This shop brings together my original Reykjavík Sketcher artwork, architectural commissions, and drawing-based learning resources, all created from the same hand drawing practice I teach as an architect and educator. Whether you’re here to learn architectural drawing, build confidence for study or practice, or own a piece of hand-drawn architectural artwork, everything you see is grounded in architectural thinking, craft, and care.
Art & Design Portfolio Preparation Course - For Architecture & Design Applicants
Art & Design Portfolio Preparation Course - For Architecture & Design Applicants
Stop guessing what tutors want. Build a clear, confident portfolio that gets you accepted.
✔ Know what universities are really looking for
✔ Stop guessing what to include
✔ Submit a portfolio that feels intentional and professional
Learn from a Chartered Architect & Former University Lecturer
Over 15 years of teaching and reviewing portfolios for university admissions. I’ve helped thousands of students understand:
What tutors actually look for
How to structure their work
How to present ideas with confidence
This course is for you if:
You’re applying to architecture, interior architecture, or design
You have work, but don’t know if it’s “good enough”
You don’t know what tutors actually want to see
You feel overwhelmed by what to include
You want to submit with confidence, not guesswork
What This Course Helps You Do
Understand what universities and tutors look for in a portfolio
Select and organise your work clearly
Present drawings, sketches, and projects with confidence
Explain your ideas and creative process
Submit a portfolio that reflects how you think, not just what you made
Why I Created This Course
After teaching and reviewing portfolios for hundreds of students as a university lecturer, I saw how many talented applicants felt overwhelmed and unsure about what admissions teams actually wanted.
This course was created to remove confusion, provide structure, and help students feel confident and prepared when submitting their portfolios.
What’s Included
Short, structured video lessons
A clear portfolio framework you can follow step by step
Real examples from successful student portfolios
Lifetime access so you can revisit anytime
Build a clear, confident portfolio that shows how you think - not just what you made.
“I finally understood what my portfolio was missing.” - Architecture Applicant 2025
You don’t need more time - you need a clear structure. This is exactly what this course gives you.
Less than one private portfolio tutoring session - lifetime access
Instant access. Lifetime updates.
student testimonials
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Great class, filled with useful tips for those who what to get into the creative industry and establish a proper portfolio. I'll be using these tips for my next interview.”
Gray, Portfolio Prep Student
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“She has a lot of great ideas about how to put together and present your portfolio, and I appreciate her upbeat and encouraging tone.”
Rachel, Portfolio Prep Student
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this suitable for architecture applicants?
Yes. The course is designed to support students applying to architecture and design-related courses.
Do I need to have finished work already?
No. The course helps you decide what to include and how to develop your portfolio over time.
Does this course include portfolio feedback?
No. This course focuses on preparation and structure. Portfolio reviews and mentoring are available separately.
Is this suitable for beginners?
Yes. The course assumes no prior portfolio experience and focuses on clarity and guidance.
How do I access the course after purchase?
You’ll receive instant access to the course videos after checkout.
How long do I have access?
You’ll have lifetime access to the course materials.
What should I use alongside this course?
Many students pair this course with drawing resources, templates, or portfolio reviews for additional support.
Ready to stop guessing and build a portfolio that gets accepted?
Want Extra Support?
This course focuses on preparing your portfolio. If you want help improving your drawings, explore my drawing ebooks and courses, or visit the Start Here page to choose the right next step.
Need feedback on your portfolio?
Featured Art
New This Season
MEET THE ARTIST
Hi, I’m Sonia - architect, educator, and the artist behind Reykjavík Sketcher. I hand-draw Iceland’s architecture and landscapes, blending traditional techniques with modern minimalism. My work is inspired by the place I call home, Reykjavík, and the creative journeys of the students and women I teach.
© Sonia Nicolson. All artworks are protected by copyright. No resale, reproduction, or commercial use without permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Prints are shipped internationally. Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on location and are shown at checkout.
What is your refund policy?
Artwork: Returns and exchanges are accepted within 30 days. Buyers are responsible for return postage. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.
Courses & Digital Products: If, within the first 30 days, you don’t feel a course, class, or masterclass is the right fit, a full refund is available.
Do you create commissioned work?
Commissions are currently open. I create custom hand-drawn architectural sketches for personal or commercial use, including logo design, advertising, and branding. Each commission is discussed individually to ensure the artwork fits your brief and intended use.
Can I purchase your art?
Yes, my prints and original artworks are available for purchase, particularly for those who want to bring a sense of Icelandic architecture and place into their homes. The print shop is popular with visitors to Iceland and collectors who appreciate architectural illustration and hand-drawn work.
Can I use your drawings for my business, marketing, or presentations?
No, not without a licence. All artworks remain the intellectual property of Sonia Nicolson. Purchasing a print or commissioning a drawing does not grant reproduction, advertising, or commercial use rights. If you would like to use any artwork for presentations, branding, social media, publications, or other commercial purposes, a separate paid licence is required. Please email hello@sonianicolson.com to request a licence quote.
What our customers say
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Great little remembrance of our trip to Iceland - JC
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It's incredibly beautiful and suits my room so well. Sonia was a delight and sent it packaged really well. Highly recommended - Angus
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Great print - a lovely reminder of our visit to Iceland many years ago. Excellent service in every way. Many thanks for everything Sonia - Lynda
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Just received this today...it is lovely, good quality paper, excellently packaged. I have already framed it and hung it on my wall - Sharron
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I requested a custom version of a print and it turned out exactly how I expected! Sonia is so kind and responsive when chatting with you. I will definitely be coming back to shop here again - Hannah
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I bought four prints (and a couple of downloads) from Sonia and they are so gorgeous!! They arrived promptly and in immaculate condition, along with a lovely note. They look absolutely gorgeous in our newly renovated home and are a wonderful reminder of one of my favourite places on the planet - Jacqueline
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Just as pictured! Very nice quality paper! Fast shipping - Laura
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I absolutely love my prints and they will look so beautiful in my little girls’ room! - Brynlee
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I really appreciate Sonia's help. She customized this print…for my Icelandic friend’s hometown. It was perfect and she loved it - Esther
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High-quality and super cute! Exactly what I wanted…We travel to Iceland next month for our wedding and I wanted the “thank you” cards for my photographer and makeup artist - Gillian
