Getting young artists into the schools they dream of
Dr. Nell Daniel is a working artist and college admissions specialist who has guided creative teenagers into top art and design programs for over 30 years. She coaches each student one on one, and she knows what reviewers look for because she has been one, reviewing applicant portfolios at RISD National Portfolio Day.
33
years of experience
157
students placed at target colleges
1-on-1
coaching
5.0/5
Google reviews (11)
CalArts
Cooper Union
Fashion Institute of Technology
Maryland Institute College of Art
Parsons School of Design
Pratt Institute
RISD
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
USC Roski School of Art and Design
Brown University
Columbia University
Cornell University
MIT
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
NYU
Stanford University
University of Miami
Washington University in St. Louis
Wesleyan University
Yale University
And at art and design programs internationally, including Central Saint Martins (London), Falmouth University (UK), and Eindhoven University of Technology (Netherlands).
BFA, Rhode Island School of Design (1992)
Former Director of Admissions, Parsons School of Design
RISD Board of Trustees, 2003 to 2009
Reviewer, National Portfolio Day
MA, Teachers College, Columbia University (1999)
PhD, New York University (2008)
MFA, Vermont College of Fine Arts (2022)
Every student who has completed the full program has been admitted to at least one of their target schools.
One on one guidance to build a portfolio that reads as the student's own, the kind admissions reviewers remember.
Learn moreShape the writing that frames your work, from artist statements to supplemental essays.
Learn more
“I am incredibly grateful for the support of Dr. Daniel throughout high school, supporting my portfolio development and artistic journey. She challenged me to grow beyond my comfort zone while also helping me refine my authentic style in order to build a varied, yet cohesive, portfolio. Her insights into the art world and college process were an invaluable guide when I was applying and to this day my art is still influenced by her teaching.”
“Dr. Daniel believed in me and my potential when I didn't. She helped me every step of the way to develop my art and get into Cooper-Union.”
“Dr. Daniel was absolutely crucial in my journey as an artist. She encouraged me to go beyond what I thought I was capable of, pushing me to develop new skills while still honing my existing talents. Dr. D is a passionate but gentle teacher. She gave me advice only a seasoned professional could have given that I would have had no other way to access. I credit her heavily for my success in the college process.”
“Dr. Daniel taught me to trust the design process. At first I was skeptical: if I know what I want to make, why do I need to start with prototypes? Once I began brainstorming and generating mockups, she believed in my ideas, but also challenged me to think more deeply and iterate. She has pushed me to think more freely and be a better maker.”
Co-founder of Sweat Equity Enterprises, featured on the Today Show in 2008. Today, coaching art-school applicants.
Start with a free initial consultation. We will talk through where you are, where you want to go, and how Dr. Daniel can help you get there.
Book Your Free Initial Consultation