NYC Art College Prep — Art Portfolio Training at UNAA ART
In the US, getting into an art college is not one big exam. It is a portfolio. UNAA ART has taught art in New York since 2018 and has focused on art portfolio training since 2019.
What do top art schools look for?
RISD, Parsons, Pratt, SVA, SAIC and other top art schools judge your artwork, your ideas and your process. We help students turn a love of drawing into admission offers and scholarships.
- A portfolio of about 12–20 pieces (UNAA plans 15–20).
- Observational drawing and color to show real skill.
- Personal work with a theme and a series — this is where students stand out.
- Process: sketchbooks and studies that show how you think.
- A clear artist statement and interview answers.
How UNAA ART prepares students
FREE portfolio review
We look at what you have and what is missing.
Pick a direction
Oil painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation, architecture, interior, product, fashion, packaging, film design and more.
Anchored by Territory Painting
Every portfolio has a Territory Painting piece — UNAA's signature course, guided by its founder Chengju Li (chengjuli.com).
Mentors from top schools
Our team includes former RISD admissions officer David Paolino and RISD professor John Hames.
Finish in Rhode Island
Our Providence studio is steps from RISD, open in summer and long school breaks, 8 hours a day.
Campuses and schedule
| Flushing | Saturdays and Sundays |
|---|---|
| Manhattan Chinatown | Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays |
| Providence, RI | Summer and school-break intensives, by the week, one month or two months (details) |
| Online | Online portfolio classes for students outside New York |
Weekend foundation classes are for ages 4 to adult; portfolio classes are for students preparing art-school applications.
Timeline (for a fall application)
Build skills in weekend classes and start a sketchbook.
Choose a major and build a personal series; competitions such as Scholastic Art & Writing can add awards.
Rhode Island intensive to finish the main body of work.
Photograph, lay out, write statements and submit by each school's deadline.
Common mistakes
- Only copies and still lifes, no personal ideas.
- Enough pieces, but no theme or series.
- Starting in the last summer.
- Dark, crooked photos that hide good work.
- Sending one portfolio to every school without reading each school's requirements.
Since 2019, 200+ UNAA students have been admitted to top US art schools with scholarships. See student work, admissions and faculty.
UNAA ART is not a partner of any college. We send strong students to top schools; admission depends on each student's work, and no one can guarantee it.
FAQ
When should my child start?
Grades 9–10 is ideal; choose a direction in grade 11.
No drawing background?
Start with a free review and foundation classes, then move to portfolio class.
Online only?
Yes — online classes can build a full portfolio; add a Rhode Island intensive during breaks.
Animation?
UNAA does not offer an animation major at this time.