Saturday Portfolio Builder (16-18 years) - Autumn 2026

🎨Saturday Art & Design Portfolio Builder Course -
For Aspiring Art & Design Students | Ages 16–18
Starts Autumn 2026 | Prepare for University Applications in January 2027

Are you applying for an art or design course at university? Want to elevate your portfolio with hands-on, creative, and sustainable work? Join our Saturday Portfolio Builder Course — a three-session programme designed to help you craft a compelling, university-ready portfolio using expressive, experimental, and digital techniques.

Held at Cardiff School of Art & Design, a vibrant art school with over 150 years of creative heritage, this course gives you access to professional workshops, expert tutors, and a supportive environment where your ideas can thrive.

🖥️Session 1: Introduction to 3D CAD

Design digitally, think three-dimensionally.
Led by Peter Pickford, this session introduces students to the fundamentals of 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Learn to:

• Create 2D sketches with proper dimensioning and constraints
• Use core 3D tools to build solid bodies
• Understand parts and assemblies
• Modify designs using common CAD tools
• Generate technical drawings efficiently

This session is ideal for students interested in product design, architecture, or any discipline where digital prototyping is key.

After you’ve finished the CAD workshop guidance will be available on options for progression into further education.

🖼️Session 2: Sustainable Printmaking

Discover beauty in the disregarded.
Using recycled Tetra Pak and water-based inks, students will create textured prints inspired by rusty, discarded objects. Learn to:

• Use etching tools to create expressive marks
• Ink up plates with varied techniques
• Draw from prints to explore texture and line
• Embrace sustainability by working with waste materials

🌿Session 3: Natural Ink Making & Botanical Drawing

Create with nature, from nature.
Explore the ancient art of ink making using plant materials and found objects. Students will:

• Make natural inks and brushes from organic materials
• Draw botanical still life or work in our dye and fibre garden
• Experiment with expressive mark making
• Create a fold-out book of ink studies
• Learn historical ink-making processes
• Take home recipes and tools for continued exploration
• Collaborate in a group mark-making session

At the end of this final session, we will have an experienced member of staff on hand to conduct a portfolio review and provide advice and tips on tailoring your portfolio ready for interview, including high-quality ways to example your work.

👩‍🏫Meet the Tutors

Sian Lester

A freelance artist, designer, and educator with over 25 years in the creative industries, Sian has guided students through portfolio preparation for over a decade. Her sessions are engaging, supportive, and tailored to help you shine in your university applications.

Peter Pickford

Peter started his career as a graduate site engineer before moving into working with digital technologies within the Built Environment. He has a deep interest in the way the built environment is visually communicated throughout a project's life-cycle. In 2020 he completed a master's degree in Building Information Modelling for Smart Engineering from Cardiff School of Engineering where he focused on the use of LiDAR for retrofitting residential buildings. Within CSAD he is a part of Sustainable and Resilient Built Environment research group where he is continuing his research into this subject area.

📅Course Details

• When: Saturdays
   10.00am – 1.00pm on 14th November
   10.00am – 12.00pm on 21st November

10.00am – 1.00pm on 28th November

• Who: Students aged 16–18 applying to university January 2027 onward
• Where: Cardiff School of Art and Design, Llandaff Campus, Western Ave.
• Cost: £95 for all 3 sessions
• Materials Provided: All essential materials included

🎓Why Join?

• Build a diverse and creative portfolio
• Learn sustainable, expressive, and digital techniques
• Gain confidence in your artistic voice
• Receive expert guidance from experienced educators
• Connect with like-minded peers preparing for university