Interface works with a variety of talented students who have successfully applied to competitive art and architecture programs requiring a portfolio in the application. Although our college counselors will advise in this process for their students, an additional advisor is often required for developing the strongest and most compelling portfolio. Interface partners with professional artists in art, architecture, and film to provide students with an additional fee based service in advanced portfolio creation and review without the daunting task of securing an advisor on their own. A list of our advisors and service descriptions can be found below:
Visual Arts & Architecture
Applicants to BFA, B. Arch (Portfolio Required)
Applicants to BS/BA Programs (Supplementary)
Emily Oliveiar
Instructor
Emily Oliveira is an interdisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn, who has worked as an art educator and tutor for 10 years. She received a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, and studied performance at Brown University. She has exhibited and performed widely in venues including Wave Hill, Vox Populi, The Java Project, Disclaimer Gallery, SPRING/BREAK Art Show, Paradice Palase, Columbia University, The Center for Performance Research, SOHO20, and Ars Nova. She has received awards, and residencies from organizations including Yaddo, BRIC, AIR Gallery, Ars Nova, and the 2019 NYCT Van Lier Fellowship from Wave Hill.
Alexander McCargar
Instructor
Alexander McCargar is a former Admission Officer and architecture alumnus of the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). He is also a former Fulbright Scholar, currently pursuing his MFA in Scenic Design at Yale University. Alex enjoys advising students on all aspects of their creative portfolios, encouraging multidisciplinary thinking that erases the divisions between Art, Design and Architecture.
SERVICES
Short Term
One-Session Essential Portfolio Check
Advisor will evaluate up to 30 images (art colleges typically want 12-20 per portfolio), and offer feedback during a 1-hour video conference, and/or detailed critical write-up.
Three-Session Portfolio Review
Packages include everything in the Essential Portfolio Check, plus two additional 1-hour video conferences and/or detailed critical write-ups.
Assignments/exercises will be sent to further develop materials.
Long-Term Portfolio Development in Visual Arts or Architecture- with Emily Oliveira
Degree, major, and college selection advising specifically for arts programs
College-specific portfolio requirements
Structured portfolio editing and development
Development of concepts and drawings for home tests (RISD, Cooper Union, etc.)
Strategies for showcasing existing interests and strengths while appealing to the unique challenges and requirements of individual schools
Unlimited text or email advising in addition to planned sessions (students may send images via WeChat, text or email of their in-progress work and receive prompt critique and advice.)
3 Month Portfolio Prep
1-hour video conference, 2x/month (6 meetings total)
Includes reviewing existing portfolio pieces, weekly assignments to further build a complete portfolio, and critique of in-process work developed over the 3 months.
6 Month Portfolio Prep
1-hour video conference, 2x/month (12 meetings total)
Includes reviewing existing portfolio pieces, weekly assignments to further build a complete portfolio, and critique of in-process work developed over the 6 months.
1 Year Top-to-Bottom Portfolio Development
1-hour video conference, 2x/month (24 meetings total)
Includes reviewing existing portfolio, assignments that result in the long-term development of portfolio pieces, the development of painting, drawing and conceptual skills.
Film & TV Production, Dramatic Writing
Applicats to BFA, BA/BS Programs in:
Film/TV/Media Production, Communications, Producing, Playwriting, Screenwriting, & TV Writing
Janna Emig
Instructor
Janna Emig has worked in Post Production on a wide range of projects, including the Netflix series Maniac and the Academy Award winning film I, Tonya. After graduating from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU) with a major in theater and a minor in Mathematics, Janna discovered her interest in film editing, and completed intensive editing training at Manhattan Edit Workshop.
SERVICES
One-Session Essential Portfolio Check
Advisor will evaluate all written and visual/media work required for one school’s portfolio, offer extensive written feedback and oral feedback during a 1-hour video conference.
Three-Session Portfolio Review
Advisor will evaluate three-rounds of written and visual/media work required for one school’s portfolio, as well as three 1-hour video conferences. Sessions to be used within a 2-month period.
Long-Term Portfolio Coaching (4 months)
Advisor will review portfolio requirements and devise an application strategy for all schools on a student’s college list
Advisor will brainstorm, develop and edit portfolio materials for up to 4 schools via email and 9 one-hour video conferences (approx 2x/month)