art Coaching with amelia: Amplify your visual voice
Hi, I’m Amelia, a multidisciplinary artist and arts educator and coach, enjoying close to three decades of experience supporting artists of all ages. Whether you are preparing for art school applications or seeking personal or professional development, I provide tailored guidance to showcase your unique artistic voice. My coaching services are designed to meet you where you are and support your creative goals.
I offer personalized coaching and design engaging lessons. Each session is crafted to help you build confidence and present your work effectively.
With expert support and constructive feedback, you’ll develop a portfolio and build creative habits that truly reflects your talents and aspirations.
For Parents and High School Students: National Portfolio Day & Interview Prep
I've attended National Portfolio Day events for nearly 20 years and can help students (especially 8th-12th graders, transfer, and graduate students) prepare for in-person and virtual events. These events offer direct communication with art school representatives, valuable feedback, and sometimes even on-the-spot portfolio acceptance. Early preparation (8th-11th grade) is encouraged, and I can tailor sessions for 12th graders and others to match the timing with upcoming NPD events or applications.
Coaching Options
Prepare your art for college applications and beyond with personalized coaching. My experience is invaluable for undergraduate or graduate applications, offering guidance and multiple reviews across these services:
Portfolio Development:
Craft a compelling portfolio that showcases your best work and artistic growth for college applications. We'll focus on selection, organization, and self-reflection. Services include:
Portfolio review and feedback
Identifying your strongest pieces
Creating a cohesive narrative
Skill Building & Technique Refinement:
Refine technical skills and explore new artistic avenues to strengthen your portfolio. These lessons offer introduction, experimentation, or deep dives into specific techniques (e.g., drawing, linoleum carving), helping you:
Return to an arts practice and identify strengths.
Experiment with new materials to expand your artistic language.
Develop your personal style and infuse more of your identity into your work.
Overcome technical or conceptual blocks.
Incorporate regular art-making into your wellness routine and make creativity a regular habit.
Have fun making and learning! (A materials fee may apply for supply costs over $10. See ABOUT AMELIA for a fuller list of mediums and techniques.)
Artist Statement & Presentation:
Articulate your artistic vision and present your work confidently for applications. We'll refine your artist statement and presentation skills, preparing you for interviews, application descriptions, and critiques by:
Developing compelling artist statements
Refining presentation skills
Preparing for interviews, application descriptions, and critiques
I can be your ally and advocate with coaching & teaching
LOCation & Cost
Where We Meet: I offer in-person workshops and coaching at an arts studio conveniently located near Duke University in Durham, NC. Virtual meetings are also welcome, and we can discuss digital formatting and sharing during your consultation.
Hourly Individual Coaching Rate & Packages: Benefit from my 25+ years of arts education and portfolio preparation expertise in independent schools, colleges, arts organizations and one-on-one. My hourly rate for individual coaching is your choice between $100-$120 and includes comprehensive support before, during, and after our sessions. We can design what will fit your needs best, as I am here to be an ally and advocate as I support your goals as an artist and creative individual. Multi-session prices can be developed together for a more affordable and comprehensive experience. We'll keep your goals in mind, and I can help you develop an appropriate timeline for application deadlines. Please inquire about scholarships, as I have limited availability for coaching but want to make my support financially available.
About Amelia
Hi! I'm an artist and educator with over 25 years of experience in portfolio development for teens and adults. I'm passionate about helping diverse artists like you cultivate your skills and create outstanding portfolios.
My coaching philosophy focuses on personalized guidance, creative exploration, and building a supportive community. I believe every artist has a unique visual voice, and my goal is to help you discover and amplify yours. As an LGBTQIA+ affirming educator centering anti-racist curriculum, I advocate for elevating all marginalized voices, ensuring every artist has the right to tell their story and showcase their gifts.
Beyond technical skills, we'll develop your artistic vision, storytelling abilities, and confidence to present your work effectively. Whether you're aiming for art school, competitions, or simply pursuing your passion, I'm committed to providing the tools and mentorship for your artistic journey.
Let's establish creative habits so your art practice and portfolio can be everything you wish: relaxing, professional, narrative, game-changing, community-building, or award-winning. Let's discover and amplify your visual voice!
Outside of my work, I love singing, gardening, spending time with my family and dog, and creating my own fiber and printmaking art.
Some of the students I’ve supported have gone on to attend:
RISD (Rhode Island School of Design)
MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art)
SCAD (Savannah College of Art & Design)
School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Otis College of Art & Design
Pratt Institute
Parsons School of Design
School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts
VCU Arts (Virginia Commonwealth University)
NC State School of Design
Washington University in St. Louis
Many students have also been accepted into College and University Art Degree programs by submitting a portfolio with their application.
How can I shine a light on your creativity?
I’ve created with and taught an incredibly wide range of art materials over the last 30 years, including:
Drawing
Painting
Printmaking
Ceramics
Sculpture
Darkroom, Digital, Experimental & History of Photography
Digital Art (Procreate and Photoshop)
Handcrafts (weaving, baskets, paper-making, book-binding)
Fiber Arts & Sewing
Art History
Performance and Installation
Mindfulness with Artmaking
Singing
Media Literacy
Art With Purpose (Activism-infused Artwork)
Portfolio Development (including all services offered)
Let’s Talk:
Interested in working together?
Fill out the form, and I will be in touch shortly.