and hearing how people respond to your art. 

10 Lessons I Learned in art school - click the image to pin this for later!

10 Lessons I Learned in art school - click the image to pin this for later!

Lesson#3  Art Skills

Of course the main reason for attending art school was to focus on learning new art skills and enhancing existing art skills. While studying, I learned papermaking, printmaking, oil painting, figure drawing, still life drawing, ceramics, throwing pottery, screen printing, fabric dyeing, sewing, hand embroidery, crochet, Photoshop, taking quality photos of my artwork, and the list goes on and on. The more skills I was able to master the more diverse my art practice became and the more interesting my art was.  Naturally I learned how to get better at acrylic painting and other skills! (Check out my FREE guide for acrylic painting at the end of this post!)


Want to go to art school but unsure how to create an art portfolio that stand out and gets accepted? Click the button below to join the waitlist and be the first to hear about my course!

 

Lesson#4 Making Money as an Artist 

I went into art school thinking that the only way I could make money as an artist was through selling my art but I learned a lot of other routes artists take to make money like awards/grants, commissions in galleries, art licensing, teaching, art fairs and more! As an artist it is so important to have multiple streams of revenue to be able to count on having a consistent income. Read these tips on pricing your art!

Lesson #5 Networking and Relationships 

Art school is where I made a lot of close friendships with people who really understand what being an artist is. I met wonderful professors that have helped me to get jobs, art sales and grants. The art world like any world is about connections and who you know. Networking is incredibly valuable and it is a lot easier to get opportunities through having some connections.

Jackie Partridge

Jackie Partridge

Lesson #6 Budgeting

Being a student taught me how to budget and save. I lived away from school and learned I needed to save for unexpected and expected costs like art supplies. I became frugal with my money and avoided going out or spending a lot on clothes and entertainment. I also learned about taxes and how to create a budget when applying for an art grant. 


Lesson #7 Presenting Your Artwork

I always thought an art gallery was the only place you could really showcase your art. I learned I could show it anywhere. I have shown my art online, in site-specific installations, outdoors, in rented buildings, on campus, in libraries and more! The possibilities are really endless which is always exciting! 


Lesson #8 Confidence 

Lessons I learned in art school. Stack of books

Art school made me a lot more confident in my artwork. It allowed me to feel very proud of the art that I have created and it gave me confidence to apply for exhibitions, artist calls and grants. Hearing praise about my art boosted my confidence and helped to diminish my imposter’s syndrome that a lot of artists struggle with. 



Lesson #9 Decision Making Skills

Art is all about decisions. From the title of your work to the materials you use -it all comes down to hundreds of decisions. It’s important to not overthink, trust your gut and be able to not waste time making decisions. I began to see my art as fluid. I could always rework something or install a sculpture differently the next time to truly learn from the experience. 



Lesson #10 Taking Risks 

I took a lot of risks in art school. It’s important to try things, to listen to feedback and to experiment. Art is really a series of experiments and taking your Master of FIne Arts is a learning process where you are learning about yourself just as much as you are learning about what kind of art and subject matter you are interested in. 


Download my FREE guide for 10 Tips to Make an Art Portfolio for School Applications that Stands out!


You can purchase my art portfolio idea prompts

Click here to purchase!


If you need coaching to help you with your art portfolio- answer questions, decide what pieces to put in your portfolio, learn how to make one and have it stand out- check out my coaching.


Related Articles

Why I became an artist

For help with your art portfolio -click here to read this helpful blog post! 

Tips for pricing your art

6 tips for achieving your art goals

Join the art portfolio course waitlist




If you are wanting to improve your acrylic painting - you can download this FREE 16 page guide by clicking the button below! I show you the 10 common mistakes beginner painters make and what you can do to avoid them!

I hope you found these 10 lessons of what I learned in art school helpful! 


All the best on your path to becoming an artist! 


Click one of the icons below to connect with me on social media!

How to Create an Art Portfolio: 7 Tips!


How to create an art portfolio with 7 tips from artist Jackie Partridge. I have been exhibiting my artwork since 2012. I have received artist grants and awards and I have attended artist residencies. With this experience I have done my share in submitting my portfolio for numerous applications. As a teacher, I have worked with grade 12 students to help them with their art portfolio applications. See my 7 tips for your college/university art portfolio application below!

After receiving my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing from Lakehead University I also completed teacher’s college. I graduated being able to teach grades 4-12 in Ontario before taking my Master of Fine Arts at Concordia University.


During my time in teacher’s college part of my placement included teaching art to grade 12 students. In the first term I helped students with their portfolios as they were in the midst of applying for university and college arts programs. I volunteered my time to help these students during my lunch break by giving them tips and ways to improve what they had selected to be in their portfolios.


I have worked as an art instructor for a private boarding school where I helped international high school students with their portfolio applications in art, graphic design, illustration and architecture programs.


If you need ideas for what to put into your art portfolio application you can click here!

blue paint brush with paint on it. Start making art for your portfolio

7 Tips to Make Your University/College Portfolio Stand Out

Tip #1

READ THE REQUIREMENTS -AND FOLLOW THEM

You need to know what they want and usually they tell you specifics!

Every university and college or even programs within the same school have different application requirements when it comes to their portfolios. Some schools are very specific asking for a certain number of pieces, certain media used or certain sizes of work. Some schools want original work, some/most don't-- they want photographs uploaded on programs like SlideRoom.  Some schools even have specific themes like "Make a work that is finished yet unfinished." This can make the process more difficult and leave students feeling overwhelmed and unsure -often overthinking their decisions and ideas.

Want to go to art school but unsure how to create an art portfolio that stands out and gets accepted? Click on the button below to get on the waitlist for my art portfolio course!

Tip #2

Show Your Creative Process

Most schools want to see your process work - they want to see how you think about your art and why you made the choices you did.


Tip #3

Show Your Personality

The purpose of the portfolio is an introduction and a chance for your chosen school to get to know you and see if you would be a good fit there.  You want to show your interests and possibilities you might want to continue to explore while in post-secondary education. You should include materials you like working with and show your artistic style that is unique to you!

How to make a strong portfolio for school -tips by Jackie Partridge

Tip #4

Show Variety

You want the professors reviewing your portfolio to be impressed by your skills and see you as an artist who is versatile. Therefore, it is important to show that you can do more.

By showing variety you are showing that you aren't afraid to try new things and experiment with your artwork. It shows that you are open to growing and learning which is the whole point of college and university programs. Check out my YouTube channel for tips to make your acrylic paintings stronger! You can also improve your painting with FREE12 page Guide!

Tip #5

Show Program Specific Techniques 

If you are applying to specific programs like architecture or illustration you want to think about possible projects that might be studied in those programs. Once you have thought of those ideas you could try to include relevant pieces in your portfolio.

If you are applying to a non-specific program like a Bachelor of Fine Arts for example- then again you want to show variety. You need to show your range, talents and abilities.

How to make a strong portfolio - show your diversity of skills like ceramics

How to make a strong portfolio - show your diversity of skills like ceramics

Tip #6

Details are Important 

You need to remember that review panels are looking at portfolio after portfolio for hours on end. You need to stand out and be memorable. Make sure you consider details to set you apart.

Edit your photos, think about your layout, come up with clever titles for your work. All these details are important!


Tip #7

Show Your Thinking, Your Writing and Research

Usually you will be asked to submit written descriptions about your work- make sure they are detailed and informative.

List your inspiration- if you did a drawing based off a building or place -state that research. You want to show your intelligence and critical thinking abilities in these descriptions.

Make sure you edit your writing, stick to the word count and choose a consistent and legible font.

Take time to plan your written descriptions and do not leave them to the last minute!


I wish you good luck with your portfolio applications and the BIGGEST tip I can give you is to start early and trust your gut!

What People are Saying

I was excited for the opportunity to work with Jackie!

The presentation from Jackie was very specific relevant information to prepare my students for applying to art schools. It gave us a checklist to follow and ideas we had not yet considered.

 

This presentation is a MUST for anyone needing information to better prepare students to apply to art schools. Not having gone that route myself, it was invaluable!

 

Jackie was not only knowledgeable, but easy to work with and super accommodating. I would highly recommend her!!

 

Britt, High School Art Teacher, California, U.S.



Here are my art portfolio ideas. These ideas are great if you are struggling with what to include in your art portfolio.

Click here to purchase!



To purchase the art portfolio coaching please click the button below


Want Some Help With Your Art Portfolio? I Would Love to Work With You - Send me an Email!

I offer Portfolio Review and Portfolio Development Consultations. I can help you decide what to create, what to include in your art portfolio, answer any questions, prepare for interviews, and more!

All the best with your art portfolio applications- You got this!

All the best with your art portfolio applications- You got this!