ART PORTFOLIO PREP
A complete step-by-step portfolio development program that guides students
from their very first idea to a cohesive body of work ready for college admissions,
AP Studio Art, scholarships, and art portfolio reviews.
Why Most Portfolios Don’t Stand Out
No more wondering what to create.
No more random assignments.
No more copying Pinterest.
Most portfolios fail for one reason:
They are a collection of unrelated pieces—
instead of a cohesive body of work.
Students and artists often:
* Jump from idea to idea
* Move to finished pieces before the idea has fully developed
* Don’t know how to develop a concept over time
* Lack a clear visual direction
And reviewers can see that immediately.
In ART PORTFOLIO PREP, you'll learn how to think like an artist—
& build a portfolio that demonstrates curiosity,
creativity, technical skill, and personal voice.
Is This YOU?
You're serious about applying to art school...…but you're asking questions like:
What are colleges actually looking for?
How many pieces should I make?
What should my theme be?
Are my ideas original enough?
Where do I even start?
What if my portfolio isn't good enough?
You're not alone.
Many students spend months creating artwork without a clear plan, only to realize their portfolio feels disconnected, repetitive, or incomplete.
Most students aren't struggling because they lack talent.
They're struggling because nobody has shown them how portfolios are actually built.
build aN ART portfolio you feel proud of
The 5-Stage Portfolio Development Method
This is the backbone of the course — the same process professional artists and designers actually use.
Every artwork investigation in this program develops through the same creative process:
1. SOURCE- Start with strong ideas rooted in observation and sketchbook exploration
2. EXPERIMENT- Develop variations, compositions, and visual possibilities
3. DEVELOP- Refine the composition and strengthen the visual idea.
4. REFINE- Create resolved, portfolio-level artworks
5. PRESENT- Curate and present your work professionally
This mirrors how artists and art schools actually develop work:
idea → investigation → refinement → finished artwork
This is how strong portfolios are built—intentionally, step by step.
9 Guided Portfolio Investigations
Instead of asking, "What should I make?" —
you'll work through a series of carefully designed
Portfolio Art Investigations
that help you explore meaningful subjects
while developing increasingly sophisticated artwork.
Each investigation encourages you to:
Observe
Research
Experiment
Take creative risks
Build technical skills
Develop your own artistic voice
Rather than copying projects...
You'll learn how to create work that is uniquely yours.
This is where you’ll upload your artwork, complete portfolio reflection questions, prepare for private reviews, and track your next steps as your portfolio develops.
No scattered email threads. No lost images. No guessing what to work on next.
Inside your private workspace, you’ll be able to:
Upload works in progress and finished pieces
Complete guided portfolio questionnaires
Share artist statements and written reflections
Prepare questions before your private review sessions
Receive personalized feedback and next-step recommendations
Keep your portfolio development organized from start to finish
This workspace becomes your central hub for building a thoughtful, competitive, college-ready art portfolio.
ART PORTFOLIO PREP
Here's What Makes This Different:
Art Portfolio Prep is a guided, step-by-step program for artists
who are ready to stop making random projects and start building
intentional, cohesive, portfolio-level work.
Build Toward a Final Sustained Investigation
One of the biggest differences between an average portfolio
and an exceptional portfolio is depth.
Throughout the course, you'll learn how to move beyond individual assignments and begin developing a connected body of work around a central idea.
By the end of the program, you'll understand how to create a
sustained investigation that demonstrates:
Curiosity
Visual research
Experimentation
Problem-solving
Consistency
Artistic growth
Exactly the qualities art colleges love to see.
And most importantly:
You’ll have a repeatable system you can use long after this course ends.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR-
Learn from an Experienced Educator & Working Artist
For more than 36 years, Eileen Baumeister McIntyre has helped students develop their artistic skills, discover their creative voice, and build outstanding portfolios for college admissions and scholarships.
As the founder of Online Studio Arts, Eileen is a New York State Certified Art Teacher with a Master's Degree in Art Education, an experienced Adjunct Professor, and a practicing professional artist. Throughout her career, she has mentored hundreds of aspiring artists, combining technical instruction with the creative thinking and portfolio development that today's art colleges value most.
Her students have been accepted to some of the nation's most respected art schools, including: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, School of Visual Arts (SVA), Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), New York Academy of Art, University of California, and many more.
Unlike many portfolio programs that focus only on creating finished artwork, Eileen teaches students how to think like artists—developing original ideas, investigating meaningful concepts, experimenting with materials, and presenting a cohesive body of work that reflects both technical ability and creative growth.
"Creating a successful art portfolio isn't about making a collection of beautiful drawings. It's about learning to think creatively, develop meaningful ideas, and communicate who you are
as an artist.
I created Art Portfolio Prep to give students the structure, guidance, and confidence I wish every young artist had during the college admissions process. You'll never have to wonder what to create next or whether you're on the right track. Together, we'll build a portfolio that reflects your unique voice and showcases your full creative potential.
Whether you're applying to your dream art school, pursuing scholarships or preparing for AP Studio Art, I'm excited to help you create work you're genuinely proud of."
— Eileen Baumeister McIntyre, Founder, Online Studio Arts
Corporate Clients | Creative Workshops & Experiences
You can build a portfolio
you feel proud of
By the End of This Program You Will Have
✔ A clear artistic direction
✔ A cohesive body of work
✔ 8–15 strong portfolio pieces
✔ A deeper understanding of your process
This is what schools, galleries, and
reviewers are looking for.
You WILL develop your voice &
take the next step in your art journey with confidence.
Whether you’re applying to art school,
building your first professional portfolio,
or stepping into your identity as an artist…
Art Portfolio Prep gives you the
structure and support to succeed.
Who This Program Is Perfect For?
Art Portfolio Prep is designed for artists who want clarity, structure,
and intention in their work.
This program is a strong fit if you are:
High school students applying to:
Fine Art
Illustration
Graphic Design
Animation
Game Art
Architecture
Industrial Design
Interior Design
Art Education
Fashion Design
Also ideal for:
AP Studio Art students
Homeschool students
Students preparing scholarship portfolios
You don’t need to be “advanced.”
You do need curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to observe closely.
Students leave with a clear body of work and the confidence to present their art to admissions reviewers or galleries.
Who This Program Is Not For:
Art Portfolio Prep may not be the right fit if you are:
Looking for step-by-step “paint this exact thing” projects
Interested only in quick techniques or shortcuts
Unwilling to revise, reflect, or think about why you’re making certain choices
Expecting instant results without time, focus, or follow-through
This program values thinking, experimentation, and refinement —not perfection.
NOTE TO PARENTS
You've watched your child spend hours on their art.
What you may not know is whether that time is actually building toward something.
I created this course to make sure art students—AND their parents—are very clear about what is required to build a competitive portfolio that stands out in the college admissions process.
Art college admissions and scholarships aren't won with talent alone.
They're won with a portfolio that shows growth, thinking, and range — and
most students never get taught how to build one. They create piece after piece with no throughline, no strategy, and no one telling them whether they're on
the right track until it's too late to fix it.
ART PORTFOLIO PREP gives your child a structure, not just more assignments.
Instead of guessing what colleges want to see, your child will work through the same five-stage process professional artists and designers use — with clear milestones, guided feedback, and a finished body of work at the end, not a folder of disconnected pieces.
Here's what that means for you:
A clear timeline, so you know whether this fits before application deadlines — not an open-ended pile of "homework"
Real accountability, without you having to be the one nagging about it
A portfolio you can actually evaluate, because the program shows progress at every stage, not just a big reveal at the end
Guidance from a 36-year veteran art educator, not a generic online course built by a curriculum team. I am very excited to be working with your child on their artistic journey
If your child is applying to art school, a strong portfolio isn't optional —
it's one of the biggest factors in admission and scholarship decisions.
This program exists so that work doesn't happen by accident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the ART PORTFOLIO PREP for?
Art Portfolio Prep is designed for high school students applying to art school, homeschooled students & AP Studio Art students. If you want structure, clarity, and a portfolio you’re proud of, this program is for you. The earlier in your high school life you get started on your art portfolio, the better off you are going to be.
How much time does this actually take per week?
The program is self-paced, so it flexes around your schedule, homework load, and other commitments. Most students spend 3–5 hours a week and complete the full program in 10–12 weeks.
I originally designed the course as an intensive that can be done in 8 weeks for students that are pressed for admissions deadlines. That is NOT the optimal way to work through the course though. The more time you leave yourself to create and refine, the less stressed you are going to be and the process will be much more enjoyable. START EARLY!
Will this replace my child's AP Studio Art class?
No — it's designed to work alongside it. Many AP Art classes teach technique and give assignments, but don't walk students through building a cohesive, admissions-ready portfolio. Students often use this program to give direction to their AP coursework, turning AP pieces into part of a genuinely sustained investigation instead of a stack of unrelated assignments.
Is this course only for students applying to college?
Not at all. Plenty of adult artists use Art Portfolio Prep to develop a cohesive body of work, prepare for gallery submissions, or restart their art practice with confidence. Although the course is written towards the college bound student, the art investigations and stages can be applied to all fine artists.
What if my teen needs extra support?
The program is clear and guided, but if you want personalized help, the GUIDED ART PORTFOLIO package includes two private portfolio review and feedback sessions.
We also offer Private Art Coaching packages if you prefer a longer duration of individual support and advice.
What supplies do I need?
You’ll need a sketchbook and basic art materials you likely already own (graphite, colored pencils, pens, markers, watercolor, etc.). You can use whatever mediums you prefer—this program works with all materials.
What is the ART PORTFOLIO PREP CREATIVE COMMUNITY?
Creating a strong portfolio isn't something you have to do alone.
As a member of the Art Portfolio Prep Creative Community, you'll have access to the instructor, Eileen Baumeister McIntyre, and a supportive group of students working toward similar goals.
Share works in progress, ask questions, receive constructive feedback, and learn from the experiences of others throughout the portfolio-building process.
Whether you're looking for guidance on an investigation, composition, materials, or how to strengthen your ideas, you'll have a place to get encouragement and expert input.
The Creative Community helps keep you motivated, accountable, and moving forward with confidence—because the best portfolios are developed through exploration, feedback, and continual refinement.
How long do I have access to the course?
You get lifetime access, including all future updates and additions. You can revisit lessons anytime, and complete the program at your own pace. Guided Art Portfolio Prep gets year long access to the Creative Community.
What if I fall behind?
No problem at all! You can move through the material whenever your schedule allows. The structure is clear, flexible, and designed to support you whether you’re working steadily or need breaks along the way.
Starting early is recommended so you can take your time and not be stressed out.
Can this help with scholarships?
This course completion does not guarantee a scholarship but, yes, a strong, cohesive portfolio dramatically increases scholarship opportunities.
Many of my art students who’ve used this process have earned art school acceptances and scholarships based on their final portfolios.
What if I’m already an artist—will this still help me?
Absolutely. Many adult artists join to expand their skills, build a cohesive series, or finally create a polished professional portfolio. The structure helps you grow technically and conceptually.
How do I get started?
Click the enrollment button, choose the INDEPENDENT STUDY or GUIDED ART PORTFOLIO PREP, and you’ll receive instant access to the complete Art Portfolio Prep system.
Is this worth it compared to just having my child build a portfolio on their own?
Most students who build a portfolio without guidance don't find out it's missing range, depth, or a clear direction until admissions decisions come back — when it's too late to fix.
This program is designed to catch those gaps early, while there's still time to act on them.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
I'm committed to helping dedicated students grow as artists.
Complete Investigations 1 & 2, work through all five stages of each investigation, and submit your assignments to the Art Portfolio Prep Creative Community.
If you've genuinely completed the work and decide the program isn't the right fit for you, simply let me know and I'll provide you with a full refund.
This guarantee is designed for students who are willing to show up, do the work, and embrace the creative process. If you're serious about developing your portfolio and growing as an artist, I am fully invested in helping you succeed.
I look forward to working with you!
Eileen
Kind Words...
