Free Course
The free 5-module course introduces the fundamentals of portfolio development and helps you understand what top schools look for.
It’s the perfect starting point for students who want clarity, direction, and early feedback on their ideas.
You’ll gain:
A solid foundation in the Define–Design–Deliver framework
Insights into what successful portfolios include
A full case study from a student who gained entry to a leading global art school
Calls to action that guide you toward personalized mentorship when ready
What is included:
What Makes a Successful Portfolio
Understand what top art and design universities truly look for — and how successful students stand out through clarity, curiosity, and strong creative intent.
Building a Standout Portfolio
Learn how to balance technical skill with originality. Discover how experimentation, ideas, and personal voice can transform your portfolio from capable to exceptional.
What Top Art Schools Really Want
Not all schools value the same things. Explore how expectations differ between institutions — and how to tailor your portfolio to align with your dream program.
The Sketchbook: Your Creative Compass
Your sketchbook is more than a notebook — it’s a record of your thinking, growth, and experimentation. Learn how to use it to show your creative process authentically.
Your Strategic Pathway Forward
Bring everything together with actionable next steps. Learn how to plan, structure, and refine your portfolio using the Define, Design, Deliver framework.
+1 Case Study
See how one student transformed their creative process into a powerful portfolio that led to offers from leading art and design universities worldwide.
Full Course.
Turn Your Creativity into a World-Class Portfolio
A comprehensive online course designed to help students develop, curate, and present their art and design portfolios for top global universities.
$495
Each lesson includes:
Expert video instruction from Dan, Head of Art at UWCSEA
Downloadable worksheets to guide reflection and development
Module summaries to reinforce key learning
Exclusive case studies from 5 former students who received offers from top global art and design schools — including Cambridge, RISD, Parsons, and UAL
Everything You Need to Build a Portfolio That Gets Noticed.
This premium self-paced course is your complete roadmap to portfolio success.
Across 7 modules and 31 lessons, you’ll gain the technical, conceptual, and strategic skills needed to create a portfolio that truly stands out.
Key Benefits
Learn What Top Art Schools Expect
Gain a complete understanding of what leading art and design universities look for. Through 7 structured modules and 31 lessons & 5 Case Studies, you’ll master the Define, Design, Deliver framework — developing the creative, conceptual, and technical skills that set successful applicants apart.
See exactly how past students built portfolios that earned offers from top global schools including Cambridge, RISD, Parsons, and UAL. Five detailed case studies reveal how ideas, research, and process turned into portfolios that stood out in competitive admissions.
Learn from Real Student Success
Learn Anywhere, at Your Own Pace
Access the full course from anywhere in the world, at any time. Designed for international students, this flexible, self-paced learning experience includes downloadable worksheets, reflection prompts, and summary sheets to keep you supported every step of the way.
“The Complete Portfolio Course is your step-by-step guide to building a portfolio that reflects your voice and meets the standards of the world’s best art and design schools”
Learn from Real Students Who Made It
Henry K. - Accepted to SAIC, College for Creative Studies, Hongik University, Kookmin University.
Proven success with students accepted into RISD, Parsons, Cambridge, UAL, and CalArts
Expertly structured by an IB Visual Arts Examiner and Head of Art
Balanced focus on creative exploration, technical skill, and strategic presentation
Designed for international students — accessible from anywhere in the world
Why Students and Parents Trust Dan Studios
Get inspired by real student portfolios that achieved offers from top global universities.
Each case study breaks down the student’s process, showing how strong ideas, experimentation, and reflection translate into portfolio success.
Include Examples:
“From sketchbook to acceptance: How one student built a portfolio that told her story.”
“How creative risk and process documentation helped one student gain entry to Cambridge Architecture.”
Cherry K. - Accepted to Cal Arts, Pratt, Parsons, SAIC.