Portfolio Preparation Program
Flexible Duration: 4, 5, or 7 weeks (in-person format)
Format: Intensive Drawing and Painting Lab
Schedule: Saturdays (morning and afternoon)
Instructor: Sonia Hidalgo
MIFA’s Portfolio Preparation Program is designed for students seeking admission to specialized art programs at the middle school, high school, college, or university level. With a 99% acceptance rate to the institution of their choice, the program combines intensive technical training in drawing and painting with the development of a personal visual language, preparing participants to confidently face interviews, technical tests, and application processes with professional-level quality.
The course content is tailored to meet the specific requirements of each institution, adapting to the quantity, format, techniques, and thematic focus expected in each portfolio submission.
Academic Focus
The program emphasizes observation as the foundation for both technical and creative development. It integrates both 2D and 3D media to produce artwork that reflects strong formal skills and personal identity.
Core Curriculum Includes:
• Observational Drawing: still life, natural forms, portraiture, landscape, and human figure
• Media & Techniques: graphite, charcoal, soft and oil pastels, colored pencils, markers, ink, collage, and acrylic
• Visual Fundamentals: perspective, contour, light and shadow, contrast, color theory, texture, design, and composition
• Creative Process: working from memory, imagination, and abstract thinking
• Portfolio Design: building visual identity, strategic artwork selection, and interview preparation
What Your Portfolio Will Include
• 11”x14” sketchbook with progressive studies, technique exploration, original ideas, and personal compositions
• 10 or more final works (based on the institution’s requirements) in drawing, painting, collage, photography, or mixed media
• Interview preparation and mock technical tests tailored to art program requirements
Available Packages
(The academic content remains the same across all packages. Differences lie in duration and number of sessions included.)
Package A
Duration: 5 weeks / 1 class per week
Class Length: 3 hours
Schedule: Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Tuition: $360.00
Package B
Duration: 7 weeks / 1 class per week
Class Length: 6 hours
Schedule: Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Tuition: $925.00
Package C
Duration: 4 weeks / 1 class per week
Class Length: 3 hours
Schedule: Saturdays from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Tuition: $275.00
One-Time Registration Fee: $55.00 (paid once at the beginning of any package)
Why Choose MIFA’s Portfolio Prep Program?
• Over a decade of successfully preparing students for national and international art programs
• Comprehensive approach combining technique, creativity, confidence, and professional preparation
• Individualized mentorship throughout the entire process
• Up-to-date curriculum aligned with contemporary trends and academic standards
• Development of a cohesive, strong, and expressive portfolio
Young Artists Program
Young Creative Program /for Kids 8-10 years old The Young creative continuous program provides a supportive, fun environment for children to develop creativity, stretch their imagination, and learn art concepts and drawing/painting techniques. Young creative schedule: 4 weeks /1 class per week/ 3 hour long each class Saturday: 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Young Artists Program Fees:
Registration fee: $55.00
4 weeks /1 class per week/3 hours long
Saturday: 9:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
Tuition fee: $275.00
