“As someone without an art background, New York Art Studio felt like a safe, judgment-free space where I could take my art portfolio to another level.”
Gloria, accepted to MFA Fine Art at RISD
Art Portfolio Development
Graduate School Prep
Art Portfolio Development
Graduate School Prep
Our Graduate / MFA Portfolio Prep program is designed for students applying to MFA and other graduate-level art programs. We focus on building a strong and cohesive portfolio while guiding students through every step of the application process, from school research and statement of purpose to interview preparation.
Graduate school admissions committees look for a portfolio that demonstrates technical skill, conceptual depth, and a clear personal vision. In this program, students develop these elements through tailored projects, in-depth critiques, and exposure to diverse approaches and mediums.
No prior art experience necessary!
Our enrollment is rolling and open all-year-round. Join anytime you want!
Personalized & Targeted Guidelines
We carefully recognize and develop each student’s unique strengths, potential, and artistic talent, empowering them to achieve their creative goals. Through building a solid foundation in art techniques and creative thinking, students learn how to create a distinctive, competitive portfolio that stands out in the graduate school admissions process.
Flexible scheduling
Our graduate school art portfolio courses are organized by the number of sessions, giving students the flexibility to schedule classes according to their availability. Whether you prefer online, on-site, or a hybrid format, you can choose the learning option that best supports your preparation for graduate-level art programs.
Experienced Team
Our instructors are highly experienced artists and designers with extensive backgrounds in graduate school portfolio development. With years of proven success, they provide precise, customized guidance tailored to your artistic interests, career goals, and target schools, ensuring you are fully prepared for the application process.
Course Structure
Course Duration
Typically, our course is 12 weeks long, and each class is 4 hours long. However, you can customize your course duration and schedule based on your availability.
We offer the following course packages:
- 12 classes
- 24 classes
- 36 classes
- Combo option 1: 24 classes + 12 private lesson hours
• Combo option 2: 36 classes + 24 private lesson hours
Class Format
Classes can be in-person, online, or hybrid.
Throughout the class, the instructor makes rounds to give personalized guidance to each student on their individual projects.
We maintain small class sizes with an average student-teacher ratio of 6 to 1 to optimize the learning experience and portfolio development process.
Student Work
Schedule & Tuition
| Session A (Eastern Time) | Session B (Eastern Time) | |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM – 3 PM | 4 PM – 8 PM |
| Saturday | 10 AM – 2 PM | 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
* There is a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $35 for all packages.
| Package Type | Tuition |
|---|---|
| 12 classes within 12 weeks | $1,920 |
| 24 classes within 12 weeks | $3,745 |
| 36 classes within 12 weeks | $5,570 |
| Bundle option 1: 24 classes + 12 private lesson hours within 12 weeks | $5,500 |
| Bundle option 2: 36 classes + 24 private lesson hours within 12 weeks | $9,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
➔ What should I include in my graduate portfolio?
A strong graduate portfolio should include 12–20 works that demonstrate advanced technical skills, originality, and a clear personal vision. Graduate programs seek cohesive, well-curated submissions that show both artistic maturity and the ability to think critically and conceptually. Aim to include work that highlights your best skills while also reflecting your unique artistic direction.
➔ How should I approach the artist statement or statement of purpose?
Your artist statement should communicate your artistic interests, conceptual focus, influences, and future goals. For graduate school applications, explain why you’re applying to this specific program, how your work has evolved, and what you hope to research or develop further. Be clear, authentic, and professional — admissions committees value thoughtful, reflective statements.
➔ Can I include interdisciplinary or experimental work?
Yes — many graduate art programs encourage interdisciplinary and experimental work, especially when it’s intentional and conceptually grounded. If your project spans multiple media or approaches, make sure it supports your overall artistic direction. Always include media details, dimensions, and context so reviewers fully understand the work.
➔ When should I begin preparing my graduate portfolio?
It’s best to begin preparing your portfolio 6–12 months before your graduate school application deadline. Starting early gives you time to revise or create new work that reflects your current artistic vision, aligns with graduate-level expectations, and strengthens your overall submission. This timeline also allows you to draft and refine your artist statement, conduct research, and get feedback before finalizing your portfolio.