About Nell Daniel:

Top NYC College Admissions Consultant | Art Portfolio Prep for College Apps

Introduction to Art Portfolio Prep

Creating a strong art portfolio is a crucial step for high school students applying to art schools and colleges. A well-crafted portfolio can make all the difference in the college admissions process, showcasing a student’s artistic strengths and increasing their chances of getting accepted into their dream schools.

With the help of experienced college admissions counselors, students can develop a portfolio that highlights their skills and creativity, whether it’s in graphic design, fine arts, or other artistic fields. By understanding the portfolio requirements of top colleges, such as the Rhode Island School of Design or the Rochester Institute of Technology, students can create a portfolio that stands out and demonstrates their passion for art.

About Nell Daniel –Portfolio Coaching NYC

As a seasoned portfolio coach, Dr. Nell Daniel has a long history of helping high school students in New York and beyond develop their art portfolios and achieve their college goals. With expertise in college counseling and a deep understanding of the admissions process, Dr.Daniel provides personalized guidance and support to students, helping them create a portfolio that showcases their unique perspective and artistic abilities. Whether students are interested in attending schools like NYU or other top colleges, Nell’s coaching services can help them develop a strong portfolio that highlights their skills and creativity.

Hand-drawn geometric origami sketches of a jellyfish, bull, and armadillo, featuring sharp folds and angular abstract designs.
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.
— CW, RISD
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Helping Teens Build College-Ready Art Portfolios with Confidence

For over 30 years, Dr. Daniel helped high school students build competitive college art portfolios and gain admission to top-tier programs, including RISD, Cooper Union, SAIC, and international art and design schools. As the former Director of Admissions at Parsons School of Design, Dr. Daniel guides students through the college portfolio process with clarity, rigor, and a personalized approach.

Our one-on-one and small-group portfolio coaching in NYC is designed to meet each student’s unique creative goals, strengths, and growth areas. Students don’t just prepare to submit a portfolio—they grow as artists and confident visual storytellers. Their skills and ideas are developed over time, showcasing their evolution and commitment to growth. This approach emphasizes the importance of showcasing technical skills in the portfolio, which enhances their potential and sets them apart from others.

A Creative Philosophy That Builds

Confidence and Resilience

I believe in the limitless creative potential of adolescents. When teens are given the tools to express themselves visually, they develop confidence, critical thinking, and the ability to shape their own futures.

My doctoral research focused on how creativity fosters resilience in teens, and that philosophy is woven into every coaching session. This is more than portfolio development—it’s personal development through creative work.
— Dr. Nell Daniel

Academic and Professional Credentials

  • BFA – Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

  • MA – Columbia University

  • MFA – Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA)

  • PhD – New York University (NYU)

Specific examples of past portfolios are showcased during open days, providing valuable insights for prospective students.

Dr. Daniel has served two terms on the RISD Board of Trustees, founded award-winning art education programs, and led innovation in creative youth development.

Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Fast Company, and The Today Show​.

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  • A strong art portfolio highlights your personal voice, technical skills, and creative exploration. Top colleges look for portfolios that show conceptual thinking, originality, and progress over time. Dr. Nell Daniel works closely with students to ensure their portfolios tell a compelling story beyond technical ability.

  • Professional portfolio coaching refines your work to meet the expectations of highly competitive college programs. Nell's expertise as a former Director of Admissions helps students align their portfolios with what top art and design schools like RISD, Parsons, and SAIC are seeking — significantly increasing acceptance rates.

  • Ideally, students should begin portfolio development 12 to 18 months before college application deadlines. Early coaching allows time for skill building, idea exploration, and thoughtful revision—critical for standing out in competitive admissions.

  • Yes! While based in NYC, Dr. Nell Daniel offers virtual portfolio coaching sessions nationwide and internationally. Students can receive expert guidance, personalized feedback, and mentorship regardless of location.

Session Formats and Locations

Sessions are flexible and tailored to fit student needs.

Choose from:

  • In-home coaching (NYC area)

  • Remote coaching via Zoom

  • In-person sessions at our Tribeca Studio

You may book individual sessions, 10-session packages, or join a small group cohort.

Learn more about these formats on the Process page.

Upcoming Workshop:

2-Week College Portfolio Prep

Join our intensive two-week College Portfolio Prep Workshop, running July 21 through August 1 at our Tribeca Studio. This program is ideal for rising juniors and seniors who want to create or refine their portfolios with hands-on support, expert critique, and guided creative work.

View details and upcoming workshops

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“Your unique creative energy and innovative problem solving skills are a valuable untapped resource in the college admissions process - don’t hide this! Shine bright and show it off and this will open doors for you and earn you scholarships.”

— Nell Daniel

  • Nell Daniel’s portfolio coaching services are designed to support high school students and their families throughout the college admissions process. Different art schools have varied expectations regarding portfolio submissions, such as favoring observational artwork or conceptual pieces, making it crucial to understand these expectations to create tailored portfolios that meet each school's requirements. By working closely with high schools and their art departments, Nell can provide tailored guidance and advice to students, helping them develop a portfolio that meets the requirements of their desired colleges and universities. From still life drawings to senior year projects, Nell’s expertise can help students create a portfolio that showcases their artistic growth and development, increasing their chances of getting accepted into top art schools and colleges. It is also important for students to critically analyze their own work and seek external feedback to gain fresh perspectives during the selection and presentation process.

  • Applying to art school can be a daunting process, but with the right guidance and support, students can create a portfolio that stands out and demonstrates their passion for art. With the accumulated knowledge of former admissions officers, Dr. Daniel’s portfolio coaching services can help students navigate the admissions process, from understanding portfolio requirements to submitting their application. By focusing on the student’s artistic strengths and interests, Dr. Daniel can help them develop a portfolio that showcases their unique perspective and creative abilities, whether it’s in animation, graphic design, or other artistic fields. A strong portfolio should convey a sense of direction regarding the student's future artistic career and a sense of their unique journey throughout their artistic development. With a strong portfolio, students can increase their chances of getting accepted into their dream schools and pursuing their artistic dreams.

  • Creating a strong application requires careful planning and attention to detail. It’s essential to start early, ideally in your junior or senior year of high school, and seek guidance from college admissions counselors or college counseling services. A good college counselor can help you develop a strategic plan, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and create a portfolio that showcases your artistic abilities. When it comes to portfolio submission, it’s crucial to understand the specific requirements of each art school or university, including the type of work expected, the medium or media to be used, and the length of the portfolio. For example, the Rochester Institute of Technology may require a different type of portfolio than the Ringling College of Art and Design. By understanding the admissions process and creating a strong application, you can increase your chances of getting accepted into your dream schools.

  • Dr. Daniel’s college counseling services are designed to provide comprehensive support to high school students and their families throughout the college admissions process. From advising on course selection to guiding students through the application process, her expertise can help students develop a strong portfolio that reflects the applicant's presentation skills and thought process, increasing their chances of getting accepted into top colleges and universities. By understanding the student’s interests, abilities, and dreams, Dr. Daniel can provide personalized guidance and advice, helping them create a portfolio that showcases their artistic strengths and creativity. Becoming an accomplished artist requires not only foundational abilities but also an understanding of how to express individuality and passion through art, showcasing a diverse range of skills. With a focus on quality, technique, and passion, PCNYC’s college counseling services can help students achieve their college goals and pursue their artistic aspirations.

  • As a student in New York City, you have access to a wide range of resources and opportunities that can help you create a strong application. From attending exhibitions and events at top art schools like the School of Visual Arts to seeking guidance from experienced college admissions counselors, you can leverage the city’s vibrant art scene to your advantage. Many top colleges and universities, including Cornell and New York University, have a long history of attracting talented students from the city’s high schools, such as Horace Mann. By taking advantage of these resources and opportunities, you can develop a unique perspective and showcase your artistic skills in a way that sets you apart from other applicants.

  • In conclusion, creating a strong application for college admissions requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of the admissions process. By seeking guidance from college admissions counselors, creating a strong art portfolio, and leveraging the resources available to you, you can increase your chances of getting accepted into your dream schools. Whether you’re interested in attending a top art school or a prestigious university, remember that your application is a reflection of your skills, passion, and creativity. With the right support and guidance, you can create a portfolio that showcases your artistic strengths and helps you stand out in the competitive world of college admissions. By following these tips and advice, you can develop a strong application that will help you achieve your dreams and pursue your interests in the arts.

Psychedelic urban mural titled "Fluorescent Future," showcasing a surreal colorful face, neon color swatches, and vibrant dreamlike cityscape.

Ready to Get Started?

If you're ready to help your teen build a portfolio that opens doors, we’re here to guide the process from start to finish.

Dr. Daniel brings an incredibly valuable perspective, and pushed me to think about my art in new ways. She sees things in your work that you don’t, and helps you expand on those things to build a strong portfolio. Working with Dr. Daniel, you make great work and maintain your creative agency which is especially important as you enter college.
— NS, Wesleyan