Getting into the world’s top art and design schools isn’t just about talent.
It’s about strategy, clarity, and a portfolio that tells your story.
Too many students with real potential are rejected because their portfolios are generic, rushed, or unclear. At Dan Studios, mentorship gives students the structure, accountability, and expert guidance they need to transform their creativity into offers from schools like Cambridge, RISD, Parsons, and UAL.
For high-school students (age 14–19) preparing portfolios for top art, design, and architecture schools worldwide.
About Dan.
Based in Singapore and working with students globally via Online mentoring, Dan is the Head of Art at UWCSEA East Campus and a trusted mentor who has helped students gain admission to world-leading art, design, and architecture schools.
Dan Studios’ Services
Online.
Our online portfolio development course is available to access and do at your own pace.
Mentor.
Work with Daniel in a mentorship capacity for a completely focused and custom experience.
Consult.
Arrange a consultation to talk through the approach that is best suited to you.
Student Success Stories .
Henry K.
Henry began with strong technical ability but no clear conceptual direction. He struggled to connect ideas and develop themes, everything felt scattered.
Through ongoing critique, guided reflection, and structured ideation, he learned how to build a cohesive concept and use contrast, focus, and visual hierarchy with purpose.
The transformation was extraordinary: Henry moved from “drawing beautifully” to communicating powerfully, developing a portfolio rooted in ideas, not just technique, a shift that still shapes his design work today.
Henry K.
Henry - "At the heart of it all, there was Dan. He listens more than he talks, and that made all the difference. He taught me not just art, but how to create art with honesty and humility. "
Student Success Stories .
Mark W.
Mark ‘s challenge was shaping his diverse body of work into a cohesive voice.
Through sustained mentoring, discussion, and refining how he sequenced, edited, and communicated his work, Mark developed a portfolio that felt intentional, bold, and unmistakably him.
His embrace of humour, the absurd, printmaking, and large-scale work became his signature, turning his collection into a unified creative identity that stood out to top schools.
Mark W.
Mark - "My time with Dan was unforgettable. He pushed me to lean into my fascination with humor and the absurd, and helped me develop a strong creative voice. His guidance enriched my work conceptually and gave me the confidence to scale up."
Student Case
Studies .
Cherry K.
Cherry often felt lost between expectations, themes, and the pressure to produce “great art.”
Through ongoing critique, reflection, and reconnecting with what she truly cared about; climate, place, and emotion, she rediscovered her passion and rebuilt her portfolio with clarity and purpose.
Her transformation wasn’t about technique; it was about finding meaning again. The result was an authentic, thoughtful portfolio that showed resilience, curiosity, and a return to loving the process.
Cherry K. .
Cherry - "Loving art, being enthusiastic and passionate came from Dan. His support and encouragement gave me freedom to explore, and his honest advice helped me hold onto my belief that my work had value. That kept me from giving up."
Free Online Course
A Clear Starting Point
Applying to competitive creative courses can feel overwhelming. This free online course is designed to bring calm, structure and direction to the process.
Whether you’re just beginning or feeling stuck, you’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what matters , and what doesn’t, in a strong portfolio.
The Dan Studios Process
Define.
Clarity & Strategy
Defining Your Path – Helping students uncover their strengths, artistic voice, and aspirations to build a strategic, intentional portfolio.
Research & Planning – Understanding what top art schools look for and aligning each student’s work with their goals.
Critical Thinking & Concept Development – Encouraging depth, originality, and intellectual engagement in their artistic practice.
Design.
Creativity & Craft
Developing Technical Excellence – Strengthening foundational and advanced artistic skills across diverse media.
Storytelling Through Art – Teaching students how to craft visually compelling and conceptually rich portfolios.
Personalized Portfolio Development – Guiding students to create a body of work that is both authentic and competitive.
Deliver.
Execution & Success
Finalizing a Standout Portfolio – Ensuring every portfolio is polished, curated, and strategically assembled for maximum impact.
Presentation & Articulation – Training students to confidently discuss their work in interviews, artist statements, and applications.
Pathway to Top Schools – Providing expert mentorship to help students secure admission to leading art and design institutions.
Meet Dabinn Kim.
One of my students whose portfolio journey led to offers from the University of Cambridge (Architecture), Bath University, The University of Manchester, and the University of Sheffield
Contact Dan.
If you would like to book a consultation, ask a question about our services or talk to Dan, then fill in this form and we will attend to your request promptly.