ART PORTFOLIO PREP
Why Most Portfolios Don’t Stand Out
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.
A Structured Approach to Portfolio Development
Art Portfolio Prep is
not just a course.
It is a guided portfolio development system that teaches you how to:
Build a Sustained Investigation
Develop a series of connected works
Move from sketchbook → finished artwork
Create a professional quality art portfolio with depth, clarity, & intention
build aN ART portfolio you feel proud of
With step-by-step guidance, you will create artwork that feels intentional,
expressive, and true to who you are as an artist.
Choose Your Portfolio Path
Two focused tracks. One proven Portfolio System.
What schools and galleries actually want is not more artwork—
they want evidence of thinking, exploration and development in a cohesive body of work.
The 5-Stage Portfolio Development Method
Every artwork 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.
College & Scholarship Path
For High School Students Applying to
Art Programs
high school students
homeschooled students
students applying to competitive art schools
teens seeking scholarships
Develop a portfolio that meets the expectations of competitive art schools.
You will focus on:
Sustained Investigation (AP & college-aligned)
Observational drawing
Concept development
Portfolio presentation strategies
✔ Strong, cohesive portfolio
✔ Prepared for admissions + scholarships
✔ Confidence in presenting your work
And (optionally):
1:1 review + recommendation letter
(GOLD Package)
Artist & Gallery Path
For Artists Building a Professional Body
of Work
adult beginners
emerging artists
hobbyists ready to go professional
artists preparing for juried shows
artists wanting gallery representation
Move beyond isolated pieces and develop a body of work with clarity and direction.
You will focus on:
Developing a signature visual language
Building a cohesive series
Refining concept and presentation
Preparing work for galleries or exhibition
✔ Cohesive, professional body of work
✔ Clear artistic direction
✔ Work ready for submission or exhibition
And (optionally):
1:1 review + feedback for gallery submissions (GOLD Package)
Both tracks follow the same proven structure—
the difference is in how your work is applied and presented.
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.
This course teaches you how artists actually develop strong portfolios —
through exploration, refinement, and series development —
not through rushing to finish lots of unrelated pieces.
You won’t just make art.
You’ll learn how to build a body of work.
And most importantly:
You’ll have a repeatable system you can use long after this course ends.
Your Sustained Investigation Art Portfolio
Will Develop Through
The Elements of Art and Principles of Design
Line & Pattern
Shape & Contrast
Value & Movement
Texture & Emphasis
Space & Balance
Form & Scale
Color & Variety
Each module builds on the last—so your portfolio evolves naturally
into a cohesive body of work.
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR-
Learn from an Experienced Educator & Working Artist
Eileen Baumeister McIntyre is the founder of Online Studio Arts and a New York State Certified Art Teacher with a Master’s Degree in Art Education. She has helped hundreds of emerging artists create high quality art portfolios for admission & scholarships to art colleges over the last three decades.
Eileen has also taught as an Adjunct Professor, bringing her experience in both secondary and higher education to her teaching and mentorship.
She is a practicing professional fine artist, jewelry designer and art studio & gallery owner.
Eileen's award winning artwork has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the country.
“When I created Art Portfolio Prep, my goal was to guide artists through the kind of transformation that only comes from clarity, intention, and meaningful practice. This program isn’t just about assembling artworks—it’s about discovering your voice, developing ideas that matter, and learning how to present your work with confidence. Whether you’re applying to art school or building your first professional portfolio, this is your space to grow,
explore, and create a body of work you’re truly proud of.”
— Eileen Baumeister McIntyre, Founder, Online Studio Arts
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:
A high school student preparing an art portfolio for college, AP, or scholarship review
A homeschooled or independent student needing a clear portfolio framework
An adult artist building a cohesive body of work for gallery submission or personal growth
A creative person who makes a lot of work but isn’t sure what belongs together
An artist who wants guidance on how portfolios are actually evaluated, not just how to make finished pieces
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the ART PORTFOLIO PREP for?
Art Portfolio Prep is designed for high school students applying to art school, adult beginners building their first portfolio, and emerging artists preparing for gallery submissions. If you want structure, clarity, and a portfolio you’re proud of, this program is for you.
Do I need to have experience to join?
No. The program is beginner-friendly and fully guided. Many students join with little formal training.
What is the CREATIVE COMMUNITY?
The Creative Community is the supportive online space connected to your Sketchbook Bootcamp (and other Online Studio Arts courses). It’s where students can:
Connect With Other Artists
You won’t be working in isolation. Inside the Creative Community, you’ll meet other students exploring the same prompts. It’s a chance to see how differently each person interprets the same theme, which is inspiring and often eye-opening.
Share Your Work
Students are encouraged to upload photos of their sketchbook pages. This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing your progress, sparking new ideas, and celebrating creativity in all its forms.
Encourage & Get Feedback
The Creative Community is designed as a safe, positive space where you can receive encouragement, constructive comments, and share your own observations to help others grow.
Stay Motivated
Seeing others post their progress helps keep your momentum going. One student’s bold color palette might inspire your next page, while your line drawing might spark someone else’s experiment.
You can think of it as your Sketchbook Sanctuary online—a place where your art is seen, celebrated, and connected to a bigger circle of creatives.
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.
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. Inside the course, you can follow the College Path or the Artist/Gallery Path—whichever fits your goals.
How long do the lessons take each week?
Plan for 2–4 hours per week depending on how deeply you explore your artwork. You can spend more time if you want to create additional portfolio pieces.
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. Silver Plan gets 3 months in our Creative Community. Gold Plan gets year long access.
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.
Can this help with scholarships?
This course completion does not guarantee a scholarship but, yes, a strong, cohesive portfolio dramatically increases scholarship opportunities.
Many 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.
What if my teen needs extra support?
The program is clear and guided, but if you want personalized help, the Gold package includes a private portfolio review and feedback session.
We also offer Private Art Coaching packages if you prefer a longer duration of individual support and advice.
What if I’m not sure if my artwork is “good enough”?
You don’t need to be perfect—just open to learning, exploring, and creating. This program is designed to help you grow from wherever you are, with no pressure and no comparisons.
How do I get started?
Click the enrollment button, choose the Silver or Gold package, and you’ll receive instant access to Week 1, plus the complete Art Portfolio Prep system.
Kind Words...
Krystal S.
Eileen Baumeister McIntyre is one of the most memorable teachers I have ever had. Her patience, kindness, and incredible sense of humor made learning from her a wonderful experience.
Her classes are fun and you genuinely leave feeling like you’ve learned something new that will take your art to the next level.
Brian S.
Eileen is one of the nicest people I have ever had the chance to work with. She has helped me gain a lot of confidence in my art skills and abilities.
She constantly motivated me to push myself and to work on projects I never thought I could complete.
Her feedback is always insightful too, which helps a lot. Besides her being a great teacher, she is super funny and very patient with her students.
Eileen is a fantastic artist, therefore there’s no one better to get help from! I definitely recommend her teaching to anyone of any skill level.
Nicole P.
Eileen was my art teacher growing up and continues to teach and mentor me with my artwork today.
She is a talented professional artist who is knowledgeable in all art mediums!
I highly recommend anyone at any level to take classes.
