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!

How to use layers in a sketchbook

Learn how to use layers in a sketchbook by having the permission to make art in the sketchbook. Adding layers in a sketchbook is a great way to add texture and have fun testing and experimenting with new materials and techniques.  I have three ways for how to use layers in a sketchbook. Read more to discover how to use layers in a sketchbook. 


how to use layers in a sketchbook


Layer in Materials 

Start by pushing yourself to add layers of different media in your sketchbook. You can start with pencil then add pen, then marker, then water colour paint, then acrylic paint, then sharpie etc. Each layer you can challenge yourself to add a new medium.

pile of sketchbooks on the floor with layers in them

Layer in Textures

Begin to play and experiment with your sketchbook through the layers. You can add collage elements to bring in different textures. Here are some great collage elements to try:

  • Magazines

  • Fabric

  • Scrap paper 

  • Paper with writing or text like book pages or handwritten letters

  • Tissue paper 

  • Ribbon

  • Scrapbooking materials 

  • Stickers 

  • Buttons 

  • Anything that interests or speaks to you


Adjust your mindset 

Sketchbooks can have multiple purposes. You can plan out artwork and do a rough sketch, you can create a full artwork or a finished piece. Or you can use your sketchbook to create layers and to test and experiment with new supplies or techniques. You can give yourself permission to let go and to just have fun and play since a sketchbook is usually cheaper than watercolour paper or canvas. 

stack of sketchbooks



Tips for using your sketchbook more

  • Have it readily available in a place you see daily

  • Give yourself time in your schedule to sketch, doodle (make it part of your morning or evening routine)

  • Create a challenge where you are going to make a small artwork in your sketchbook either daily or weekly



Benefits of keeping a sketchbook

A sketchbook is a great place to test out new materials and techniques. It is a great tool to record ideas, inspiration and research. It can be used as a log to record what worked and what didn’t. Lastly, a sketchbook can be used as a test to create a mock up or mini work before committing to a larger or final piece. 



If you have enjoyed how to use layers in a sketchbook feel free to try any painting tutorials on YouTube or learn about some of my art resources on Teachers Pay Teachers.


Check out my drawing prompts for high school students. I have over 30 pages of drawing prompts, ideas, checklists and drawing practice pages that use the elements of design!

Click here to shop!

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!

Frequently Asked Questions - Shop Policies and Services  


What is the cost of standard shipping?

Standard shipping is FREE in Canada. The U.S. and in all other countries shipping is $9.99.

How much is express shipping?

Express shipping in Canada and the U.S. is $14.99 and in all other countries it is $19.99.

Do you offer any sales or discounts?

Yes you can join my email list at www.jackiepartridge.com/shop. You will receive an automatic discount code to save 15% on your next purchase. If you do not receive an email right away after joining please check your junk mail! When you join my mailing list you will also learn about special sales and promotions for being a member. Usually I offer 1-2 sales per year with no more than a 20% off discount. 

What is your refund policy?

I do not offer refunds on digital products like ebooks or online courses due to the digital nature of them.  For all digital products (ebooks and courses) all sales are final and nonrefundable.

I offer refunds on physical products like artwork and hardcover books. I will happily provide a refund for a physical product if an artwork or book ships to you and comes damaged. Although this doesn’t happen often and I ensure I package my art securely - it can happen with any online order. If you receive something damaged just take a photo of how the artwork was received and email it to jackiepartridgeart@gmail.com I will respond in 1-2 business days and send you an e-transfer. 

Are taxes included in the price of products?

Yes taxes are built into the prices of all products for sale.



Can I apply watercolour paint or ink to your handmade paper?

      

No the paper is intended to be sold and displayed as is and has not been sealed to be able to have a liquid like a paint or ink applied. The handmade paper is not meant for painting, drawing or writing on.

Does your art come framed?

My art ships unframed allowing me to be able to offer free shipping in Canada and the U.S and allowing you to be able to select the best frame to suit your personal design style.

You can purchase the same or similar frames in your house or choose to invest and have it professionally framed. For my artwork I personally suggest simple frames like white or a light-toned natural wood since a lot of my art is softer, neutral and light coloured. To receive some helpful tips on framing art -check out this blog post I wrote! 



Do you offer private acrylic painting lessons or portfolio review?

  

I do offer online private art lessons or portfolio review. Click here to pay and we will discuss dates/times. You can see my prices here!


Do you plan on offering online courses in the future?

Yes, I am currently in the developing stages of creating online courses for acrylic painting. In the meantime you can look at my YouTube channel for acrylic painting. The best way to stay connected is to join my email list - sign up here! 

I am also working on a course for how to make an art portfolio application for school - join the wait list and get a FREE guide with 10 tips to make your portfolio stand out here!

Do you offer art commissions?

Yes I do offer commissions for acrylic painting or handmade paper art. I only accept a small number of commissions per year as it is a large time commitment. If you are interested in an art commission you can email me  jackiepartridgeart@gmail.com or read this blog post about art commissions and what you need to consider before we get started: click here to read!

I love your art! Where should I hang it?

Thank you first of all! This is a common problem -figuring out the perfect place to hang art that you love. I have written a helpful post about ideas of where you should hang your art. You can read the helpful tips here! 

Will you make a sequel to your book Patched?

I self-published my book Patched with the help of the Waterloo Arts Fund in 2018. I plan on creating a sequel to this book within the next 2-3 years. You can see more from this project by searching the hashtag #patchedproject on instagram! 

 Issues with order or further questions?

If you experience any issues making an order on my shop or you have further questions feel free to contact me: jackiepartridgeart@gmail.com. I will try to contact you within 1-2 business days. 

How can I stay connected and hear updates?

Click one of the social media icons below to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube or Instagram. Click the link icon to follow me on Teachers Pay Teachers. Make sure to join my mailing list at the bottom of the page to hear about art news, sales and receive a discount!

Thanks for your interest! - Take a look at the online shop here! - and don’t forget to sign up for my email list while you are there to save 15%

Thanks for your interest! - Take a look at the online shop here! - and don’t forget to sign up for my email list to save 15%