for competitive art school applications
Fine art portfolio mentorship
London Art Club supports Foundation, BA and MA/MFA applicants, as well as practising artists and career-changers, who need their work to land. We help you build portfolios that feel artistically alive, submission-ready, and clearly articulated, so your application reads as intentional, coherent, and genuinely yours
Why We Created Cadmium Education
Most people come to portfolio support at a pressure point: deadlines are close, requirements feel opaque, feedback is inconsistent, and confidence starts to slip. London Art Club was created to bring clarity, structure, and serious artistic direction when the stakes are high.
Because talent isn’t the issue - direction is
Many applicants have strong instincts, but no clear through-line. We help you find the core idea and build work that moves with purpose.
Your work becomes coherent and intentional
We focus on selection, structure and direction so the portfolio reads as a whole, not a collection of unrelated pieces.
Your portfolio gets results when the stakes are high
We make it application-ready so it holds up in portfolio reviews, interviews and competitive selection.
You stop guessing what art schools want
We clarify portfolio requirements, standards and selection criteria so you make confident decisions without box-ticking.
Your work becomes coherent and intentional
We focus on selection, structure and direction so the portfolio reads as a whole, not a collection of unrelated pieces.
Your portfolio gets results when the stakes are high
We make it application-ready so it holds up in portfolio reviews, interviews and competitive selection.
Meet Our Founder
Cadmium was founded by artist and educator India Nielsen – a globally exhibiting painter with a Foundation from Central Saint Martins, a BA from The Slade, and an MA from the Royal College of Art. India has over a decade of teaching experience, including as an Associate Lecturer at UAL and as a Visiting Artist at Goldsmiths and has supported students across every level – from GCSE and A-Level to competitive BA and postgraduate applications. She has also interviewed prospective students applying for BA programmes at UAL.
India is known for combining high standards with calm, structured mentorship – helping students develop work that feels artistically real, while also meeting the practical demands of selection panels. She also has an Enhanced DBS and extensive experience working with neurodivergent students (including ADHD, ASD and dyslexia), using clear structure, pacing and systems that support focus and confidence.