About ArtBound

Turning portfolios into possibilities!

Our Mission

At ArtBound, our mission is to equip aspiring artists with the confidence and skills needed to present their work at a professional level. Through expert coaching, online courses, in-depth articles, and valuable resources, we guide students in crafting strategic, well-curated portfolios that maximize their chances of art school admission.

We go beyond talent development—our focus is on teaching students how to showcase their work effectively, tell their artistic story, and stand out in competitive applications. By fostering both creativity and professionalism, we prepare students not just for acceptance into top programs, but for long-term success in the art world.

Our Values

Creative Excellence

A portfolio is more than a collection of work; it’s a strategic, well-curated presentation that tells a compelling story and maximizes acceptance potential.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

We are committed to making expert art education accessible to students nationwide, empowering young artists from all backgrounds.

Individualized Guidance

Every artist is unique. We provide expert, tailored feedback to help students refine their work and present their best selves.

Integrity in Craft

We teach students the importance of authenticity and discipline in their work, ensuring every piece reflects their true self.

Empowering Confidence

Our process equips students with the skills and self-assurance to confidently present their work to top art programs.

Lifelong Growth

We believe in fostering a mindset of continuous learning, encouraging students to evolve as artists long after their college application process.

Founder Brian Miller

Our Founder

Educator, Mentor, and Advocate for Aspiring Artists

Brian Miller is a dedicated art educator with a passion for guiding the next generation of artists toward academic and professional success. With extensive teaching experience at the Shintaro Akatsu School of Design, Bellevue University, Southern New Hampshire University, and Sacred Heart University, Brian has spent years mentoring students in art, design, portfolio development, and creative strategy. He developed and taught the MPS Design Management Degree at Shintaro Akatsu and continues to help students refine their artistic voices and prepare for careers in the creative industries.

Brian holds a Master of Professional Studies from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Hartford Art School, bringing both academic insight and real-world experience into the classroom. As an educator, his approach blends technical skill-building with critical thinking and professional development, ensuring students not only master their craft but also understand how to present their work effectively.

Beyond the classroom, Brian’s three-decade career in design and branding informs his teaching, giving students firsthand knowledge of industry standards, emerging trends, and the skills needed to thrive in competitive creative fields. His leadership as a member of the executive board of the Type Directors Club reflects his commitment to elevating design education and fostering excellence in typography and visual communication.

At ArtBound, Brian channels his expertise as an educator and mentor into helping aspiring artists build strong, compelling portfolios for admission to top art programs. His mission is to empower students with the skills, confidence, and strategic thinking needed to turn artistic passion into academic and professional success.

  • SHU Student

    There are not enough words to describe how helpful he has been in teaching me about design, building my confidence, and building my knowledge about how to handle myself as a professional graphic designer.

  • SASD Student

    Brian’s classroom was lighthearted yet commanding. If you were not serious about art you would find that out in his class.

  • SHU Student

    Brian has provided me with tools that I don't feel my other classes have provided me with, and I feel more prepared for my career because of him.

  • SHU Student

    Brian is extremely passionate and dedicated to helping his students, and though his feedback may be challenging a lot of the time, it is this feedback that has shaped me into a better, more resilient artist.

  • SASD Student

    Brian is among the rare few who do not believe in the "everybody passes" school of thought. The grades received from Professor Miller actually mean something.

  • SHU Student

    Brian’s ability to be honest with students about their work and his expectations for them truly makes them better designers than they were at the beginning of the semester

  • SASD Student

    The knowledge and skills that I gained under Brian’s tutelage will serve me for the rest of my career. I hope he will always teach in some capacity.

We Wrote the Book(s)

ArtBound founder, Brian Miller, is a Simon & Schuster author with a deep expertise in visual communication. He is the author of Above the Fold and Principles of Web Design, both widely used in design education. His forthcoming book, ArtBound, will serve as the definitive guide to creating a winning portfolio for art school admissions, providing students with the strategies and insights needed to present their work professionally and stand out in competitive applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • ArtBound is designed for high school students preparing to apply to art colleges or programs. Whether you’re just starting your portfolio or refining it for submission, we provide personalized guidance to help you succeed.

  • No, you don’t need to be a senior to work with Artbound. We welcome high school students of all grade levels and skill levels, from freshmen just starting to explore their artistic interests to seniors preparing for art college applications. Our consultations are tailored to meet each student’s unique needs, goals, and experience level.

    For younger students, our focus may be on foundational skills, exploring different media, and helping them develop a strong, diverse portfolio over time. For upperclassmen, we concentrate on refining their portfolios, ensuring they align with college application requirements, and providing guidance on personal statements or artist statements.

  • No, you don’t have to live in Wilton to participate. We welcome students from Darien, Westport, New Canaan, Weston, and all towns surrounding Wilton. For students outside this area, we also offer Zoom sessions to ensure everyone can access our services.

  • Portfolio development is a multi-session program tailored to your goals. We guide you in creating a cohesive and professional portfolio that showcases your unique artistic style while meeting the specific requirements of your target schools.

  • The portfolio review is required for portfolio development because it allows me to assess your current work, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and better understand your artistic goals. This ensures that any development opportunities I recommend are tailored specifically to your needs.

  • Yes, we offer reduced-rate and free services for students who demonstrate a need for financial support. Eligibility is determined through an application process to ensure assistance is provided to those who need it most.