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.

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.

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.

Aida

5.0

(3)

Turn Your Imagination into Something Amazing with Creative AI!

Welcome to a hands-on Creative AI learning experience designed for mothers, students, young creators and aspiring kidspreneurs.

Learn how to use modern AI tools to bring creative ideas to life, develop practical digital skills and build your own projects.

What you can learn:

- ChatGPT and creative prompting for beginners
- Canva design and digital illustration
- Creating children's books and illustrated stories
- Designing worksheets, activity books and printables
- Creating characters, animations and short videos
- AI-assisted music and storytelling
- Designing invitations, posters and digital products
- Developing creative project and business ideas
- Understanding responsible AI use, originality and copyright
- Building a simple creative portfolio

For Moms & Parents

Create personalised learning materials, family projects, children's books and digital resources. Discover how AI can support your creativity and everyday activities.

For Students

Develop creative digital skills, improve presentations, create multimedia projects and learn how to use AI responsibly for school and personal development.

For Young Kidspreneurs

Explore imaginative ideas, design your first creative product, develop a simple brand and present your work with confidence. Younger learners participate with appropriate parental guidance.

My Teaching Approach

With over 18 years of educational experience, I provide practical, personalised lessons adapted to each learner's age, experience and goals.

No programming experience is required. Bring your imagination, and let's create something original!

Teaching language: English

Worldwide classroom. Premium knowledge. No borders.

Depika

5.0

(3)

A great artist should be able to draw a wide variety of subjects with confidence and creativity. This includes drawing people with accurate features and expressions, creating beautiful landscapes with depth and detail, and illustrating flowers with delicate shapes, textures and natural beauty.

Good drawing skills come from careful observation, understanding proportion, practising shading and using lines effectively. Whether drawing portraits, countryside scenes, buildings, plants or flowers, a skilled artist should be able to bring each subject to life and develop their own creative style.

With regular practice, students can improve their drawing techniques, build confidence and learn how to create artwork they are proud of.

Cedric

5.0

(3)

Discover cinema from the inside, deepen your perspective as a spectator and develop your projects with the methods used in the professional world.

Do you want to improve your screenwriting skills, develop a film project, understand the mechanisms of your favorite works, or prepare for your future in cinema?

Whether you are a film buff, student, aspiring screenwriter or an experienced author, I offer private lessons tailored to your level, interests and ambitions.

As a graduate of ESRA Paris and a professional in film production and development, I draw on my experience with authors and my work at Somnivore Films to share the methods of analysis, writing and development that I use daily.
Courses tailored to your goals
Screenwriting and dramaturgy

From the conception of a story to its various rewrites, learn to master the mechanisms of cinematic writing: narrative construction, dramatic structure, character development, conflicts, dialogues, rhythm and progression of the story.

We can work on targeted exercises or directly on your own script, whether it's a short film, a feature film, or a series project.

For authors who already have a script, I also offer rewriting support: dramaturgical analysis, identification of narrative difficulties, search for solutions and deepening of artistic intentions.

Film analysis on demand: choose the films that fascinate you!

Have you always wanted to understand why a film moves you, fascinates you, or leaves you perplexed?

I offer sessions entirely devoted to the films of your choice.

We can explore their storytelling, their characters, their staging, their editing, their themes, or even the artistic choices that shape the viewer's experience.

The analysis can focus on an entire work, a particular sequence, or a question that interests you: Why does this scene work? How does the director build emotion? What does a film tell us beyond its plot?

The goal is to develop your ability to observe, interpret and argue your analyses, while exploring the works that truly interest you.

Analyzing the writing of a film: understanding the mechanisms of a screenplay

This approach is particularly aimed at writing enthusiasts, screenwriters, and people who want to understand how a cinematic narrative is constructed.

Using a film of your choice, we analyze its narrative architecture: exposition, conflict development, scene construction, character trajectories, dramatic twists and resolution.

We can study the intentions of the screenwriters, identify potential difficulties in the narrative and consider other writing possibilities.

This method allows you to acquire analytical reflexes directly applicable to your own scenarios.

Genre cinema: horror, fantasy, thriller and exploration of film genres

Genre cinema is one of my main areas of specialization, with a particular interest in horror, fantasy, and thrillers.

I offer sessions dedicated to the analysis of these universes and their narrative mechanisms: construction of suspense, management of fear, creation of an atmosphere, anticipation, surprise, subversion of conventions and spectator expectations.

How do you construct a truly terrifying scene? Why do some revelations work better than others? How do you renew the conventions of a genre without losing what makes it unique?

We can study existing films, explore a particular subgenre, or work on writing your own project.

This specialization is aimed at both film enthusiasts wishing to deepen their knowledge of genre cinema and authors eager to master its dramatic mechanisms.

Film development and production

How do you transform an idea into a project that can be presented to a production company?

Drawing on my experience in production and my work at Somnivore Films, I can help you understand the different stages of film development.

We can work on writing a synopsis, a treatment, a statement of intent, an artistic dossier or a pitch, but also address financing mechanisms, the search for producers and the organization of film development.

The support can be based on your personal project or take the form of an introduction to professional practices in the sector.

Documentary writing and development

Thanks to my specialized training in documentary filmmaking and my experience in this field, I also offer courses dedicated to the design of documentary projects.

Choosing the subject, research, defining an angle, constructing a point of view, documentary writing, preparing interviews, articulation between narration and filmed reality: we address the particularities of this cinematic form.

I can also assist you in writing a documentary development file.

Preparation for film schools and university support

Do you want to attend a film school or pursue film studies?

Having myself completed several university and professional training courses in this field, I can assist you in preparing your applications: compiling a file, presenting your projects, preparing for interviews and training for analysis or writing tests.

I also offer support to film students for their film analyses, dissertations, research papers and screenwriting exercises.
A teaching method directly informed by my professional experience
My approach is based on one conviction: the mechanisms of cinema are best understood when observed in action and when one learns to use them.

In my professional activity, I analyze scripts, identify their dramaturgical difficulties, support authors in their rewrites and participate in the development of projects intended to be presented to producers.

I apply this approach to my classes, combining explanations, film examples and exercises tailored to each student.

What happens during a session ?

We begin by identifying your expectations and the difficulties you wish to work on. Each lesson is then structured around a specific objective.

For a writing course, we can, for example, examine your storyboard, analyze the dramatic function of several scenes, rework a character, or compare different narrative solutions.

For a film analysis, we can start with a sequence, observe its construction and understand how the choices of writing, directing or editing guide our perception.

For project support, we work directly on your documents, with reasoned observations and suggestions for rewriting or development.

The sessions devoted to a particular film are prepared around a work and questions defined together beforehand.

I favour exchange and reflection: it is not about imposing a single interpretation or method on you, but about giving you the means to understand the possible choices, their consequences and their relevance according to your intentions.

You will therefore leave with knowledge, working methods and, where the course allows, concrete suggestions to continue your progress.
Who are my courses for?
My courses are open to all levels and different profiles:
- Film buffs and enthusiasts, wishing to deepen their understanding of films, explore film genres or discover the mechanisms of writing and directing.
- Beginners and aspiring authors, eager to learn to write, structure their ideas or develop a film project.
- Experienced screenwriters and authors, seeking an outside perspective on their work, dramaturgical support or tools to deepen their practice.
- Students and candidates for film schools, wishing to progress in their studies, prepare for admission tests or benefit from methodological support.
- Project leaders wishing to better understand the professional practices of film development and production.
You can come with a screenplay in progress, a film idea, a work you wish to analyze, a file to prepare or simply a curiosity for cinema.

Each course is built around what you want to learn, understand or develop, with support that takes into account your experience and objectives.

Valery

5.0

(3)

Learn to use Canva from scratch, practically and at your own pace. I'm a psychologist and teacher, and I use Canva daily to create presentations, guides, training materials, and social media content with a strong visual identity.

In classes you will learn to:
• Navigating Canva: templates, elements, texts, photos, and colors.
• Create engaging presentations for school, university, or work.
• Design school projects, infographics, concept maps, and covers.
• Create posts, stories, and short videos for social media.
• Create a simple visual identity (colors, fonts and logo) for your project or business.
• Download, share, and present your designs.

For whom: children from 9 years old (accompanied by an adult if they prefer), teenagers, university students, teachers and entrepreneurs.

How the classes are: We work on a real project of yours from the very first session (a presentation, a paper, or your brand), so you leave each class with something finished. Classes are held via video call (Zoom or Google Meet) with screen sharing.

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.