Is Your Portfolio Good Enough for Top Art, Design & Architecture Schools?

Get a professional admissions-level portfolio review from Dan Hickey, the mentor behind successful applications to RISD, Parsons, UAL and Cambridge Architecture.

Check If My Portfolio Is Ready
Check If My Portfolio Is Ready
A man with brown hair and a beard wearing a light gray button-up shirt looking at the camera, standing in a workshop or studio with shelves of miscellaneous items in the background.
Close-up of a black and white logo featuring a stylized letter 'D' and a pencil with a blue tip.

Trusted by students admitted to RISD, Parsons, UAL & Cambridge Architecture

• Find out what schools will reject
• Learn how to improve weak projects
• Get clear next steps to raise your chances

Who is this Consultation for?

This session is designed for students who are serious about developing a competitive portfolio and want expert, honest guidance.

  • Students preparing portfolios for art, design, or architecture degrees

  • Applicants targeting competitive or top-tier universities

  • Students unsure if their portfolio is strong enough yet

  • Parents seeking experienced, trustworthy guidance before major decisions

Book Now
Book Now

What you’ll leave with

  • A clear assessment of current portfolio strengths and weaknesses

  • Honest feedback on readiness for competitive applications

  • Specific, practical recommendations for improvement

  • Guidance on positioning work for art, design, or architecture pathways

  • Clear next steps, whether independent, mentored, or supported further

Man operating a vintage printing press, wearing a leather apron and black gloves in a printmaking studio.

Why work with Dan.

Experience that matches the level you’re applying for

  • 10+ years teaching and mentoring in top international schools

  • Students admitted to leading global art & design institutions

  • Specialist experience across fine art, design, and architecture portfolios

Book Now
Book Now

How it Works

  1. Book your session
    Choose a time that suits you and complete a short intake form.

  2. Portfolio review & discussion
    We review current work, goals, and application context together.

  3. Clear guidance & next steps
    You leave with practical direction and a clearer path forward.

Ready for Clear, Expert Portfolio Guidance?

Free portfolio review & guidance call. No obligation, honest insights tailored to you.

You don’t need a finished portfolio, Dan helps you build it.

Logo of the Rhode Island School of Design featuring the initials RISD enclosed in decorative flourishes, with the school's name and founding year 1877 written in a circular pattern around it.
Logo of University of the Arts London with the text 'ual: university of the arts london' in black on a white background.
Logo for The New School Parsons with black and red text on a white background
Logo of Maryland Institute College of Art with the acronym MICA in bold black letters.
Logo for the Royal College of Art featuring a coat of arms with lions, a unicorn, and a crest, along with the text "Royal College of Art" and "Postgraduate Art & Design."
The University of Cambridge crest with a shield featuring lions and a crown, below which is the text 'University of Cambridge'.
Logo of California College of the Arts with the initials 'CCA' and the full name written below.
ArtCenter logo with a red circle and the text 'ArtCenter' in black.
School of the Art Institute of Chicago logo with black square and white text.
The Pratt logo on a yellow background.
Logo of the School of Visual Arts with a red abstract floral design above the text.
The logo of the University of Edinburgh with the university's name.

Student Success Stories .

Successful student artwork from Dan Studios accepted to RISD and Parsons.

Henry - "At the heart of it all, there was Dan. He listens more than he talks, and that made all the difference. He taught me not just art, but how to create art with honesty and humility. "

Logo for California College of the Arts with stylized letters CC and a number 7 in teal, and the college's name below
Hongik University emblem featuring interlocking hands around a central shield with Korean and English text, date 1946.
Logo of School of Visual Arts featuring a red, abstract, flower-like design above the text.
Seal of Kyungpook National University featuring the university name, founding year 1966, and colorful design elements.
Successful student artwork from Dan Studios accepted to RISD and Parsons.

Mark - "My time with Dan was unforgettable. He pushed me to lean into my fascination with humor and the absurd, and helped me develop a strong creative voice. His guidance enriched my work conceptually and gave me the confidence to scale up."

UAL: University of the Arts London logo
RISD (Rhode Island School of Design) seal logo with text around a central design.
The logo of Parsons The New School, with 'PARSONS' in bold red letters and 'THE NEW SCHOOL' in black text above.
Successful student artwork from Dan Studios accepted to RISD and Parsons.

Cherry - "Loving art, being enthusiastic and passionate came from Dan. His support and encouragement gave me freedom to explore, and his honest advice helped me hold onto my belief that my work had value. That kept me from giving up."

The logo for Parsons The New School, featuring the text 'The New School' in black and 'PARSONS' in bold red letters.
Pratt logo with white text on a yellow background
California College of the Arts logo with the text 'Cal' and 'California College of the Arts'
SAIC School of the Art Institute of Chicago logo

Ready for Clear, Expert Portfolio Guidance?

Book a Free Consultation
Book a Free Consultation