Mentoring Sessions - Art and Design Portfolio Development

By taking part in this mentoring programme, you will give yourself a real advantage. You’ll not only refine your portfolio to meet the high standards expected by UK art and design institutions, but you’ll also learn how to present your creative work with greater clarity and impact. With the right support and feedback, your application will be stronger, your artistic voice more confident, and your pathway to studying in the UK much clearer.

By taking part in these sessions you will: 

• Gain insight into what universities look for in an art and design portfolio
• Receive personalised feedback on your project ideas and artistic direction
• Learn how to create a cohesive visual narrative within your portfolio
• Get expert advice on refining unfinished works and enhancing finished pieces

Your future in art and design is full of possibility. With the right guidance now, you can take the next bold step toward realising your creative ambitions.

Students will book a one-hour online mentoring session. 

The fee is £250 and includes the mentors time to review the work, offer feedback and includes the 1:1 session - in total approx three hours. 

The session itself will last for one hour and during your session, an experienced mentor will provide constructive written feedback and guidance tailored to your artistic development. 

The goal is to help you refine your portfolio, supporting you in creating and presenting the best version of yourself while reflecting your unique artistic voice.

You will need to have English skills in order to undertake this session. You must be comfortable studying in English if it is not your first language. We recommend that you have a high B2 level on the CEFR. 

Yes. Once enrolled, students will be required to submit a selection of your work, categorised into the following areas, for your mentor to review:

• Research/Visual Exploration – Ideas developed in response to a theme or concept, often explored through sketchbooks and studies.
• Unfinished Works – Pieces that need further development or refinement.
• Finished Works – Completed artworks that best represent your artistic vision.
• Contextual References – Influences from artists, designers, or movements that have shaped your work.

A maximum of 6 images per area of Research, Unfinished works, Finished works and Contextual is permitted. Each image should be no bigger than 2Mb each and in .JPEG format. If you wish to submit any video/animated/sound work please send a Word document instead with any links to the work attached adding any passwords. 

This structured approach allows our mentors to prepare for your session in advance. Mentors will look at the work provided and assess your progress to date.

During your 1:1 meeting, you will receive focused, diagnostic feedback tailored to your portfolio and ambitions. After the session, you will also receive a detailed written commentary, providing you with clear, actionable advice to help refine and strengthen your work. This combination of personalised discussion and thoughtful written feedback is designed to help you move forward with confidence.

1. Submit your request
2. Submit your work
3. Schedule your session
4. Receive written feedback

Start by completing the online form below.

Once we receive your request and confirmed a date and time with you via email or phone, we’ll ask you to submit your work in advance of the meeting to be reviewed. At this time we shall also ask you to  and provide payment details.

After payment is received, we’ll send a link for the meeting, which will take place online via Microsoft Teams.

Following your session, your mentor will provide a written summary and feed-forward guidance. This will include project ideas, suggested next steps, and recommendations of relevant artists and designers to explore.

You can sign up for mentoring at any time! 

However, for those applying to UK institutions, the ideal period for portfolio development is between September and October, as most applications occur between January and March.

To book a session, simply complete the booking form below and answer the three questions. This will then prompt a response, and you will be requested to make the payment of £250. Following receipt of the payment, you will be sent a link to upload your work and a date and time for the mentoring session. If the date and time do not fit with your request, you can contact us and we can try and accommodate, finding a mutually agreeable time for you and the mentor. 

When booking, please ensure that you select a UK time that aligns with your time zone.

Learn about the talented Art and Design teachers that you may work with as part of the mentoring sessions.

If you’re looking for something more structured to help build a portfolio of work, explore our Online Portfolio Preparation Course. This course will help you develop a portfolio, guiding you in assembling work for an undergraduate art and design application. Through structured learning and practical exercises, learners will gain the skills and confidence to curate a body of work that reflects their creativity.  

Each week learners explore new concepts in a group setting, covering composition, materials, experimentation and storytelling. Structured exercises help develop personal style.  

On alternate weeks, learners will receive one-to-one tutorials offering tailored feedback, refining their work and making informed creative decisions.  

Later in the course, learners will discuss personal statements with tips on structuring content and making statements personal, authentic and forward-looking.  

This course is offered once a year starting in September and runs for 12 weeks.

Below are some terms to help you understand the key art and design concepts you need to be aware of:

• Research

In the context of art and design, research refers to the process of gathering information, exploring ideas, and developing concepts that inform creative work. This can include visual experimentation, material exploration, historical and contemporary references, and thematic investigations. Research is often documented in sketchbooks, journals, or digital formats and serves as the foundation for artistic development.

• Resolved Works

Resolved works are finished or fully developed pieces that effectively communicate an artist’s intended concept, technique and visual language. These works demonstrate a refined understanding of composition, material use, and artistic intention. They are often selected for inclusion in portfolios, exhibitions, or final presentations as representations of an artist’s best work.

• Contextual References

Contextual references are the artists, designers, movements, and cultural influences that inform and inspire an individual’s creative practice. These references provide a broader understanding of an artwork’s meaning and position within historical and contemporary discourse. Engaging with contextual references allows artists to develop their ideas, refine their stylistic approach, and place their work within a wider artistic or conceptual framework.

Here is a guide for students on how to build a portfolio for UCAS applications: Application Guide - Introduction to Art and Design Practice