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Applying to fashion school? We specialize in helping students prepare a stand-out portfolio. We’ll work together to make sure your portfolio meets your dream school’s requirements and develop work that showcases your creativity and range of skills.
For the full Portfolio Prep Program we recommend:
A 1-2 hour intake session to create a plan tailored to your deadlines, deliverables, and goals
The Portfolio Lab, a small group class for you to develop the work for your portfolio and get professional guidance amidst a cohort of talented students.
Monthly or bi monthly 1:1 check-ins to ensure you are on track to meet your deadlines.
The Portfolio Lab is offered 2x/week at 2 different locations:
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Private lessons are available for designers looking for 1:1 attention and a class tailored to their goals. Recommended for those in the early stages of the application process for deliverable and deadline planning, sewists with a specific project in mind, or first time students.
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Learn the foundations of patternmaking for fashion design. This course covers the basic blocks and foundational patternmaking techniques. Then, build on your foundational patternmaking skills and draft a strapless bodice from your basic pattern block.
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Learn to draw the fashion figure, poses, shading, color, and rendering fabric.
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Learn the foundations of Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Procreate for fashion design.
Masterclasses are offered periodically based on interest and availability. Subscribe to our mailing list to get notified when masterclasses are added to the calendar, and feel free to reach out to hello@emmarubinson.com if you’d like to request a masterclass!
BOOK YOUR COURSE
the lab
upcoming masterclasses
the lab : virtual
partner studios
Group Classes & Events
Hover and click on the events in the calendar to learn more about upcoming classes and events.
Class schedules are published at the end of each month. Private bookings can be scheduled up to 90 days in advance.
NOW BOOKING PRE-COLLEGE STUDENTS APPLYING IN THE FALL ‘25-WINTER ‘26 CYCLE
Recommended Course:
Book an initial private session to talk through your dream schools, outline their portfolio requirements, and to make a plan for your workflow
Join one of our group classes to create your portfolio content amongst a cohort of passionate students
Monthly or bi-monthly check-ins to make sure you are on track for your deadlines
What students are saying
Patternmaking Masterclass
I took two pattern-making workshops here in a small group setting. The class was structured enough to have a direction but flexible enough to teach the small group along the learning path that made sense for us. They were well prepared and I learned so much in a short amount of time. The studio was creative and well equipped, and the people were warm and so knowledgeable. I can’t wait to spend more time learning with the Brooklyn Sewing Academy and the creative community it will bring together!
Nicole A
Pastternmaking I and II Masterclasses
I loved Emma’s attitude and approach to pattern making most. She believed I could do it and that gave me the confidence to try and do it too. She always answered all my questions and never made me feel embarrassed for not knowing something or getting something wrong. I enjoyed my first class so much that I signed up for a second one and then private lessons as well so I could build my own bodice blocks.
Alex G
Tambour Embroidery
Emma's tambour class was excellent! She included set-up in the class, so that if I wanted to keep beading at home, I'd know how to do it. Her instructional style is laid back, but efficient. I had a great time chatting with her, AND, I learned a lot. Highly recommend Emma if you have any interest in the classes she offers.
Barbara E
Portfolio Development
Emma is one of my favorite fashion teachers ever! What I love most about Emma's teaching style is the adaptability. We start off with the basics/foundations, and from there we have a lot of room to explore. This allows us to expand our horizons and be really creative, which also opens up ideas for new learning opportunities.