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 portfolios are geared toward students who want art direction, copywriting and social-media positions. Instructors are full-time, senior creatives who critique your work like you work for them. So, classes are like meetings. Instructors are like bosses. Sort of.
Design
We’re not art school; we’re Design school. You’ll learn to solve real-world marketing communication problems graphic design, web design, and product design. Instructors are all professional designers who provide intensive one-on-one direction. We also offer Adobe Creative Cloud, Video and WebDev instruction to round out your skill set.
Strategy
Everyone is Creative; everyone is a Creator. Strategy students are looking to be Creative Strategists, Account Planners, Brand Managers, and UX Designers. You need a portfolio to show off your process, your thinking, and your smarts. Nobody will hire you off a resume. They want to see your ideas.
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 In-Person & Virtual Open House!
We have 2 upcoming Open Houses! Join us Tuesday, September 14th from 5pm-6:30pm in-person or virtual from 5pm-6:30pm CST. Join us Tuesday, October 19th virtually from 5pm-6:30pm CST. Come check out how to build a portfolio, and how we can help you land your dream job. Alumni Q&A about the program!
