Artful Edge Academy is a personalized portfolio development program, based in Brooklyn. Our classes support NYC middle and high school students applying to NYC specialized High Schools and Art Colleges.

We work with artists of all ages and skill levels to build outstanding portfolios, master techniques, create, and express themselves through art.

What makes AEA unique is our individualized approach. 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.

At AEA, students receive:

  • Individualized portfolio development

  • One-on-one attention from an experienced professor

  • Projects tailored to their interests and abilities

  • Guidance in developing a distinctive artistic voice

  • Focused preparation for visual arts and design programs

Our classes are intentionally small, providing each student with one-on-one attention from a professor with 26 years of teaching experience. This focused approach allows students to develop stronger, more cohesive portfolios with significantly more individual attention and higher-quality results than large portfolio programs.

AEA supports parents of creative children who want to develop an outstanding art portfolio

AEA: A Personalized Approach to Portfolio Development

Every student has different strengths, interests, and creative potential. AEA develops individualized projects around each student rather than following a standardized portfolio formula.

Students learn to develop their ideas, experiment, take creative risks, and create an exceptional body of work that reflects who they really are as artists.

AEA helps serious young artists develop outstanding college portfolios through individualized, professor-led instruction. With 26 years of teaching experience, Professor Michelle Hinebrook works closely with each student to develop projects that reflect their unique interests, abilities, and creative voice.

How We Build Exceptional Portfolios:

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

  1. The portfolio requirements and goals for the programs they are considering

  2. The artwork the student currently has that may be suitable for their portfolio

  3. Existing pieces that could be strengthened or developed further

  4. 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 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 that is ready to submit 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.

Small classes. Individual attention. Exceptional portfolios.

7 Portfolio M.S. Classes (4-6PM WED, Oct 21-Dec 2) 7 Portfolio M.S. Classes (4-6PM WED, Oct 21-Dec 2)
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7 Portfolio M.S. Classes (4-6PM WED, Oct 21-Dec 2)
$500.00

7 Group Classes:

  1. Wednesday, October 21

  2. Wednesday, October 28

  3. Wednesday, November 4

  4. Wednesday, November 11

  5. Wednesday, November 18

  6. Wednesday, November 25

  7. Wednesday, December 2

Course Information: Portfolio preparation for High School applications. Students will create 4- 5 finished Artworks, learn about art history, color theory, experiment with a wide variety of materials, and master techniques.

  • Portraiture, Observational Drawing, Figure drawing, Art historical painting, Landscape, Still Life, Abstraction + Principles of Art and Design, Collage and Mixed Media

Materials: Sketchbook, Charcoal, Graphite, Color Pencil, Pastel, Painting in Watercolor and Acrylic . Material fee $50 or BYO

Details: AEA Studio 1000 Dean st Brooklyn NY 112238

  1. 7 Classes, 2 hour classes (Extended hours are available) .

  2. Small class sizes 4-8 students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)

10 Portfolio M.S. Classes (4-6PM Mon + Tues, Oct 19- Nov 17) 10 Portfolio M.S. Classes (4-6PM Mon + Tues, Oct 19- Nov 17)
10 Portfolio M.S. Classes (4-6PM Mon + Tues, Oct 19- Nov 17)
$700.00

10 Group Classes: 4-6pm Middle School students applying to High School

  1. Monday, October 19

  2. Tuesday, October 20

  3. Monday, October 26

  4. Tuesday, October 27

  5. Monday, November 2

  6. Tuesday, November 3

  7. Monday, November 9

  8. Tuesday, November 10

  9. Mon, Nov 16

  10. Tue, Nov 17

Course Information: Portfolio preparation for High School applications. Students will create 7 finished Artworks, learn about art history, color theory, experiment with a wide variety of materials, and master techniques.

  • Portraiture, Observational Drawing, Figure drawing, Art historical painting, Landscape, Still Life, Abstraction + Principles of Art and Design, Collage and Mixed Media

Materials: Sketchbook, Charcoal, Graphite, Color Pencil, Pastel, Painting in Watercolor and Acrylic. Material fee $50 or BYO

Details: AEA Studio 1000 Dean st Brooklyn NY 112238

  1. 8 Classes, 2-hour classes (Extended hours are available) .

  2. Small class sizes 4-8 students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)

14 Complete Portfolio M.S. Classes (Mon+Tues Oct 19-Dec 1) 14 Complete Portfolio M.S. Classes (Mon+Tues Oct 19-Dec 1)
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14 Complete Portfolio M.S. Classes (Mon+Tues Oct 19-Dec 1)
$1,000.00

14 Group Classes for Middle School Students

  1. Mon, Oct 19

  2. Tue, Oct 20

  3. Mon, Oct 26

  4. Tue, Oct 27

  5. Mon, Nov 2

  6. Tue, Nov 3

  7. Mon, Nov 9

  8. Tue, Nov 10

  9. Mon, Nov 16

  10. Tue, Nov 17

  11. Mon, Nov 23

  12. Tue, Nov 24

  13. Mon, Nov 30

  14. Tue, Dec 1

Course Information:

Students will create a complete High School Portfolio. They will learn about art history, color theory, experiment with a wide variety of materials, and master techniques. Meets on Wednesdays, 20 classes, 2 hours at AEA studio in Brooklyn.

  • Portraiture

  • Observational Drawing from Life

  • Figure drawing

  • Art historical painting

  • Landscape

  • Still Life

  • Abstraction + Principles of Art and Design

  • Collage and Mixed Media

Materials:

Drawing in Charcoal, Graphite, Color Pencil, Pastel

Painting in Watercolor and Acrylic

Details:

  1. 14 Classes

  2. 2 hour classes (Extended hours are available)

  3. Small class sizes 4-8 students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)

  4. Material fee $50 or BYO

Classes for Middle School Students

PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT GROUP CLASSES

INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION

7 Individual Sessions, 2hr 7 Individual Sessions, 2hr
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7 Individual Sessions, 2hr
$1,400.00

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:

  1. 2 hour classes (Extended hours are available)

  2. 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

1 Adult Skill Based Classes, 2hr 1 Adult Skill Based Classes, 2hr
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1 Adult Skill Based Classes, 2hr
$200.00

3 hours

High School Students

BFA PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT GROUP CLASSES

8 Portfolio H.S. Classes (Fri Oct 23-Dec 11) 8 Portfolio H.S. Classes (Fri Oct 23-Dec 11)
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8 Portfolio H.S. Classes (Fri Oct 23-Dec 11)
$800.00

8 Group Classes — Fridays Oct 23-Dec 11 High School students applying to Collegel

Course Information: Advanced preparation for BFA applications. Students will create 13-15 finished Artworks, learn about art history, color theory, experiment with a wide variety of materials, and master techniques.

  • Portraiture, Observational Drawing, Figure drawing, Art historical painting, Landscape, Still Life, Abstraction + Principles of Art and Design, Collage and Mixed Media

Materials: Sketchbook, Charcoal, Graphite, Color Pencil, Pastel, Painting in Watercolor and Acrylic . Material fee $50 or BYO

Details: AEA Studio 1000 Dean st Brooklyn NY 112238

  1. 8 Classes, 2 hour classes (Extended hours are available) .

  2. Small class sizes 4-8 students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)

    1. October 23

    2. October 30

    3. November 6

    4. November 13

    5. November 20

    6. November 27

    7. December 4

    8. December 11

16 Portfolio H.S. classes( Sat+Sun Oct 24-Dec13) 16 Portfolio H.S. classes( Sat+Sun Oct 24-Dec13)
16 Portfolio H.S. classes( Sat+Sun Oct 24-Dec13)
$1,600.00

16 group Saturday/Sunday Classes — starting October 24, 2026

For High School students applying to College

Course Information: Advanced preparation for BFA applications. Students will create 13-15 finished Artworks, learn about art history, color theory, experiment with a wide variety of materials, and master techniques.

  • Portraiture, Observational Drawing, Figure drawing, Art historical painting, Landscape, Still Life, Abstraction + Principles of Art and Design, Collage and Mixed Media

Materials: Sketchbook, Charcoal, Graphite, Color Pencil, Pastel, Painting in Watercolor and Acrylic . Material fee $50 or BYO

Details: AEA Studio 1000 Dean st Brooklyn NY 112238

  1. 2 hour classes (Extended hours are available) .

  2. Small class sizes 4-8 students. (* Group classes must have a minimum of 3 students)

10:00 AM–12:00 PM

  1. Saturday, October 24

  2. Sunday, October 25

  3. Saturday, October 31

  4. Sunday, November 1

  5. Saturday, November 7

  6. Sunday, November 8

  7. Saturday, November 14

  8. Sunday, November 15

  9. Saturday, November 21

  10. Sunday, November 22

  11. Saturday, November 28

  12. Sunday, November 29

  13. Saturday, December 5

  14. Sunday, December 6

  15. Saturday, December 12

  16. Sunday, December 13

“AEA is the best portfolio program in NYC!”

“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

“ 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.

Week by week, 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

AEA made the challenging college portfolio process clear, focused, and inspiring. My daughter received personalized instruction, clear goals, and the confidence to believe in herself.

Thanks to Michelle’s expert guidance, she was accepted to her dream college with a large scholarship. We are so grateful for Michelle’s support and the creativity she helped nurture in my daughter.

– Kristi Scott, Parent

Hi! I’m Michelle Hinebrook the Director of Artful Edge Academy and a Professor at Pratt Institute with 26 years of experience teaching art and design. I specialize in portfolio development, professional practices, and I really enjoy helping students for art and design high school and college applications.

I’m a professional painter with an international studio practice and have taught students from middle school through higher education. I’ve worked as a Teaching Artist in NYC K–12 schools, advised students on admissions, and served on portfolio review committees and panels for leading art and design colleges.

I received my MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BFA in Art and Design from the College for Creative Studies.

I founded Artful Edge Academy after parents in my community began asking me to help their children develop their portfolios and prepare for art and design programs!

Painting and teaching are my superpowers!

At the core of my teaching is a commitment to real artistic growth. I help students 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. 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.

I’m here to help you help build an outstanding portfolio and develop creative confidence.

Meet your Professor

H.S. NYC Portfolio Requirements

NYC visual arts programs require students to demonstrate observational skills, creative thinking, technical proficiency, individual expression, and a range of types of work.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

• 4–8 original pieces
• Self-portrait from observation
• Still life with 3 or more objects
• Figure drawing from observation
• Additional artwork showing creativity and range
• Program-specific portfolio requirements

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.

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.

Drawing

  • Charcoal

  • Colored Pencil

  • Oil Pastel

  • Pen & Ink

  • Pencil

  • Soft Pastel

Painting

  • Watercolor

  • Oil

  • Acrylic

  • Printmaking

  • Mixed Media

  • Inks

  • Dry Pigments

3Dimensional

  • Clay

  • Mixed Media Sculpture

  • Stained Glass

  • Glass Fusing and Painting

  • 3D Modeling

Design and Digital Media

  • Graphic Design

  • Advertising and Branding

  • Animation and Motion Graphics

  • Film and Video

  • Prototyping and Printing

  • Web Design

  • Design for Social Media

Color Design

  • Color Theory

  • Pattern Design and Color

  • Designing with Color Harmonies

  • Color Mixing

  • Color for Interior Design

Product and Packaging Design

  • Packing Dielines

  • Product Design

  • Industry-Specific Design

  • Packaging Design

  • Prototyping and Production

  • Physical Mockups

  • Digital Modeling

FREE PORTFOLIO REVIEWS: SCHEDULING HERE