Expert guidance to help your aspiring artist pursue their dream school

By the numbers…

  • 8-14

    Average number of applications submitted per student in the US

  • $120,000

    Average annual merit scholarship for students working with The Gesso

  • 100%

    Students who work with The Gesso are accepted into at least one of their top three schools

  • 80%

    Students who work with The Gesso who are accepted into their top choice school

At The Gesso, we understand the art school admissions process can feel daunting for students and parents.

That's why our team of experienced art educators provides:

  • 1-on-1 mentoring to help your teen build an outstanding portfolio that stands out.

  • Insider guidance on acing portfolio interview and applications to top colleges and art programs.

  • Customized guidance based on your child's unique artistic interests and strengths.

  • Stress-free support so you can watch your young artist thrive during the admissions process.

  • Proven strategies to help aspiring artists gain acceptance to their dream art schools.

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Take the first step toward your teen’s artistic future.

Guide your teen's artistic journey with 25+ years of admissions experience

At The Gesso, Carrie Patterson leverages over 25 years of insider experience to help creative students maximize their options and competitiveness for top art schools. With her warm, friendly approach, Carrie is someone both parents and students love working with.

As an artist and professor, Carrie understands the art school admissions process intimately. Her highly customized 1-on-1 guidance helps students pursue their optimal programs while negotiating the best financial aid.

Carrie’s goal is to provide extremely high value by:

  • Guiding students to build outstanding portfolios that give them an edge even for ultra-competitive schools.

  • Advising on schools and programs tailored specifically to each teen based on their artistic skills and interests.

  • Enabling students to showcase their uniqueness so they stand out during the application process.

  • Unlocking multiple acceptances so teens can negotiate optimal merit aid and financial packages.

She selectively works with a small number of students to provide each of them with her full attention and a customized approach.

Trust Carrie’s decades of experience to maximize your aspiring artist’s potential.

Carrie’s insight and direction as I constructed my portfolio made me feel reassured in my vision, confident in my process, and relieved in my results. I felt like I had not only a friend to encourage me and back me up, but a mentor to build on my experience and improve my work. With Carrie’s guidance, I learned different techniques to build a portfolio with a professional presentation, and felt proud and deserving of getting into my dream school.

— Sarah