University Art & Design Portfolio Preparation for Fine Art, Graphic Design, Fashion & Architecture

From 102 £ /h

Online University Art and Design Portfolio Preparation.

Are you applying to university for a creative subject?

I offer personalised one-to-one online portfolio mentoring for students applying to art and design courses in the UK and internationally.

I am an experienced art educator, graphic designer and researcher with more than 30 years of teaching experience. Most recently, I taught international students at EF Academy Oxford, supporting learners from a wide range of cultural and educational backgrounds.

I am based in Oxford and can support students in university portfolio preparation to study Art, Graphic Design, Graphic Communication Design, Fashion Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Illustration, Photography, Textile Design, Product Design, Animation, Foundation Art and Design, and other creative programmes.

My guidance may include:

1- Developing original ideas and personal themes.
2- Strengthening sketchbooks and creative processes.
3- Developing creative ideas and experimenting with materials and techniques.
4- Strengthening drawing, painting, design and visual communication skills.
5- Selecting, refining and presenting work for university portfolios.
6- Personal-statement and interview preparation.
7- Understanding the expectations of UK art and design courses.

My approach is supportive, honest and individually tailored. I help students recognise what is already strong in their work and understand how to develop it further.

Portfolio preparation requires regular effort, so I work best with motivated students who are prepared to engage seriously with the creative process.

Online lessons are available internationally.

Extra information

Lessons are personalised to each student's needs.

Location

Online from United Kingdom

About Me

About Me
I am an art educator, graphic designer and researcher with over 30 years of professional experience in teaching and creative practice.
I hold a BA in Graphic Design and an MA in Art Research. Most recently, I taught GCSE, A-Level and IB Visual Arts at EF Academy Oxford, supporting students from a wide range of cultural and educational backgrounds.
I specialise in helping students prepare portfolios for university applications in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Graphic Communication Design, Fashion Design, Architecture, Illustration, Photography and other creative disciplines. My teaching focuses on developing original ideas, creative thinking, technical skills and confident presentation of work.
I believe every student has individual strengths. My role is to help students recognise their potential, develop their creative voice and produce a portfolio that reflects their abilities and ambitions.
I work with motivated students from around the world, helping them build creative confidence and prepare successful portfolios for UK and international universities.

Education

BA in Graphic Design and MA in Art Research. My education combined creative practice with research, visual communication and critical thinking. This foundation enables me to guide students in developing original ideas, strong portfolios and successful applications for art and design courses.

Experience / Qualifications

30+ years teaching experience
Former Visual Arts Teacher, EF Academy Oxford
BA Graphic Design
MA Art Research
University Portfolio Preparation Specialist

Age

Teenagers (13-17 years old)

Adults (18-64 years old)

Student level

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Duration

60 minutes

The class is taught in

English

Skills

Art

Architecture

Graphic design

Availability of a typical week

(GMT -05:00)

New York

Online via webcam

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

00-04

04-08

08-12

12-16

16-20

20-24

Gaëlle

5.0

(3)

Most kids think coding is for "smart kids" or "future programmers."
It's not. Coding is how real people solve real problems.
In this class, we skip the theory. Your child creates real things.

What they'll do:
✓ Build real projects in Scratch: a working game, an interactive animation, a story they coded
✓ Program virtual robots: solve real-world challenges (navigate a maze, automate a task, build a system)
✓ Create in Minecraft Education: design worlds, automate constructions, solve logic problems
✓ Experiment with different languages: not just learn "the right way," but understand that there are many ways to think about a problem
✓ Collaborate and share: work with other kids, get feedback, improve their work
✓ Develop logical thinking: not just for coding, but for anything: solving math problems, science challenges, real-world situations

Why this is different:
We don't teach syntax. We teach how programmers think.
Most children's coding courses say "here's the code, copy it." We teach "what problem are we trying to solve? How could we break it into steps? What options do we have?"
When your child learns to think like a programmer, they can learn any language afterward.

What they take home:
A portfolio of 3–4 completed, working projects. The ability to say "I built this." And the deep understanding that code is a tool to make real things happen.

Format: Online or Barcelona | 60–90 min sessions | Flexible pace, no prior experience needed
For curious 8-12 year olds who want to build.

Jaume

5.0

(3)

I am a visual artist born in Barcelona, settled in Belgium since 2017. As an artist I have accumulated experience for the last 25 years. I am graduated with an Academic Bachelor in Fine Arts in the University of Barcelona and graduated as a Master in Visual Arts at Sint Lucas School of Arts in Antwerpen.

I am specialised in painting, drawing, experimental films, installations, language, sound and curating. In other words, I am a multidisciplinary artist.

I understand the artistic practice as a way to understand ourselves and the situations which surrounds us. In my classes I don't teach how to do Art, but as how to say something through your artistic work. With me you can work independently, with a coach who will challenge you with some assignments and giving feedback to your personal concerns.

In addition, you will learn how to work with several mediums, preparing your own material: paintings, canvases, and so on.

You will not only receive individual coaching but as encourage you to look other artists or take into account other references connected with your concerns.

Finding, discussing and retaking solutions together are the core of my classes.

Haider

5.0

(3)

Welcome!

I have already completed my master’s degree in mechanical engineering and am currently doing my doctorate.

Tutoring is offered in

✔AutoCAD
✔CREO
✔NX
✔SolidEdge
✔Inventor
✔SolidWorks
✔Ansys
✔CFX
✔Fluent
✔OpenFoam
✔Word
✔OneNote
✔Excel
✔Visio
✔Matlab
✔Simulink
✔German
✔English

+ other subjects on request

When contacting please
Class / study / training and subject
notify!

I'm looking forward to your messages.

Xingying

5.0

(3)

Painting and drawing are not just techniques—they are also powerful tools for presentation, mediation, and self-expression. This class will guide you through the essentials of painting and drawing, covering foundational skills such as perspective, anatomy, and color theory, as well as techniques for analyzing and critiquing artwork.

From still life and portraiture to landscapes, abstract painting, and multimedia art, this course will support you in developing your unique visual language. Based on your individual goals and interests, I will create a tailored plan to help you achieve the best possible outcomes in your artistic journey.

Katarzyna

5.0

(3)

Egg tempera is one of the most ancient historical art painting technique. It preserved as a main technique to paint orthodox religious icons. It is possible to learn it and paint your own icon. I have 12 years of practice teaching people how to do it. We work together step by step to understand the technique, the way to prepare wooden panel to paint an icon and the techniques of making a good project to make the icon fit to the board. We also learn how to make gold leaf layer on the halos. Your icon will be a real, crafted icon.

Samaa

5.0

(3)

I am a highly skilled and experienced Architect with a great experience in Architecture software. Photoshop is an important software, not only for Architects. I'm Strongly knowledgeable about all approaches of Photoshop. More than anything else, a Creative designer with a will for improving learners` productivity levels as well as improving learning experiences. I work with Adobe Photoshop, Autocad, and Revit in addition I can train you to use most graphic design applications.

Lobna

5.0

(3)

In the era of artificial intelligence, it has become necessary to learn professional design programs to become a professional designer who cannot replace you

This is what I offer you in this

I am Lubna. I work in the field of graphic design and have work experience of more than 5 years. I have trained and held seminars on design.
However, I am studying marketing for online business students

I worked with companies, individuals, and clients

My motto is “Do not design, but find a solution.”

I will provide you with an explanation of all the tools - techniques - and applications to actual projects - and answers to all your questions.....

You will have a graduation project at the end of the lectures, and this will be your success in mastering the program

Explanation in Arabic

Let's defeat aı and be professional designers

Idris

5.0

(3)

I am an artist and philosopher from Amsterdam currently living in Antwerp. I studied in London where I acquired a BA from Art Academy London and a BA in philosophy from St Mary's University London.

Artistic development starts by identifying your artistic interest. As artists, we don’t always know why we draw and paint the things that we do. Yet they are not random. What captivates us or draws us towards certain artworks? This might be the tonal way in which light reflects, structural forms or mathematical division. The point being, is that we all have such aesthetic interests and step 1 is finding out what interests you!

Step 2 is helping you express your interests through painting techniques, styles and materiality. But it all starts with you. What do you want to say? And how? I will help you do this through discussion, looking at your previous work (if you have any), introducing you to a LARGE variety of artists, potentially copying their styles. I adjust my classes according to your needs.

The goal is simple: to come to understand your artistic interest, help you find techniques to express them and develop your artistic language.

(Please note that just because you have found an artistic interest and a way to express it, it does not mean that you must do only one thing for the rest of your life. It is the downfall of creativity to repeat and paint the same way over and over again. Instead, allow your interests to drive your creativity. Let it be the starting point, venture out and discover it from various angles and ways of expressing it. But also be mindful that as we grow our interests can change and as they change, we must remain honest and respond accordingly such that our artistic language can also grow.)

Have questions? Don’t hesitate to message me! I can tailor a class to your needs :)

Valeriia

5.0

(3)

Discover the basics of pencil drawing and learn how to create expressive and realistic drawings using simple techniques!
In this class, you will explore line, shading, proportions, light and shadow, and texture while learning how to observe and translate what you see onto paper. We will work step by step, starting with basic exercises and gradually moving towards a finished drawing.
The class is suitable for beginners as well as those who already have some drawing experience. You will receive individual guidance throughout the process and learn how to develop your own drawing skills and confidence.

Rida

5.0

(3)

Ever wanted to create those beautiful, intricate henna designs you see on hands? Why not turn that curiosity into a new artistic skill?
Henna, or Mehendi, is a beautiful art form that combines patterns, creativity and tradition. In this class, you'll get to explore the world of henna, learn to create your own designs and discover the artist in you!
Whether you're someone who loves art, is looking for a new hobby or simply wants to learn something different, this class is for you. No previous artistic experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to create!

What will you explore?
1. Handling a henna cone and mastering basic strokes.
2. Creating different elements such as flowers, leaves, paisleys, swirls and patterns.
3. Exploring Indian, Arabic, Indo-Arabic and contemporary henna styles.
4. Learning how to combine individual motifs into beautiful, flowing designs.
5. Practising both on paper and on hands to develop your technique.
6. Gradually creating your own designs and developing your artistic style.

Kelsey

5.0

(3)

Are you ready to turn your book idea or raw manuscript into a stunning, professionally designed book ready for print? Whether you are starting completely from scratch or looking to polish and fix an existing file, this class gives you the practical skills and guidance to create industry standard publications.

In our lessons, we focus primarily on Adobe InDesign, the premier professional tool for interior layout and book production. You will learn:

• Master pages, margins, grids, and professional document setup
• Advanced typesetting, paragraph and character styles, and typographic hierarchy
• Handling complex layouts, image placement, tables, and book organization
• Integrating Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator seamlessly for covers, figures, and spot graphics
• Troubleshooting common layout mistakes, reflowing text, and cleaning up legacy files

In addition to design mechanics, I guide you through the technical self publishing process. We will cover preparing pre press, print ready PDF files specifically formatted for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, or independent commercial offset printers. We will address bleed, color spaces (CMYK vs RGB), spine width calculations, and barcode placement so your book prints cleanly without rejection.

Every session is personalized to your individual project, whether you are publishing fiction, non fiction, photography monographs, poetry, or children's books. Beginners learning InDesign for the first time and experienced creators looking for advanced book techniques are both welcome.

Amat

5.0

(3)

Would you like to learn how to use Photoshop and explore the world of graphic design? This course is the perfect place to start!

Over 10 sessions, we'll explore Photoshop step by step, discovering its main tools and features and learning how to use them in a practical and creative way. You'll get familiar with the interface, layers, selections, brushes, text, colours, image editing, filters and much more.

The goal is not just to learn what each tool does, but to understand how to use them to create your own designs, edit images and bring your creative ideas to life.

Each session comes with practical exercises to work on outside class. These activities are an essential part of the learning process, helping you put what you've learned into practice, build confidence and significantly speed up your progress. The more you practise, the faster you'll improve!

No previous experience with Photoshop or graphic design is needed. We'll take things step by step, at your own pace, with practical examples and hands-on exercises.

The course is available in both English and Spanish, so you can choose whichever language you're most comfortable with.

Whether you're curious about graphic design, want to develop a new skill or simply want to learn Photoshop from scratch, you're very welcome!

Forough

5.0

(3)

Discover graphic design through creative, practical and personalised lessons with a visual artist holding an MA in Visual Communication from the University of the Arts London.

With over 20 years of experience in visual arts and creative projects, I combine artistic thinking with hands-on design skills.

You'll explore Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, typography, colour, composition, image editing and digital design through real-world projects.

Whether you're a beginner, developing your portfolio or refining your skills, I'll tailor lessons to your goals and interests.

My teaching style is friendly, imaginative and encouraging, helping you build technical confidence, creative independence and your own visual style.

Hugo

5.0

(3)

I am a dedicated architecture tutor and a graduate of Yale (M.Arch II) and HKU. With over 9 years of experience since 2017, I have successfully guided dozens of students into top global programs, including GSD, UPenn, GSAPP, UCL, HKU, Polimi, TU Delft, etc. My professional background combined with my patient, structured approach ensures that students not only build outstanding portfolios but also develop a deeper understanding of architectural design.

With a background spanning mainland China, Hong Kong, and the US, I have developed an understanding of and sensibility for the academic cultures and design standards of leading universities in the US, the UK and the Commonwealth, and Asia.

Based in Shanghai, I specialize in conceptual and narrative-driven portfolio development. I help students with:
Refining existing projects;
Developing new projects through one-on-one tutoring;
Competition design;
Architecture portfolio reviews for graduate school applications;
Project storytelling;
Portfolio organization and image editing/manipulation;
Graphic layout and visual identity;
Modeling and software troubleshooting;
CV and personal statement development;
Interview preparation, etc.

Availability (EST): Regularly 7:00–11:00 AM; occasionally 8:00 AM–12:00 PM.

Emeka

5.0

(3)

Learn 3D Architectural Visualization: From 2D Plans to Stunning 3D Renders

Ever wanted to transform a simple floor plan or design idea into a realistic 3D space? I'll help you make that happen!

I'm a 3D Architectural Visualizer with practical experience in interior modelling, architectural design and rendering. I enjoy breaking down technical concepts into simple, practical lessons that make learning easier and more enjoyable.

**What you'll learn:**

- SketchUp fundamentals and 3D modelling techniques.
- Creating interior spaces from 2D floor plans.
- Applying materials, textures and lighting.
- Rendering realistic interiors using Enscape and V-Ray.
- Improving composition, presentation and visual quality.
- Developing practical skills through real-world design exercises.

**My teaching approach**

My lessons are practical, interactive and tailored to your learning pace. Whether you're completely new to 3D modelling, an architecture student, an aspiring interior designer or someone looking to improve their visualization skills, I'll guide you step by step.

We won't just learn where the buttons are; we'll understand the design process and build projects together.

**Let's turn your creative ideas into impressive 3D visuals.**

Book a lesson, and let's get started!