Since 2005. 4000+ Jobs.
Here are some of the places they work.
Job Placement
Our job is to get you a job! Here’s how we do it: with instructors who work at the best agencies and design firms in the business, located in the one of the largest markets in the country, and with a network of thousands of recruiter contacts, industry partners and alumni mentors.
5th Quarter
Four quarters, you work on class assignments, creating hundreds of concepts and thousands of markers. Then, at the end of your year, we give you a Fifth Quarter at no charge (you’re welcome!) to make sure your portfolio is the best it can be.
Student Work
Swipe right to see examples of the kind of work you’ll be doing. Don’t think your work will be as cool? Don’t worry; it will be.
Programs
Advertising
Advertising classes are geared toward students who want copywriting, art direction and social media jobs. Instructors are full-time, award-winning senior creatives who critique your work like you work for them. So, classes are like meetings and instructors are like bosses. Sort of.
Design
Graphic design, digital design, UX and UI design students work to solve marketing communication problems with intensive one-on-one instruction under the direction of professional designers. We also offer Adobe Creative Cloud and WebDev bootcamps.
Strategy
If your career goal is to be a Strategist or Account Planner, you need to show off your thinking by showing your work. (Nobody is going to hire you off your resume.) They want to see Manifestos, Case Studies, videos, briefs, ideas, etc. Things that demonstrate you get it!
WORK/LIFE BALANCE WILL HAVE TO WAIT A YEAR
Chicago Portfolio is one-year but we cover the same ground as a two-year program. That means we work faster, smarter and, harder. You’ll have your first creative assignment on Day #1 and your last assignment on Day #365. We’re not wasting time; you’re not wasting money.
Remote Learning
It’s now possible for you to start the year at Chicago Portfolio remotely. Our full schedule is online with live, instructor-led, classes. Remote learners get the same assignments, feedback and critiques as on-campus students in Chicago.
We can also customize your remote Quarter to include any combination of online instruction, one-on-one tutorials, and weekly check-ins to organize and supervise your progress.
Remote learners get the same experience, coursework and connections, including the 5th Quarter, guest speakers, and job placement benefits. But most importantly, you’ll finish the program with a great portfolio. (You’ll just miss out on the free coffee, donuts, and wifi.)
What to tell your parents
AWARD SHOWS
Every Fall and Winter, creative clubs and organizations invite students to enter competitions. During Award Show season, we offer a special class for students working on the briefs. Winning!
BOOTCAMPS
As part of the regular 1st Quarter schedule, we offer an Adobe Creative Cloud Bootcamp, through a partner school, Digital Bootcamp. We also teach Advanced Photoshop, Video Editing, Online Portfolio Building, and Front-End Development Bootcamps and Workshops.
CLASSES OFF-SITE
Our instructors are working professionals from the hundreds of talented advertising and design businesses in Chicago. Sometimes, they teach at our place and sometimes the classes are at their place so you can see how they think and where they work.
Portfolio Reviews
Every quarter, we host Portfolio Debuts to showcase our grads’ work, and we invite creative directors and recruiters from all over the country. We also co-sponsor the One Club’s annual networking event, Portfolio Night.
Stand-Up Comedy
At Chicago Portfolio School, final exams are taken standing up. After a full quarter of writing and rehearsing a five minute routine, our grads perform at open mics and at the End-of-Quarter party. It’s really fun and they’re always really funny.
THE COMMUNITY
Chicago is a world class city with very active arts, architecture and communication communities. We collaborate with creative organizations like AIGA, Creative Mornings, STA, One Club and Chicago Ad Fed to give our students lots of opportunities to network.
More Info
Want to Chat?
Call or email Francesca or set up a time to talk.
Want to Visit?
Please stop in for a visit. You can also schedule a time to sit in on a class.
WANT IT ALL? Join us for an Open House!
We have 3 upcoming In-Person Open Houses! Join us either Tuesday, July 27th; Tuesday, August 17th or Tuesday, September 17th from 5pm-6:30pm. Come check out how to build a portfolio, and how we can help you land your dream job. Alumni Q&A about the program!
