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Program · Ages 13–18 · Custom

Teen Portfolio Intensive

For arts magnet schools, summer intensives, and college art programs.

Ages 13–18 · 8–12 weekly sessions · 75–90 minutes each · Custom pricing
One-on-one mentoring built around your teen's portfolio goals. LACHSA. OCSA. RISD pre-college. CalArts. BFA applications. Real critique, real portfolio strategy, real college-prep guidance.

Schedule Intake ConsultationHow It Works

How the intensive works

  1. 1

    Intake consultation

    We review your teen's current portfolio, target schools, and timelines. 60-minute session, no commitment.

  2. 2

    Custom curriculum

    I design 8–12 weeks tailored to portfolio gaps and target-school requirements. Drawing, painting, personal project — whatever the application needs.

  3. 3

    Weekly studio sessions

    75–90 minute sessions at your home. Mix of skill development, portfolio piece work, and critique.

  4. 4

    Final portfolio review

    Before submission, a full portfolio review session. Sequence, narrative, finishing touches. Plus letter of recommendation if requested.

What we'll cover

Custom by student, but most intensives include some mix of:

  • Observational drawing — figure, still life, architecture
  • Color theory and composition at portfolio level
  • Medium specialization — watercolor, acrylic, oil, mixed media
  • Personal project development — what's your voice?
  • Critique skills — talking about your own work and others'
  • Portfolio sequence and narrative — how the pieces tell a story together
  • Application strategy — which schools, which deadlines, which pieces

About pricing

Custom-quoted after the intake consultation. Typical commitments run $1,600–$3,200 depending on length, intensity, and whether the program includes letter-writing or extended portfolio review.

50% deposit secures the program slot. Balance billed monthly or on completion.

Frequently asked questions

What schools/programs is this for?
Most commonly: LACHSA (Los Angeles County High School for the Arts), OCSA (Orange County School of the Arts), summer intensives at RISD, CalArts, ArtCenter, Otis, and Pratt, and college art portfolios for BFA programs.
How custom is the curriculum?
Fully. We start from your teen's current portfolio, target school requirements, and goals — then design 8–12 weeks around what they specifically need.
What's a typical commitment?
Most teens commit to 8–12 weekly 75–90 minute sessions, often timed against an application deadline. A common arc: build 4–6 portfolio-quality pieces across drawing, painting, and personal-project work.
Do you write recommendation letters?
Yes — for students I've worked with for at least 8 weeks, I write thoughtful letters that go beyond "they were a good student." Letters speak to specific work and growth.
When should we start relative to a deadline?
Start at least 12 weeks before the application deadline. For LACHSA/OCSA fall auditions, that means starting in early summer. For college applications due in January, start by mid-September.
Can teens already in the 8-Week Skill Builder bridge into this?
Often the right path. We can transition mid-program if a serious application goal comes up. The 8-Week Skill Builder is a strong on-ramp for teens who aren't yet sure about applying.

Available across Greater Los Angeles, including Santa Monica, Brentwood, Mar Vista, Venice, Culver City, Pacific Palisades, Playa Vista, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hancock Park, Hollywood, Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Echo Park, Atwater Village, Highland Park, Eagle Rock, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Encino, Burbank, Calabasas, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Altadena, and La Cañada Flintridge. See all areas →

Building a portfolio?

Book a free intake consultation. We'll talk about your teen's current work, target schools, and the timeline — then build a custom program around it.

Schedule Intake

Or reach out directly: elenamarmolbaena@gmail.com · (747) 329-0774