ART PORTFOLIO PREP
A guided online portfolio-development program for high school artists,
AP Art students, homeschool students and college applicants
who need stronger ideas, original artwork, expert feedback,
and a clear path forward.
Talent Alone
Does Not Build
A Strong Art Portfolio
Many students spend months creating artwork without a clear plan, only to discover that their portfolio feels disconnected, repetitive, overly dependent on references from Pinterest or tutorials or just incomplete.
Most students are not struggling because they lack talent. They are struggling because nobody has shown them how portfolios are actually developed.
They may be asking:
What are art colleges actually looking for?
How many pieces should I make?
Are my ideas original enough?
How do I turn one idea into something more personal?
What should I include - and what should I l leave out?
Where do I even begin?
ART PORTFOLIO PREP replaces that uncertainty with a repeatable process, meaningful assignments, experienced critique, and clear next steps.
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.
FOUNDING COHORT -
LIMITED TO 8 STUDENTS
Course access begins September 15, 2026
Live sessions:
Tuesdays, October 13-November 17, 2026
7:00-8:00 PM Eastern Time (New York)
Six live critiques | Two private portfolio reviews | Complete APP curriculum | Lifetime access
A COURSE can give you the assignment. A TEACHER helps you see what to do next.
Strong portfolios are rarely built by watching lessons alone.
Students need experienced feedback while their ideas and artwork are still developing - not only after a piece is finished.
During this six-week intensive, students watch the recorded lessons independently and arrive at each live session with source material, sketchbook pages, experiments, questions, and works in progress.
In our live studio critiques, I help students recognize what is working, move beyond predictable first ideas, solve visual and conceptual problems, and make confident decisions about what to develop next.
SMALL BY DESIGN
This is not a large online class where students disappear into the background.
Enrollment is limited to eight so every student can be known, supported, and challenged.
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.
By the end of APP, you'll complete a sustained investigation and a body of work that mirrors the type of thinking expected in AP Art, BFA programs, and competitive college portfolios.
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
HYBRID LEARNING
How the live intensive works
LEARN - Watch concise recorded lessons introducing the investigation and each stage of the process.
CREATE - Complete original photography, research, sketchbook work, thumbnails, experiments, studies, and works in progress between meetings.
SHARE - Upload selected work and questions to the private APP Creative Community before each live critique.
MEET LIVE - Join Eileen and a small group of serious young artists for weekly critique, problem-solving, discussion, and individualized direction.
DEVELOP - Apply the feedback, strengthen the artwork, and continue toward a thoughtful portfolio-ready resolution.
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.
You can build a portfolio
you feel proud of
By the end of the live intensive,
a student who participates consistently can:
Learn a repeatable process for developing
original portfolio artwork
Complete two deeply guided
Art portfolio investigations
Create two or more portfolio-ready artworks,
depending on the scope of each investigation
Document sources, experiments, revisions,
and artistic growth
Write or strengthen corresponding
artist statements
Receive expert feedback on existing
and developing work
Identify missing skills, concepts,
or types of artwork
Create an individualized plan for completing
the remaining APP curriculum
Students enter this art portfolio intensive at different stages.
Some already have substantial portfolios; others are only beginning.
This program therefore does not promise
a complete college portfolio in six weeks,
that is going to take longer as the student works through
the remaining Art investigations.
THE REAL PROMISE
Stronger artwork. Better artistic thinking.
Expert direction. A repeatable development process.
And a clear plan for moving forward.
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 defined six-week live schedule
Weekly deadlines and external accountability
Two private reviews focused on your child's individual portfolio
Visible progress through source material, experiments, revisions, and finished work
A realistic assessment of strengths and missing areas
A practical continuation plan after the live intensive ends
Guidance from a 36-year veteran art educator, not a generic online course. 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.
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.
When are the live sessions?
The six 60-minute live sessions meet on Tuesdays, October 13, October 20, October 27, November 3, November 10, and November 17, from 7:00-8:00 PM Eastern Time (New York).
What if a student misses a live session?
Sessions will be recorded for cohort members. Because individual feedback and discussion are central to the experience, regular live attendance is strongly encouraged.
How much time does this actually take per week?
Plan for approximately four to six hours of independent studio work each week in addition to the 60-minute live meeting. Students facing close application deadlines may need additional time.
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!
Do students complete all nine investigations in six weeks?
No. The complete Art Portfolio Prep curriculum includes nine required investigations designed to build a substantial body of work.
During the live intensive, students are guided deeply through two investigations while learning the five-stage process they will use throughout the full program.
Students retain lifetime curriculum access and leave with an individualized continuation plan.
What happens after the six-week intensive?
Students continue through the remaining required investigations using the recorded curriculum, worksheets, five-stage method, private workspace, and Creative Community.
Each student leaves the live intensive with an individualized plan for the next phase of development.
A second private consultation with Eileen is part of the course and usually scheduled after students complete the remaining Art Investigations.
Does a student need an existing portfolio?
No. Students may enter with an existing body of work or at the beginning of the portfolio-development process. The initial private review with Eileen identifies the student's starting point, strengths, gaps, and priorities.
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.
When do students receive the course?
Course access begins September 15, 2026. Students who enroll after September 15 receive access after enrollment is completed. The live intensive begins October 13.
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?
Students receive lifetime access to the recorded APP curriculum and future course updates. The live sessions occur only during the published six-week cohort dates. Founding students receive one year of access to the APP Creative Community.
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.
How do I get started?
Click the enrollment button, choose the INDEPENDENT STUDY or GUIDED ART PORTFOLIO PREP INTENSIVE, and you’ll receive access to the complete Art Portfolio Prep system.
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED
Students should explore the orientation, review the expectations, and begin the opening lessons promptly after receiving access.
If you decide within seven calendar days of receiving course access that Art Portfolio Prep is not the right fit, contact Online Studio Arts for a full refund.
The guarantee ends once a private portfolio review has been completed or the seven-day period has passed, whichever occurs first.
I look forward to working with you!
Eileen
Kind Words...
