Sharpen Your Skills. Find Your Voice. Build Your Future.
Specializing in Art and Design Portfolio Development for both High School & BFA College Applications and Adult Education classes.
What We Do
At Artful Edge Academy, we guide students through every stage of the college application process for visual art and design programs.
Founded and led by Michelle Hinebrook, Professor of Design at Pratt Institute and professional artist, AEA helps students gain admission to top BFA, BA, and high school art programs by developing exceptional portfolios, compelling artist statements, confident creative voices, and professional presentations.
Our Focus
While other educational consultants and summer programs offer generalized support, Artful Edge Academy provides one-on-one mentorship tailored to each student’s unique interests, skill level, and target schools.
AEA’s projects are individually customized to align with the specific portfolio requirements of the programs you’re applying to and your individual learning goals. We specialize exclusively in visual arts and design portfolios, including fine art, design, digital art, illustration, glass, film, and drawing.
We understand the expectations of top art and design schools and ensure your portfolio is professionally presented—from photographing and filming artwork to preparing for in-person interviews. We also help students cultivate the mindset and confidence of successful applicants. Students at all experience levels are welcome.
Our Focus
At Artful Edge Academy, students receive comprehensive, high-level support that bridges artistic development with strategic preparation for college and High School admission. While other educational consultants offer generalized support, Artful Edge Academy provides highly personalized, one-on-one mentorship tailored to each student’s unique interests, skill level, and target schools.
AEA’s projects are individually customized to align with the specific portfolio requirements of the programs you’re applying to and your individual learning goals. We specialize exclusively in visual arts and design portfolios—including fine art, design, digital art, illustration, glass, film, and drawing.
We understand the expectations of top art and design schools and ensure every portfolio is professionally prepared—from photographing and documenting artwork to interview coaching. Students at all experience levels are welcome.
Our Services
1. Portfolio Development
We help students create, refine, and present cohesive bodies of work that reflect personal vision and meet the standards of competitive art and design programs. Through mentorship and critique, students build portfolios that are both technically strong and conceptually rich.
2. Application Strategy & Advising
From school selection to essay support, we provide expert guidance tailored to each student’s artistic and academic goals. We align portfolio strengths with program requirements and help students craft applications that clearly express their creative identity.
3. Artwork Development, Documentation & Presentation
Students work one-on-one with professionals to develop cohesive, concept-driven portfolios. We guide every stage—from creative direction and critique to professional documentation—ensuring the final presentation reflects both mastery and authenticity. Students also learn to professionally photograph, edit, and format their work for digital submission so every piece meets the highest presentation standards.
4. Personal & Artistic Coaching
Through coaching, students gain clarity and confidence in their artistic direction. We help them articulate their journey in writing, interviews, and portfolio presentations.
5. Application Strategy and Materials
We help students build a targeted school list, refine artist statements and essays, and assemble polished submissions that highlight their individuality and creative vision. We clarify the differences between BFA, BA, and design-specific programs, helping students and families choose environments that best match their creative goals and learning styles.
6. Professional Mentorship and Connections
Through AEA’s additional Art Experiences Program, students have opportunities to connect with NYC-based professional artists, designers, and educators for portfolio reviews, mentorship, and real-world insight into the creative industries.