Art Portfolio Development. It starts with fabulous art.

β€œLaura McFaden is simply THE BEST. Not only for her knowledge and expertise but how she motivated and brings out the best your kid can do. I call her our Art Angel.”

β€” Lisa, parent of a 12th grade student

Make you and your work stand out.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to be a fashion designer, video game designer, an illustrator, an industrial designer, photographer, film maker or a museum curator! There are so many fabulous creative majors and opportunities for you at the right school but it all starts with a FABULOUS portfolio! If you are a highly motivated art student looking to find the perfect match for you for college then your VOICE as an artist needs to shine through your portfolio that you submit to colleges!

My passion is to help you find and create that visual voice so you have the strongest portfolio for your college applications.

Whether you are a 9th grade student who loves art or a senior who has found your passion, I work with all levels and abilities to help you to grow as an artist. I believe that if you have that passion deep inside that it is there to be taught and developed!

Let’s work together to make your portfolio stand out. This 12th grade artist used this piece to earn merit and Early Decision acceptance to Syracuse University, VPA.

Who is Laura McFaden?

In 1989 I graduated with highest honors from The Rhode Island School of Design with my Master of Arts in Teaching degree and have loved teaching teens ever since! I’ve had the privilege of teaching art in one of the best high schools in Massachusetts, Lead Art teacher for Washington International School in Washington, DC (one of the best IBO schools in the world), and most recently as the Director of Visual Arts at a Top 4 Conservatory of the Arts programs in the U.S. at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida. My students have garnered amazing awards in National Scholastic Art Awards, NAEA National Exhibit, local and regional fine art exhibits. I’ve also encouraged teachers around the U.S. as a speaker for the National Art Education Convention as well as being a speaker for the IBO Conference of the Americas. Plus, I have trained numerous teachers and schools in Harvard Project Zero Visible Thinking Routines. My passion is guiding students to see their potential and being their 1:1 art coach to make it happen!

Your education is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life.

Students have earned acceptances into top colleges in the United States:

The Rhode Island School of Design, School of Visual Arts, Parsons, Pratt, School of the Arts Institute of Chicago, Otis, SCAD, California College of the Arts, MASS Art, Maryland Institute College of Art, Ringling College of Art, Boston University, Syracuse University, University of Michigan, Tulane, University of Hartford, Virginia Commonwealth University, NC State, University of Florida, Florida State University, Rollins College, Chapman, University of Oregon, Parsons Fashion, University of Tampa, Rochester Institute of Technology, Cal Poly State University, Indiana, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Northeastern, American University, Sarah Lawrence, Marist, U of Miami, Ohio State, and more.

β€œI said it once and I’ll say it again and again…. Laura  McFaden is a true life saver!!!”

β€” Patti, parent of a 12th grade student

See more student portfolio work on Laura’s Instagram.

β€œLaura McFaden is absolutely amazing! My daughter has grown so much since working with her. I always say it’s the best decision we ever made!”

β€”Lyndsay, Parent of 9th grade student