Creating Your Art Folio Course

A practical bootcamp helping participants build a polished, cohesive portfolio for study or industry.

📍 Reservoir, Vic, Australia 🗓️ Days vary 🕰️ 2hrs &30mins x2 Sessions 🎟️ $80-$85 AUD pp

Art Folio Bootcamp is a two-part intensive workshop designed to support emerging artists, students, and creatives preparing applications for art schools, design programs, creative courses, and entry-level arts opportunities. The workshop focuses on developing a strong, cohesive art portfolio supported by reflective writing, visual organisation, and professional presentation skills.

Across the two 2-hour sessions, participants will learn how to curate their existing artworks, identify gaps or weak areas, and understand what institutions look for in folio submissions. The workshop includes practical guidance on photographing work, sequencing images, writing artist statements, and tailoring a folio to specific course or industry requirements. Attendees receive personalised feedback and structured time to revise or rebuild their folio materials. This workshop is suitable for teens, young adults, mature-age applicants, and emerging artists seeking clear direction and professional-level support. Activities can be adapted for VCE folio requirements, tertiary applications, or general portfolio development.

Participants can bring physical or digital work, and the workshop accommodates a range of abilities and artistic backgrounds. By the end of the bootcamp, attendees will leave with a refined folio layout, improved documentation of their artworks, a polished artist statement, and greater confidence in presenting themselves within the arts sector.

Session 1: Foundations & Review: The first session focuses on understanding what makes a strong folio. We explore cohesion, sequencing, and what institutions or industry assessors look for. Participants review their existing work, identify strengths and gaps, and develop a clear plan for improvement. You’ll also learn practical artwork documentation techniques, including how to photograph your work effectively, before beginning to curate and sequence your pieces. The session concludes with drafting a concise artist statement to refine in Session 2. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clearer structure, stronger direction, and a mapped-out plan for refining your folio.

Session 2: Polishing & Presentation: The second session focuses on preparing your folio for submission. You’ll refine artwork images, improve consistency, and finalise layout in your chosen format — whether PDF, digital, or print. We’ll also refine your artist statement and ensure your portfolio flows clearly and professionally. Individual feedback is provided to help tailor your folio to specific goals, whether for university, TAFE, exhibition submissions, or industry applications. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a structured, polished folio and greater confidence in presenting your work.

    • Notepaper & a pen

    • A number of complete, structured folio pages developed over two guided sessions, including idea generation, research, experimentation, and reflection.

    • Personalised one-on-one feedback during both sessions to refine artwork, concept, and presentation.

    • A clearer understanding of what assessors look for in high-quality art folios (VCE, tertiary entry, and industry applications).

    • Hands-on experimentation using a range of materials and techniques to strengthen their practical folio content.

    • A refined concept statement or artist statement crafted with instructor support.

    • Professional guidance on curating and sequencing artwork for visual flow and clarity.

    • A set of high-quality digital photos of their work for folio documentation (if participants bring pieces to photograph).

    • Templates, checklists, and planning tools to support future folio development.

    • Resources for layout options, annotation writing, and professional presentation.

    • A supportive environment where they can discuss ideas, receive critique, and build folio confidence.

    • Information sheets

    • Basic understanding of your chosen folio software

    • Understanding of the English language (Deaf students may bring a sign language interpreter if needed-you must purchase a ticket for them too).

    • How to work a computer, iPad/tablet, or phone.

      Please note: Due to the leader of the workshop being hard of hearing (hearing aids), translators that need to speak during lecture sessions are not permitted to allow the workshop leader to communicate effectively with minimal background noise. Therefore, any individual who cannot speak/understand English, this course is not for you. Must be between 17-90 years old.

  • Must Bring:

    • A device to work on (laptop, MacBook, or tablet/iPad (phone not ideal))

    • Subscription/account with Canva

    • Works to showcase in the folio (this will be discussed further in session 1 but please bring what you have thus far along in session 1)

    Optional:

    • Notebook & writing materials (Please note that a basic notebook and pen will be provided but you are more than welcome to bring your own).

    • Your own refreshments (No alcohol permitted)

    • Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 16 years old).

    • Adult accompaniment is not required.

    • Suitable for teens, young adults, mature-age learners, and emerging or intermediate artists .

  • If you enjoyed your experience, I would truly appreciate a five-star review, as it helps support my small creative business and future workshops. If you have any concerns or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly before leaving a review — I’m always happy to help and ensure you have the best possible experience.

  • Customers can cancel/reschedule up to ten days before the date of the workshop. After ten days no cancellation or rescheduling is permitted and no refund will be given.