Portfolio Development Class D

About this Class

The admissions portfolio requirements for VCUarts Qatar emphasize creative thinking and development as being of equal importance to drawing skills. This course will teach the necessary skills to build a competitive portfolio. Students will have time for practice and personal feedback, while developing an understanding of the vigor and value of an arts/design education at VCUarts Qatar.

Class Outline

Please note that this schedule is flexible and may be subject to change 

Week 1:          Introduction to course, teacher, and VCUarts Qatar; introduction to Composition; introduction to Sketch Booking

Week 2:          Observational Drawing/Line Drawing

Week 3:          Introduction to color

Week 4:          Introduction to Basic Value Drawing

Week 5:          Advanced Value Drawing

Week 6:          Creative Thinking: Sketchbook and Communicating Ideas

Week 7:          Using a camera to document your ideas and work

Week 8:          Final Review – Preparing your Portfolio

Materials Needed

Please note: VCUarts Qatar reserves the right to cancel classes for which not enough participants are registered. Already paid fees will be refunded.

Please do not purchase materials until VCUarts Qatar has sent final course confirmation.

Items to buy for this class

To be bought and brought in for every class by course participants:

• Scissors (x1)
• Glue stick (x1)
• Eraser (x1)
• Pencil sharpener (x1)
• Black Pilot pen (fine liner) (x1)
• A set of colored pencils (at least 20 different colors) (x1)
• Drawing paper A2 (x1 Pad/book)
• Sketchbook A4 (x1)
• 2B / 4B / 6B pencils (1 box) 
• Charcoal (x1 box)
• Kneadable eraser (x1)

Participants are allowed to buy materials from their desired place. Below are a few suggestions.

On occasion, there may be some more materials to be bought and brought in if and when advised by the instructor.

Where to buy your materials

Most of the materials are available at any art supply shop, for example:

• Cass Art (Fire station) – Community Classes students get a 15% discount upon presenting their registration ticket
• Jarir Bookstore – located on Rayyan Road or Salwa Road
• Color Note – located on Al Nasser Street
• Ibn Al Qayyim – located at Markhiya Roundabout
• Al Rawnaq

Schedule

Start: Wed 14 Oct , 2026
End: Wed, 2 Dec, 2025
Lessons: 8
Days: Thursdays
Time: 5pm–8pm
Location: VCUarts Qatar
Cost: QAR 1600

Instructors

Samah Sulyman

Samah Sulyman is a fashion designer based in Qatar with a focus on material exploration,
contemporary design, and creative education. She has experience leading workshops and
engaging diverse groups through hands-on learning, encouraging experimentation and
collaborative thinking. Her work bridges design practice and teaching, creating accessible and
inspiring environments for participants to develop their skills and creative voice.