ARTFUL EDGE ACADEMY
Art Portfolio Development for NYC Arts High Schools and Colleges
Personalized instruction. Professional expertise. Standout portfolios.
We offer FREE 30-minute portfolio reviews to help families understand application requirements and get feedback on student artwork.
Artful Edge Academy is a personalized portfolio development program for middle and high school students applying to specialized High Schools & Art Colleges
AEA specializes in art portfolio development for students applying to New York City’s competitive arts high schools and BFA art and design colleges. Led by Michelle Hinebrook, a Pratt Institute professor and professional artist with an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art and 26 years of art education experience, AEA provides expert instruction and individualized guidance to help students develop their artistic skills, strengthen their creative vision, gain confidence, and prepare outstanding portfolios.
AEA has a strong record of helping young artists prepare for the next stage of their artistic education, with a 96% admission rate. We offer private individual classes and group classes, along with comprehensive portfolio development services. Students receive the technical instruction and creative mentorship they need to build portfolios that reflect their individual strengths, ideas, and artistic potential.
Middle and High School Student Artworks
OBSERVE. EXPERIMENT. DISCOVER. CREATE.
Every artist has a different way of seeing the world.
At AEA, portfolio development also means understanding how to see, think, and approach creation like an artist. Students learn to observe carefully, explore how to visually express ideas, experiment with different materials, and develop a cohesive, unique, and personal approach to making art.
Our classes are focused and structured, and our standard of excellence exceeds NYC high school art portfolio requirements. We go beyond the basics to help students create portfolios that stand out from the generic work produced by other art programs.
How We Build Exceptional Portfolios
For students applying to NYC specialized arts high schools, AEA’s classes meet NYCSP portfolio requirements, including observational drawing, self-portraiture, the Fantastical Sandwich drawing, figure drawing, still life, and three to four additional works that demonstrate each student’s skills, concepts, and experimentation with materials
1. Portfolio Review & Discovery Discussion (Free!)
We begin by identifying each student’s interests, strengths, abilities, artistic voice, and creative goals.
We review the artwork they currently have and identify completed pieces that may be included in their portfolio, as well as promising pieces that could become portfolio-ready with further development. We also discuss the programs the student is considering and review the portfolio requirements for those schools.
At the end of the meeting, parents receive a clear outline of
The portfolio requirements and goals for the programs they are considering
The artwork the student currently has that may be suitable for their portfolio
Existing pieces that could be strengthened or developed further
A list of additional artwork needed to create a portfolio
2. Development of Portfolio Begins: 6–10 Artworks
Students can use our portfolio plan as a guide to develop their work independently, or they can choose to enroll in one of our AEA Portfolio Development Classes.
At AEA, students create individualized projects designed around their interests, strengths, and creative goals. We encourage students to go beyond simply meeting a school’s portfolio requirements and instead create meaningful, original work that demonstrates their unique skills, artistic voice, creative thinking, and ability to develop ideas.
3. Interview Preparation & Professional Photography
Once the artwork is developed, we help students prepare their strongest work for submission. We professionally photograph and edit the artwork and organize it into a cohesive portfolio ready for submission before the application deadline. If a school requires an in-person or video interview, we also help students prepare to confidently discuss their work. Students learn how to describe their artwork in the context of art history, explain their inspiration and creative process, and discuss their methods, materials, and artistic decisions.
Our vibe: CREATIVITY + EMPATHY + JOY
Master the skills. Discover your voice. Build creative confidence.
Together we can create an outstanding portfolio that reflects your unique abilities and creative spark.
With 26 years of teaching experience, Professor Michelle Hinebrook works closely with every student to help them develop portfolios that truly reflect who they are and their personalities and interests
Through one-on-one attention, professional expertise, and a personalized approach, we help each student develop stronger skills and create high-quality, original work that reflects their individual abilities and creative vision.
YOUR IDEAS+ART SKILLS=
INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
Art and design education for the new generation of creative thinkers.2026 WINTER CLASSES
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Preparing for what’s next.
Portfolio development for students applying to NYC specialized high schools and arts-focused high school programs.
We offer four group classes and individual classes. We will build technical skills, explore different media, and develop a portfolio that reflects your abilities and creative interests.
HIGH SCHOOL: Develop your creative direction.
Portfolio development for students preparing applications to art and design colleges.
We create work that is curated to the schools you are applying to. Projects are developed around student strengths and interests to strengthen your technical skills, develop your ideas, or improve existing artwork, and to curate a portfolio that communicates your creative perspective and potential
Middle School PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT GROUP CLASSES
MS Portfolio Intensive
5 Classes | 2 Hours Each
Prepare for NYC specialized art high school applications with AEA’s focused portfolio development program.
Create 3 Finished Artworks
Observational Drawing: Develop proportion, contour, value, form, and perspective.
Self-Portrait: Explore facial structure, likeness, features, and tonal range.
Still Life: Practice composition, negative space, light and shadow, and surface texture.
Specialized Assignment: The Fantastical Sandwich Drawing is required for applicants to Art and Design High School, Bayside High School, LaGuardia, the High School of Fashion Industries, and Frank Sinatra School of the Arts.
Portfolio & Interview Preparation (Optional Add-On)
Portfolio Selection: Select and sequence strong artworks; AEA handles scanning/photography and color correction.
Interview Preparation: Create an edited, 3-minute video discussing three artworks, or a written explanation of up to 500 words. Students discuss their concepts, materials, techniques, motivations, and artistic influences.
Program Details
Media: Drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, sculpture, photography, or digital art.
Class Size: Small groups of 3–6 students. Group classes require a minimum of 2 students.
Materials: $50 fee or bring your own supplies.
Location: AEA Studio, 1000 Dean St., #438, Brooklyn, NY 11238.
Schedule: Five 2-hour classes; extended hours available.
Middle School Group Class
10 Classes | 2 Hours Each
Course Overview
Prepare for high school art program applications through personalized portfolio development. Students will create 4–5 finished artworks that demonstrate their artistic skills, creativity, and individual ideas.
AEA’s curriculum strengthens observational drawing skills, including proportion, contour, value, form, perspective, and composition.
Portfolio Projects
Self-Portrait
Explore facial structure, likeness, features, and tonal range.
Still Life
Develop skills in object relationships, negative space, light and shadow, and surface texture.
Figure Drawing from a Live Model
Practice gesture, anatomy, proportion, clothing, and background.
The Fantastical Sandwich Drawing
Create an imaginative sandwich-themed drawing using graphite or colored pencils on paper. This assignment is required for applicants to Art and Design High School, Bayside High School, LaGuardia High School, the High School of Fashion Industries, and Frank Sinatra School of the Arts.
3-4 Additional Artworks
Create original pieces in any medium of your choice that reflect your personal interests and ideas. Students are encouraged to explore imagination, visual storytelling, original concepts, and a variety of artistic techniques.
Portfolio Presentation & Interview Preparation
Portfolio Selection
Select and sequence strong artworks. AEA will scan or photograph each piece and color-correct the images for you.
Interview & Written Presentation Preparation
Students can prepare either a recorded video or a written explanation of their work.
Video option: AEA helps script, record, and edit a 3-minute video in which students discuss three artworks: their self-portrait, still life, and one artwork of their choice.
Written option: Students receive guidance in creating a written explanation of up to 500 words about their artwork.
Students learn to discuss their subject choices, materials, motivations, techniques, art-historical influences, and creative decisions.
Program Details
Class Length: 10 classes, 2 hours each
Class Size: Small groups of 3–6 students
Minimum Enrollment: 2 students per group class
Artistic Media: Drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, sculpture, photography, and digital art
Materials: $50 materials fee or bring your own supplies
Location: AEA Studio, 1000 Dean Street, #438, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Middle School Complete Portfolio Class
14 Classes | 2 Hours Each
Course Overview: Complete Portfolio 7-9 Artworks
Prepare for specialized NYC high school art program applications through personalized portfolio development. Students create 7-9 finished artworks that focus on their artistic skills, creativity, and individual ideas.
AEA strengthens observational drawing skills, including proportion, contour, value, form, perspective, and composition.
Portfolio Projects
Self-Portrait: Explore facial structure, likeness, features, and tonal range.
Still Life: Develop skills in composition, object relationships, negative space, light and shadow, and surface texture.
Figure Drawing from a Live Model: Practice gesture, anatomy, proportion, clothing, and background.
The Fantastical Sandwich Drawing: Create an imaginative sandwich-themed drawing using graphite or colored pencils. Required for applicants to Art and Design High School, Bayside High School, LaGuardia High School, the High School of Fashion Industries, and Frank Sinatra School of the Arts.
3-4 Original Artworks: Create works in any medium of your choice, demonstrates imagination, visual storytelling, personal interests, and original concepts.
Optional Add-On: Portfolio Presentation & Interview Preparation
Portfolio Selection: We help select and sequence strong artworks, then photograph or scan and color-correct each piece.
Video or Written Presentation: Students can choose either:
Video: AEA scripts, records, and edits a 3-minute video discussing the student’s self-portrait, still life, and one artwork of their choice.
Written Statement: Guidance in preparing a written explanation of up to 500 words.
Students learn to explain their subject choices, materials, motivations, techniques, artistic influences, and creative decisions.
Program Details
Schedule: 14 classes, 2 hours each
Class Size: 3–6 students; minimum 2 students per group
Media: Drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, sculpture, photography, and digital art
Materials: $50 fee or bring your own supplies
Location: AEA Studio, 1000 Dean Street, #438, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Middle School Group Class
5 Classes | 2 Hours Each
Course Overview
Prepare for high school art program applications through personalized portfolio development. Students will create 3 finished artworks that demonstrate their artistic skills, creativity, and individual ideas.
AEA’s curriculum strengthens observational drawing skills, including proportion, contour, value, form, perspective, and composition.
Portfolio Projects
Self-Portrait
Explore facial structure, likeness, features, and tonal range.
Still Life
Develop skills in object relationships, negative space, light and shadow, and surface texture.
Figure Drawing from a Live Model
Practice gesture, anatomy, proportion, clothing, and background.
The Fantastical Sandwich Drawing
Create an imaginative sandwich-themed drawing using graphite or colored pencils on paper. This assignment is required for applicants to Art and Design High School, Bayside High School, LaGuardia High School, the High School of Fashion Industries, and Frank Sinatra School of the Arts.
3 -4 Additional Artworks
Create original pieces in any medium of your choice that reflects your personal interests and ideas. Students are encouraged to explore imagination, visual storytelling, original concepts, and a variety of artistic techniques.
Portfolio Presentation & Interview Preparation
Portfolio Selection
Select and sequence strong artworks. AEA will scan or photograph each piece and color-correct the images for you.
Interview & Written Presentation Preparation
Students can prepare either a recorded video or a written explanation of their work.
Video option: AEA helps script, record, and edit a 3-minute video in which students discuss three artworks: their self-portrait, still life, and one artwork of their choice.
Written option: Students receive guidance in creating a written explanation of up to 500 words about their artwork.
Students learn to discuss their subject choices, materials, motivations, techniques, art-historical influences, and creative decisions.
Program Details
Class Length: 10 classes, 2 hours each
Class Size: Small groups of 3–6 students
Minimum Enrollment: 2 students per group class
Artistic Media: Drawing, painting, collage, mixed media, sculpture, photography, and digital art
Materials: $50 materials fee or bring your own supplies
Location: AEA Studio, 1000 Dean Street, #438, Brooklyn, NY 11238
High School & individual CLASSES
This class is for High School students applying to College who need to develop 3-4 new pieces &/or to refine their existing work.
Advanced preparation for BFA applications. Students will create 3-4 finished Artworks, learn about art history, color theory, experiment with a wide variety of materials, and master techniques.
Example Projects: Portraiture, Observational Drawing, Figure Drawing, Landscape, Still Life, Abstraction, Illustration, Photography, Mixed Media, or Student-chosen subject matter.
Materials: Student Choice. Material fee $50 or BYO
Details: AEA Studio 1000 Dean st #438 Brooklyn NY 11238
10 Classes, 2 hour classes (Extended hours are available) .
Small class sizes 4-5students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)
Course Information:
Students will create 3-5 finished, portfolio-ready artworks, learn about art history, color theory, experiment with a wide variety of materials, and master several techniques.
The subject matter, material choice, and project outcomes are tailored to your goals. A bonus free planning session is offered before the first class.
Materials:
Drawing in Charcoal, Graphite, Color Pencil, Pastel
Painting in Watercolor, Acrylic, Oil
Instruction in drawing, design, painting, glass, photography, digital media, sculpture, and illustration.
Details:
2 hour classes (Extended hours are available)
Material fee $60 or BYO
Bonus Application Support:
Full portfolio documentation, photography, editing
Video interview preparation and filming
One-on-one lessons and application guidance
Customized projects aligned with portfolio requirements
Statement writing and presentation support
Letter of recommendation
What makes AEA unique is our individualized approach to personal portfolio development
Projects are structured around each student’s unique qualities, interests, and abilities, allowing them to develop a portfolio that reflects their strengths and creative potential. Students develop their ideas, take creative risks and learn many techniques that help them create an exceptional body of work that reflects who they truly are as artists.
We are an inclusive studio and we work with all ages, skill levels and learning styles.
ARTIST. EDUCATOR. MENTOR.
MICHELLE HINEBROOK
I am a professional artist and exhibit my work internationally. I am a graduate Professor at Pratt Institute, and I have 26 years of teaching experience in visual arts, design, glass, digital media and emerging creative practices. I offer professional expertise to help students strengthen their skills, develop their ideas, and discover their own creative direction.
At Artful Edge Academy, I combine technical instruction with an individualized, supportive approach to learning. I believe that every student deserves the opportunity to develop their creative abilities, build confidence, and make work they are proud of.
I’ve taught students of all ages and skill levels from K–12, Undergraduate, Graduate and Adult Education. I have worked in college admissions, I am on portfolio review committees and I understand what schools are looking for in portfolio work.
My MFA is from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BFA in Art and Design from the College for Creative Studies
Painting and teaching are my superpowers!
My approach emphasizes curiosity, experimentation, self-expression, and acceptance. I meet students where they are, provide guidance and support, and encourage them to explore their ideas, take creative risks, and grow as artists. It brings me joy to help young artists build confidence, strengthen technical skills, and develop focused, intentional work that is authentic to their individual voices.
I love working with & inspiring creative minds and working with young artists.
I’m here to help you help build an outstanding portfolio and develop creative confidence!
NYCPS Portfolio Requirements
NYC visual arts programs require students to demonstrate observational skills, creative thinking, technical proficiency, individual expression, and types of work.
H.S. PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
Self Portraiture: facial structure, features, and tonal range.
Still life: demonstrating object relationships, negative space, light and shadow, and texture.
Figure drawing from life: demonstrating gesture, anatomy, proportion, clothing, and background.
The Fantastical Sandwich: Using graphite or colored pencils on paper to create an imaginative drawing around the sandwich theme. (Art & Design High School, Bayside High School, LaGuardia, High School of Fashion Industries, Frank Sinatra School of the Arts)
3-4 Additional Works: Using any medium to demonstrate their unique ideas and different techniques. Student’s choice of subject matter, demonstrating: imagination, visual storytelling, personal concepts.
INTERVIEWS and PRESENTATION
Artist Statement or Video Interview: Students share their creative process, inspiration, influences, techniques, and formal choices behind the artworks, providing insight into their artistic identity and sources of inspiration.
Portfolio selection: We will choose a sequence of strong works and scan/photograph and color-correct all of the work for you.
Interviews: We will record, script and, edit a 3 min video of the student discussing 3 artworks: self-portrait, still life and, one student selection. OR help them to create a written explanation of up to 500 words covering those topics. Students discuss their choice of subject and materials, motivation, techniques and, art historical influences and, the decisions behind each piece.
STUDENTS + PARENTS
"Michelle is a phenomenal teacher.
She has grown my daughter's confidence in her abilities and taught her a variety of techniques that helped her create an amazing portfolio that earned her a scholarship! I always knew my daughter was talented, but Michelle helped her take her skills to the next level. She is patient, encouraging, and incredibly talented. I highly recommend taking advantage of her expertise. She will help your child build confidence, develop their skills, and reach their full potential."
- Kara Smith, Parent
Working with Michelle was so much fun! She was a great teacher and really helped me to improve my artistic skills in such a short period of time!
The one-on-one sessions really helped me narrow in on my personal strengths and weaknesses. I hope we can work together again in the future!
- Monet Freidman, AEA student
AEA made the challenging college portfolio process clear, focused, and inspiring.
Both of my children my daughter and son received personalized instruction, clear goals, and the confidence to believe in themselves.
Thanks to Michelle's expert guidance, they were accepted to their dream colleges with significant scholarships.
We are so grateful for Michelle's support and the creativity she helped nurture in my children.
- Kristi Scott, Parent
“When I realized my son needed help creating an art portfolio for High School, I didn't know how to help him, I'm not creative person.
A friend recommended Michelle at AEA. I was so fortunate to find such a talented artist and Pratt professor. Michelle created a custom portfolio plan for Ben, and I was blown away by the artwork he created. She helped him with all of the high school requirements for visual arts.
His portfolio was outstanding, and he was lucky enough to get into LaGuardia his first choice."
- Jessica Allen, Parent
With the work I created at AEA, I was accepted into my top two colleges and received a $40,000 scholarship!
Michelle is not only a gifted artist but an exceptional instructor. I loved working in the studio and exploring new materials in my paintings -it was such a fun and inspiring experience.
- Jessie Green, AEA Student
Michelle came to the rescue when we realized our son had only a couple of months to put together an entire art portfolio for his November high school auditions.
In just seven sessions, she helped him create a spectacular portfolio that got him into LaGuardia.
He learned essential art techniques, learned about a variety of subjects, and explored several mediums.
- Dan Taseraki
PROVEN RESULTS
AEA students have been accepted to top Art and
Design Colleges, many with scholarships and grants based on the quality of their portfolio.
96% of AEA Middle School students have been admitted to the most competitive High School Programs in NYC.
AEA alumni have been accepted to these schools:
NYCSP SCHOOLS
Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School
Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing & Visual Arts
Art and Design High School
Brooklyn High School of the Arts
Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School of the Arts
Edward R. Murrow High School
Fordham High School for the Arts
Frank Sinatra School of the Arts
Gramercy Arts High School
High School of Fashion Industries
Bayside High School
Hillcrest High School
Newtown High School
Queens Technical High School
Susan E. Wagner High School
Forest Hills High School
Benjamin N. Cardozo High School
Abraham Lincoln High School
Schools with different portfolio requirements:
Architecture: Art and Design High School: 6–8 works: observational self-portrait, still life, figure drawing or architectural drawing, plus additional works.
Digital Arts and Graphic Design: Art and Design High School; High School of Fashion Industries. 4–8 works: observational self-portrait, still life, figure drawing. Additional pieces: character redesigns, posters, book covers, logos, digitally animated sandwich-eating scene or a subway advertisement graphic design.
Fashion Design: Art and Design High School; High School of Fashion Industries 4–8 works: fashion illustrations or garment designs, front/back of garments. Four observational drawings and a fantastical sandwich themed fashion design.
Photography: Abraham Lincoln High School; Art & Design High School; High School of Fashion Industries. 5 photographs: self-portrait, a still life with one light source, a family moment in natural light, and a landscape with fore-mid-background.
Located at 1000 Dean Street, Studio #438, in Crown Heights, Brooklyn,
AEA’s professional studio environment is a welcoming, safe space where students receive the support they need to grow as artists while preparing portfolios for competitive NYC art and design schools.