Why Portfolio Coaching is Right for You


Why portfolio coaching is right for you? It will help your art portfolio application stand out and get accepted without the stress and overwhelm! I offer two different art coaching sessions for an hour and 30 minutes. As a portfolio consultant I help students complete their art portfolio application and get them accepted into the school or program of their dreams. Find out more about why portfolio coaching is right for you.

Why Portfolio Coaching is Right for You

How can having a coach help with your art portfolio application?

  • Objective Feedback: A coach can provide unbiased and expert feedback on your artwork. They can evaluate your portfolio from an experienced perspective and help you identify strengths and weaknesses in your work.

  • Portfolio Selection: Coaches can assist you in choosing the best pieces for your portfolio. They can help you curate a selection that showcases your skills, creativity, and potential, aligning with the specific requirements and expectations of the university or program.

  • Organization and Presentation: Coaches can guide you in organizing your portfolio in a cohesive and visually appealing way. They can advise on the layout, sequencing, and presentation materials to create a polished and professional portfolio.

  • Artistic Development: A coach can help you identify areas for artistic growth and improvement. They can suggest techniques, concepts, or themes that might enhance your portfolio and make it more competitive.

  • Critiques and Revisions: Coaches can offer constructive critiques of your work and provide guidance on how to make improvements. They can help you revise and refine your portfolio to ensure it meets the highest standards.

  • Time Management: Preparing an art portfolio can be time-consuming. A coach can help you set realistic goals and deadlines, ensuring that you have ample time to create or revise your artwork.

  • Stress Management: The application process can be stressful. A coach can offer emotional support, motivation, and guidance to help you manage the stress and stay focused on your goals.

  • Interview Preparation: Some universities or art programs require interviews as part of the application process. A coach can help you prepare for these interviews by conducting mock interviews, providing feedback, and offering tips on how to effectively communicate your artistic vision and goals.

  • Networking and Resources: Coaches often have connections in the art world and can introduce you to other artists, educators, or professionals who may be able to provide additional support, opportunities, or advice.

  • Inspiration and Encouragement: A coach can inspire and encourage you to explore new ideas, take creative risks, and push the boundaries of your art. Their guidance can help you develop a stronger artistic voice.

  • Goal Setting: Coaches can assist you in setting short-term and long-term artistic goals, helping you stay focused on your artistic development beyond the application process.

  • Familiarity with the Process: Experienced coaches may have insight into the specific requirements and expectations of the university or program you're applying to, giving you an advantage in tailoring your portfolio accordingly.

What Does a Coach Do to Help with my Art Portfolio Application?

In addition to areas mentioned above I help with: 

  • Resource Recommendations: They can suggest books, courses, workshops, or art supplies that may benefit your artistic development and portfolio preparation.

  • Inspiration: Coaches can inspire you to explore new creative directions, experiment with different techniques, and push the boundaries of your art.

  • Application Process Guidance: They may provide insights into the specific requirements and expectations of the university or program you're applying to, helping you tailor your portfolio accordingly.

  • Feedback on Artist's Statement: Coaches help you craft a compelling artist's statement that explains your artistic goals, influences, and the concepts behind your work.

  • Motivation and Accountability: They serve as a source of motivation and accountability, ensuring that you stay committed to the application process and produce your best work.





Click the button below to book a coaching session! 



How to Select a Coach to Help with my Art Portfolio Application

When selecting a coach or mentor, consider their experience, expertise, and compatibility with your artistic vision and goals. Working with a coach can significantly improve the quality of your art portfolio and increase your chances of being admitted to your desired art program or university.


What is in the Art Portfolio Coaching Program:

This is a special VIP option to have added one on one coaching with me.


You will receive PDF workbook pages to print off or use digitally to help you with planning and providing information of what goes into and how to create an art portfolio for your application. 


Access to a digital course that goes over in detail what an art portfolio is, including examples and ideas of what to include in yours. 


6 hour long group coaching sessions with me over 6 months.  Recorded calls are available if you can’t attend the call live.


The first session - we will be reviewing everyone’s applications, where they are applying to and checking in on the course. I will give some homework and together we set a schedule and timeline for submitting portfolios. There will be Q+ A for the last 15 minutes of the call.

Session two -I will check your progress. I will answer any questions. I will go over how to take high quality photos of your work and give any feedback of what needs to be changed in your artwork. 

Session three- I will answer any questions you have. We will go over titles and any writing needed for your portfolio. Together as a group we will brainstorm titles for each other’s artwork. There will be Q+ A for the last 15 minutes of the call.

Session four- We will practice for an interview and practice speaking and communicating about our art process. I will check in on everyone’s progress. There will be Q+ A for the last 15 minutes of the call.

Session five- We will work on editing each other’s writing and any written components for the portfolio. I will check in on everyone’s progress. There will be Q+ A for the last 15 minutes of the call.

Session six (last session): I will check on everyone’s progress, we will focus on mindset, how to review your portfolio and go through individual portfolio reviews. You can ask me any questions you have before submitting applications.

Art coaching on portfolios is right for you if:

  • You are a high school student wanting to get into an art program at college or university

  • You want to get into a highly competitive program 

  • You aren’t sure what goes into an art portfolio

  • You want your art portfolio to stand out and get accepted 

  • You want to feel confident submitting your your art portfolio application

  • You are a new art teacher not sure how to support your grade 12 students wanting to make an art portfolio

  • You are feeling stressed and overwhelmed with the art portfolio application process


Click the button below to be notified when registration opens!





When Should I Start the Art Portfolio Coaching Program?


It is better to start your portfolio sooner than later to ensure that you are submitting your best artwork and work that you are proud of. As soon as you know what programs you want to apply to and are about 12-6 months before the deadline of the submission that is an optimal time to start. If you have less than 6 months before the deadline, it is still possible to create a strong application but it will take a big commitment and lots of work. 


Click the button below to join the waitlist! 





If you still have questions about the art portfolio coaching program fill out the form below!



Hear about my student - Anjeli



Anjeli – had serious ambition, especially when it comes to graphic design. She had her sights set on this super elite art program that offered free tuition if you got in, but man, she was feeling the pressure.

Anjeli was stressed out and overwhelmed, wondering if her artwork was really good enough for this big opportunity. And can you blame her? This was a chance to make her dreams come true, and the thought of blowing it was weighing heavy on her mind.

Meanwhile, her mom, Mayendree, was on a mission to help Anjeli navigate the whole art portfolio thing. She knew this was a big deal for her daughter, and she wanted to make sure Anjeli had all the guidance she needed to get accepted.

Together, we hopped on Zoom for some serious brainstorming sessions over the course of six months. I helped her with planning her 20 portfolio pieces and 6 pieces that needed to follow a challenging theme.

I shared a  plan tailored to Anjeli's graphic design dreams. We went through her artwork with a fine-tooth comb, tweaking and refining everything from composition to presentation to titles. And with each session, Anjeli started feeling more confident and less stressed.

When it came time to submit her portfolio, Anjeli's pieces showed tremendous growth. And with help from me, she navigated the portfolio structuring like a pro.

And then, Anjeli found out her portfolio got accepted in the first round of admissions! But wait, there was one final hurdle – a tough two hour drawing exam at the art school..

With determination in her heart and a pep talk from me truly echoing in her mind, Anjeli aced that exam. And guess what? A week later, she got the news – she was officially in!

Looking back on her journey, Anjeli couldn't thank me enough for being her rock throughout the whole process. 

Now, Anjeli's gearing up to start her graphic design program in the fall, and let me tell you, she's gonna crush it. Watch out, Zurich – here comes the next big thing in graphic design!

Here’s what Anjeli said after working with me, “Jackie provided me with insightful knowledge on how to develop existing artworks and to plan new ones, as well as which work complements each other.  She also outlined structurally how to plan and execute my work. She was also helpful with setting realistic goals. Jackie paid particular attention to details and also gave me insight on how to present my portfolio.  Jackie is empathic, understanding and motivating.  I could tell that she was genuinely interested in my success. With many thanks to Jackie. I passed the double entrance exam to one of the most sought after art schools in Zürich.




If you are seriously interested in obtaining your  and need guidance to reach your true potential- Jackie is the right person to guide and motivate you. The art world is a very different place with sets of rules and expectations that non artists do not know. This is where Jackie will be able to give you the edge above other participants with her expert knowledge.”