Prepare to Declare Starter Guide

🖼️📘 Digital Download | For Students & Parents

Dreaming of an art degree? Let’s make it happen—with clarity, confidence, and a plan.
This easy-to-follow guide is your go-to starting point for high school students (and their parents) who want to explore a future in the arts. Whether you're aiming for a fine arts program, design school, or a broader creative path, Prepare to Declare will give you clarity so you can turn your passion into a purposeful plan.

Inside this guide, you’ll find helpful insights and action steps that simplify the college decision process and demystify how to build an art portfolio that stands out.

📘 What’s Inside:

• Understanding School Options: Discover the difference between art schools, liberal arts colleges, and universities with strong art programs.

• Preparing Your Portfolio: The Do's & Don'ts; Learn what schools are looking for—and how to present your best work.

• Documenting Your Art: Simple tips for photographing and organizing your artwork professionally.

• Artist Statement Tips: What to include & tips to help students share their artistic voice clearly and confidently.

• Choosing the Right School for You: Questions to ask, campus visit ideas, and spiritual/creative fit considerations.

• What to Do in Grades 9–12: A grade-by-grade checklist to keep students on track throughout high school.

• Helpful Tools & Resources: Links and suggestions for scholarships, art competitions, online portfolio sites, and more.

🏆 Ideal For:

• High school students exploring art as a career path

• Parents supporting a creative teen

• Homeschool families or college advisors looking for a structured guide

• Youth group leaders or art educators mentoring future Christian artists

This digital guide is a starting block, not a finish line.
It will give you the foundational knowledge and tools to take the next step in your creative journey—with prayerful preparation and professional confidence.