Visual Arts Centre

Art Courses

Portfolio Preparation Course for DSA – (Secondary/JC)

ART COURSE

Art Portfolio Preparation Course for DSA (Secondary / JC)

  1. About Art Portfolio Preparation Course (Process) for DSA ( Secondary / JC)
  2. The art task for admission to the School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA) ​
  3. Art Portfolio Preparation Course ( Process) for DSA to nurture and develop artistic talent​
  4. Visual Arts Centre’s Art Portfolio Preparation Course (Process) Approach
  5. 48 sessions Foundational Training & Development of Professional Visual Art Techniques & Observational Works​
  6. Part 2: IDEAS CONCEPTUALISATION & CONSULTATION SESSION (Portfolio – Creative Private Class ) – 8 Sessions
  7. Overall outlook during the course
  • 48 sessions – Foundation Art Training Immersion Course
  • Portfolio Creative Coaching Class ( 1 to 1 session )

    8. Success stories from our student enrolled in the DSA Portfolio Preparation Course

About Art Portfolio Preparation Course (Process) for DSA ( Secondary / JC)

Thinking of embarking on your art portfolio preparation and training journey? Join us here at Visual Arts Centre to prep your portfolio for DSA through our art portfolio building workshops! Suitable for beginner learners looking for a foundation training course and art portfolio preparation class for DSA secondary and DSA tertiary to enrol in various art schools like SOTA!

Embark on a creative journey with SOTA by crafting an original pencil masterpiece, showcasing your artwork's essence.
The art task for admission to the School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA)

SOTA requires applicants to create an original pencil drawing of their breakfast. The drawing should showcase observational skills and technical control in pencil drawing, including shading, line work, and tonal value. The drawing should be done on white A3 drawing paper using graphite pencils. Applicants are advised not to crop the subject matter and to draw the entire object(s). Shortlisted applicants must bring the original physical work for the Talent Academy assessment, as this is a crucial part of the evaluation process. Other mediums such as coloured pencils, pens, and charcoal should not be used for this task.

Portfolio Preparation Course for DSA Visual Arts Centre Singapore
Portfolio Preparation Course for DSA Visual Arts Centre Singapore

Portfolio Preparation Course (Process) for DSA (Sec./JC)

For inquiries about our Professional Art Course, kindly click to reach out to us through the following contact information:

Interested in Art Portfolio Preparation Course for DSA (Secondary / JC)​
Want to know more about Art Portfolio Preparation Course for DSA (Secondary / JC)​
Portfolio Preparation Course for DSA Visual Arts Centre Singapore
Portfolio Preparation Course for DSA Visual Arts Centre Singapore
Crafting a compelling DSA portfolio is an art in itself— a meticulous process showcasing passion, dedication, and talent.

Art Portfolio Preparation Course ( Process) for DSA to nurture and develop artistic talent

One might think that building a DSA art portfolio is as simple as putting together a few doodles and artworks your kids have done over the years, to submit them to the schools of your choice. However, taking into consideration the increasingly high standards and growing competition of art schools and DSA programmes, only extremely devoted and passionate students will be admitted to the prestigious art and design schools of their choice!

Building a DSA art portfolio requires careful consideration and compliance with school requirements. Competition and standards for art schools and DSA programs are high. Only passionate and devoted students are admitted to prestigious art and design schools. 

Direct School Admission (DSA) explained: DSA is a special school admission exercise to demonstrate achievements and talents. Students can apply for DSA under various categories, including Visual Arts (MOE website is quoted for reference).

Preparing an art portfolio requires full compliance to particular sets of requirements announced by the respective schools. Direct School Admission, otherwise known as DSA is a special school admission exercise where students are given the opportunity to demonstrate a diverse range of achievements and talents to seek admission to secondary schools or junior colleges. For example, students may apply for DSA under visual arts with a portfolio of artworks that demonstrate the student’s talent and creativity.

Portfolio Preparation Course for DSA Visual Arts Centre Singapore

Primary 5 students can apply for DSA-Sec based on a wide-range of talents, including:

  • Sports and games
  • Visual arts, literary and performing arts
  • Debate and public speaking
  • Science, mathematics and engineering
  • Languages and humanities
  • Uniformed groups
  • Leadership (for example, prefects)

The DSA exercise is the only platform and chance for students to impress the admission officers with their good foundational art skills, own sense of style, as well as the rest of their talents. Not only that, successful DSA applicants will have a place reserved for them in their school of choice!

IMG_7388-768x617
IMG_7388-768x617

Visual Arts Centre’s Art Portfolio Preparation Course (Process) Approach

How are we preparing students with no foundation or little art background in building their visual arts portfolio?

VISUAL ARTS CENTRE DSA – PORTFOLIO PREPARATION COURSE (PROCESS):

visualartscentre dsa - portfolio course process
visualartscentre dsa - portfolio course process

48 sessions Foundational Training & Development of Professional Visual Art Techniques & Observational Works

Mediums offered: Drawing and Sketching, Watercolour Painting, Acrylic Painting, Digital Drawing and Painting, developing skills, style, voice and creativity. Good foundational art skills, diverse range of skills, clear display of logical thinking.

At Visual Arts Centre, our goal is to help students to strengthen their foundation in visual arts. Students will acquire independence and competency in their individual artistic skills which they will undergo at least a year or more of foundation Art Training at Visual Art Centre. And as time goes by, long-term consistent art training helps instil strong basics of groundwork in the mediums like Drawing and Sketching, Acrylic Painting and Watercolour painting. With that, students are confident to take up a range of subject matter such as portraiture, still life, landscape, and urban landscape etc which they are able to produce the required artworks as they develop higher proficiency in their artistic skillset during the years-long art training sessions at Visual Arts Centre.

Our professionally trained instructors will enhance your kid’s artistic skills, ranging from the utmost basics of drawing and sketching to producing their own unique style of artworks over a period of time. These include:

  • Development of professional skills and techniques (e.g. drawing and sketching)
  • Enhancing observational skills in creating realistic works
  • Discovery of students’ own style and voice, inspirations and areas of interest
  • Developing students’ thought processes during the creation of their works to create their own unique creative works

We’ve collated admission information from some of the top local and global art schools and broken them down into 3 key criterias:

  1. Good Foundational Art Skills in Different Mediums
  2. A Diverse Range of Skills That Showcases Your Unique Style and Capabilities
  3. Clear Display of Logical Thinking and Development of Artwork

Part 1 of the Art Portfolio Preparation Course for DSA will focus on training and developing the student’s art foundation and techniques. These foundational skills are essential to creating a good portfolio as they serve as the base of every artist’s journey in the professional world. Specifically, students will be trained in:

  • Sketching and tonal drawing
  • Methods and techniques in creating realistic and observational works
  • Other art mediums such as watercolour and acrylic painting
Portfolio Preparation Course for DSA Visual Arts Centre Singapore

Over the course of 24 sessions, we will emphasize on honing these techniques and thereafter, conduct an assessment after every technique has been taught. This enables us to track our students’ progress and ensure that we are able to identify their weaker areas and spend more time on improving them. 

At Visual Arts Centre, we strive to train our students to be well-rounded. This helps them to be more versatile and able to meet the needs of their clients in the future. Or even for themselves, to achieve the most out of their creativity in their own artworks.

Embark on the journey of artistic mastery in Part 1 of our DSA Art Portfolio Preparation Course.

Part 2: Development of Artworks with Coaching

Part 2: IDEAS CONCEPTUALISATION & CONSULTATION SESSION (Portfolio – Creative Private Class ) – 8 Sessions

Additionally, upon taking up the Foundation Art Training Course our students are capable to exhibit their strengths in various art subjects that require great technical skills and observational skills. With that, our studio continues to support our students in their creation of art that reflects their individuality and unique style. 

Hence in the process of undergoing the year-long training, students can opt for the creative portfolio private class sessions. Where extra guidance and assistance will be given to our students in the private class setting to create a more effective and conducive learning environment for our students who are looking for focus coaching by the teachers at the studio. Students will be arranged on a 1 to 1 session of 2h 30 minutes whereby during the session, our professionally trained instructors with many years of experience in preparing students for portfolio preparation will enhance our student’s artistic skills, ranging from the utmost basics of drawing and sketching to producing their own unique style of artwork over a period of time. 

Through foundational art training, our students develop technical and artistic skills, shaping their unique identities, with guided and focused guidance and feedback.

After this focus coaching, constructive feedback is given by the teachers to further hone the art skills of our students which continues to benefit the art learning process of our students and helps them to be a step closer to achieving their art goals. 

Our students will be expected to gain an artistic voice and cultivate competency in their art skills and creativity after undergoing the Foundation Art Training Course here at Visual Arts Centre. 

Portofolio Preparation Course Visual Arts Centre Singapore
Portofolio Preparation Course Visual Arts Centre Singapore

Part 2 of the Art Portfolio Preparation Course for DSA focuses more on the development of our students’ artworks. This second phase emphasizes creativity and helping our students find their artistic voice and sense of style, to enable them to stand out amongst other applicants.

Our professional instructors will help students to utilize the techniques learnt to create their own unique works of art. Our students will be encouraged to find out their various inspirations, and discover their areas of interest. They will also be aided in developing their thought processes behind making works, to help their works evolve to be more aligned with their own style and voice.

Fostering creativity guides students in finding their artistic voice and unique style for distinction.
Portofolio Preparation Course Visual Arts Centre Singapore

In addition to the development of their artworks, students will also be coached in how to deal with interviews, and improve their presentation skills. Not only are these important for the DSA application process, they can also come in handy for students in other situations in the future.

Part 2: Development of Artworks with Coaching. Emphasising creativity and finding artistic voice and style. Techniques applied to create unique works of art. Assistance in thought processes, interview preparation and presentation skills.

Overall outlook during the course:
Portofolio preparation Visual Arts Centre Singapore
Portofolio preparation Visual Arts Centre Singapore

48 sessions – Foundation Art Training Immersion Course

  • Development of professional skills and techniques on various medium and art subjects (e.g. Medium – drawing and sketching, Subject – Portraiture)
  • Sketching and tonal drawing
  • Methods and techniques in creating realistic and observational works
  • Other art mediums such as watercolour and acrylic painting
  • Enhancing observational skills in creating realistic works
  • Reviewing and guidance of artworks when nearing to the end of the course or when suitable
  • Art School Application prep

Portfolio Creative Coaching Class (1 to 1 session):

  • Discovery of students’ own style and voice, inspirations and areas of interest
  • Developing students’ thought processes during the creation of their works to create their own unique creative works
IMG_7388-768x617
IMG_7388-768x617

Success stories from our student enrolled in the DSA Portfolio Preparation Course

Portofolio prepare course Visual Arts Centre Singapore
Portofolio Preparation Course Visual Arts Centre
Portofolio Preparation Course Visual Arts Centre
Portofolio Preparation Course Visual Arts Centre
Portofolio Preparation Course Visual Arts Centre
Portofolio Preparation Course Visual Arts Centre

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs) – Portfolio Preparation with Art Training at Visual Arts Centre

  1. Which students are suitable to join us in this Foundation Art Training (DSA)?​
    • Students who have a strong interest in arts and have been undergoing art classes will be suitable to join us for the year of Art training. As for your artwork to reach a level of maturity you will need a year or more of art training depending on the individual students’ art learning progression. Hence younger students (below 11 years old) will be encouraged to take at least a year or more years of art learning.
  1. Will it be compulsory for me to attend the Creative Portfolio Private Sessions?​
    • The Creative Portfolio Private Sessions will be recommended for students who require further guidance in their creative thought process and direction in preparation for the art portfolio. During the session, our teachers from Visual Arts Centre provide additional tips and professional guidance, especially for students who need clarification on the process of submission and interview section.
Portofolio Preparation Course Visual Arts Centre
  1. What is the Age Requirement to attend the Foundation Art Training Portfolio Course?​
    • Children ages 9 and above are suitable to join the course with at least 2 – 3 years of art training will be recommended for the student to reach a certain level of readiness in producing good artwork when creating a portfolio.
    • P5 students keen on joining us for the Foundation Art Training will be advised accordingly depending on the timeline and art maturity attained at the point of registration at Visual Arts Centre.
  1. How many artworks will I be able to produce during the sessions?​
    • Students will be able to produce 10 – 15 artworks in various mediums such as Drawing & Sketching, Watercolour Painting and Acrylic Painting. Depending on individual learners, students will be looking to complete an art piece by the 3rd session from the first session they started the art piece. During the art training, our students will hone different art techniques and skills in various mediums which helps our students to create a strong portfolio with artworks that showcase his/her versatility in the pieces they embarked on.
Portofolio Preparation Course Visual Arts Centre
  1. Will I be advised to take up the Foundation Art Training for 1 year if I have some artwork and art learning?​
    • Should there be a constraint on the timeline for the submission, you may arrange to take up the package that best fits you whereby we would suggest that you take up either our half-year (24 sessions) or less (12 sessions) Art Immersion Course which you are looking to refine and hone specific art skills during the short span of time. After which, you may consider joining our Creative Portfolio Private Class which allows you to have a consultation with our teachers on your existing works.
  1. What kind of medium will be required to learn to acquire a basic level of art, and why?​
    • Drawing and sketching takes much practice and patience. When you sketch, you have to concentrate and focus on your work to produce the best outcome. This is especially so, when you are working on a life drawing and sketching piece. When sketching from life, you want to capture all the details of the object and the form in one sitting. Hence, while learning drawing and sketching, you will find yourself being able to focus and work on tasks for longer periods of time – therefore, allowing you to exercise your basic art skills at the same time.
Portofolio Preparation Course Visual Arts Centre
  1. How can we select the best artwork as portfolio submission?​
    • You may opt in for an additional one-to-one private class with any of our professional teachers, who will be able to review all your works and provide suggestions on the works that will stand a better advantage for your portfolio submission.
    • In general, we recommend that the portfolio submission should showcase your strength in different areas and a strong grasp of various mediums (acrylic painting, drawing and sketching, watercolour, oil painting, pastel, etc.). It will also be advantageous if you can opt to show how you use the different mediums to work on differing subject matters (landscape paintings, collage, sculpturing, portraiture, etc.).

8.How many observational works and creative works are required to be included in the portfolio submission? ​

    • There is no definitive number of observational or creative works required to form the portfolio submission as it is largely dependent on the requirements of your desired art school and course. Hence, we recommend that you check out what is required of the school and course before setting a realistic portfolio aim that we can work with you towards.
    • Nevertheless, we recommend to have a balanced portfolio submission that should include similar number of observational and creative works to enable the school and course selection committee’s understanding on your overall art proficiency level.
  1. What can I look forward to achieving at the end of the 48 sessions?​
    • Following the end of the 48 sessions we us, you can expect to have solid foundation of the various mediums like drawing and sketching, acylic painting, watercolour painting you have been exposed to throughout the sessions. How different techniques can be applied to a certain specific medium will also be shared to enable an exploratory process of how the artwork can be further enhanced
Portofolio Preparation Course Visual Arts Centre

REGISTRATION IS OPEN NOW

Registration is now open! (Our Portfolio class will be carried out alongside our regular classes.)

Age Group: Portfolio preparation students, Youths/Adults applying for art schools

Price (All Materials Included):

48 sessions – Foundation Art Training (1 year): $2788
Validity: 52 Weeks

48 Sessions – Foundation Art Training & 8 sessions of Portfolio Creative Coaching (1 year): $4788
Validity: 54 Weeks

72 sessions – Foundation Art Training & 8 sessions of Portfolio Creative Coaching (1.5 years): $5888
Validity: 80 Weeks

Ala carte 10 sessions Portfolio Creative Coaching: $2500

Ala carte 20 sessions Portfolio Creative Coaching: $5000

Our Schedule
new vac schedule 2024 dhoby ghaut
new vac schedule 2024 macpherson
Our Location

Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio

Visual arts Centre kids holiday

Address:

10 Penang Road, #01-02 Dhoby Ghaut Green,
Singapore 238469

Exit from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station Exit B and turn left, we are there in 30m!

MacPherson Art Studio

Visual arts Centre Macpherson kids holiday

Address:

AZ@Paya Lebar, 140 Paya Lebar Road, #03-04,
Singapore 409105

Exit from Macpherson MRT Station Exit A and turn left, we are right across the road, 1 minute walk away!

Registration & Fees

The art courses are available at both our Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio and MacPherson Art Studio, please choose your preferred location.

Ala Carte 10 Sessions Portfolio Coaching Preparation Course (Process) for Diploma and Above 作品集准备私人10节课程 (Dhoby Ghaut)
$2500
Location Visual Arts Centre Dhoby Ghaut Studio
Validity
-
72 sessions Portfolio Preparation Course (Process) for Youths & 4 sessions Portfolio Coaching 作品集准备72节课程 & 4节私人课(Dhoby Ghaut)
$4800
Location Visual Arts Centre Dhoby Ghaut Art Studio
Validity
80 Weeks
48 Sessions Foundation Training (3 Med Art Immersion) + 8 Sessions Portfolio Private Coaching 
$4788
Location Visual Arts Centre Dhoby Ghaut Studio
Validity
54 Weeks
72 Sessions Foundation Training (3 Med Art Immersion) + 8 Sessions Portfolio Private Coaching 
$5888
Location Visual Arts Centre Dhoby Ghaut Studio
Validity
80 Weeks

All sessions are to be completed within the course duration stated. No refunds are provided for any courses/workshops/lesson purchased. Further extension of course validity of up to one month only may be provided with proof of overseas travel, hospitalization/medical certificate.

The course package(s) is/are valid within the stated date of registration. Each session under the adult and teenager course package is 2 hours 15 minutes. Visual Arts Centre reserves the right to reject/reschedule your lesson if you are late. Visual Arts Centre reserves the right to cancel/reschedule/postpone any course/session without prior notice. In the event that the course is unable to proceed due to unforeseen circumstances, a full refund of the fees will be provided. The registrant/guardian of the registrant indemnifies and holds Visual Arts Centre and/or its staff harmless from any losses sustained from any activity within the premises of Visual Arts Centre, including personal injury/loss or damages to property.

You will be redirected to the workshop registration page to fill in your enrolment details after you make payment. By clicking “Buy This Package”, you agree with our terms and conditions. Do note that there is no refund for signups.

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