Art and design portfolio coaching is the core of the practice. Dr. Nell Daniel meets students where they are at, building on their strengths to overcome challenges and expand their creative practice, then finalizing the portfolio for submission.
She coaches from both sides of the process. As a working artist she has built the kind of work she asks students to build, and as a former Director of Admissions at Parsons School of Design she has read applications from the inside.
Concept development, so the work carries an idea and not only a technique.
Breadth and depth across media, built intentionally to tell a unique visual story.
Curation and sequencing, choosing which pieces make the portfolio and in what order.
Photographing and preparing the final images for each school's submission system.
The written material around the work, from artist statements to supplemental essays.
Most students need expert analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, gaps and themes that turns into a road map for a competitive portfolio. The assessment sits inside this coaching engagement: a focused read of the work as it stands, with direction on what to make next and what to cut. It is part of this service, not a separate product.
In your home, for families in the NYC area
Remotely, over Zoom
At our Tribeca studio
Over 30 years teaching art and design to high school and college students
Former Director of Admissions, Parsons School of Design
Two-term member of the RISD Board of Trustees
Portfolio reviewer at RISD's National Portfolio Day table
The consultation is where we look at where the portfolio stands, what the target schools ask for, and what the timeline allows. There is no cost and no commitment beyond the conversation.
