Portfolio Preparation Classes

It is an undeniable fact that art is everywhere in today's society.

Not only is art its own industry - it also has a hand in aesthetically shaping nearly every other industry regardless of how seemingly far removed it may seem. Product design, architecture, interior design, fashion, graphic design, animation, video game art, photography, medical illustration and film are only a few of the industries that require a thorough understanding of the arts.

Because of this growing demand for artists, many high schools, colleges, and universities have designed new programs to cultivate future professionals... but even with all the new programs and courses, the competition is more fierce between applicants than ever before. Portfolios help faculty sort between those that are program-ready and those who are not. As a result, a solid portfolio literally makes all the difference.

This is where we come in.

The Portfolio Preparation Classes are lessons specifically for individuals looking to create portfolios with an edge. The instructors at Palette Art School have many years of experience helping students get successfully accepted into the programs of their dreams. Whether you're looking into applying to Sheridan for animation or McGill for architecture, you can rest assured that you're in good hands (Fun fact: We've gotten students into both).

Tailored to your needs.

Our instructors recognize that each portfolio is different; some have specific requirements, others want you to demostrate certain skills. We will spend the duration of your education with us focusing on the skills you need as well as working on the portfolio pieces themselves.

Pencils, paper, paints and palettes.

We cover a broad selection of materials in the tuition for our students' convenience. Below is a complete list of all materials that our school can accomodate your with during our classes:

Pencils, charcoal, soft pastel, oil pastel
Ink, watercolour paint, acrylic paint
Paint brushes, palette knives
Newsprint, watercolour paper, canvases (16"x 20" max)

Should you find that you prefer to use your own brushes and paints, you are free to bring in your own supplies. Need to make a piece using materials we don't provide? No problem. Though these supplies are not covered by tuition, you are free to bring your own materials and our experienced faculty will teach you how to use them.

If your portfolio requires digital art, please let us know! We are able to assist you with digital illustration in the following software:

Adobe Photoshop
Procreate
Clip Studio Paint
and more!

A Word to Aspring Students: Set yourself up for success!

While we help all students that come through our doors, those that enroll in our classes a few months early will have far better foundations by the time the portfolio requirements for their program are released. To maximize your odds at program acceptance, avoid waiting until after the release of your portfolio requirements to enroll. Less time in the studio means we have less time to help you!

Before you start.

Anyone may enroll in this course at any time but we ask that each aspiring student consider the time it will take to finish their portfolio piece by piece. Below is a list of examples of past portfolio pieces and their approximate completion times. Please use the list as a reference for how long it will take to complete your the portfolio.

Please note that the time required to complete a given artwork will heavily depend on the level of detail of the piece, the media used, and the skill of the student. Students may sign up for additional classes if they require a teacher's assistance and/or take their work home between classes should they feel confident in working independently.