Design Leadership Students Pitch Ambitious Portfolio Projects

Each year, students in The Modern’s Design Leadership program reach a pivotal moment in their Portfolio class when they pitch three developed portfolio concepts to a panel of faculty and staff. Standing in front of peers, instructors, and staff, they present pitch decks that outline distinct directions their final portfolios might take. They talk through their ideas, explain their creative choices, and respond to questions and feedback that challenge them to be confident and strategic in how they speak about their work. The milestone gives students the opportunity to sharpen their presentation skills, receive meaningful feedback, and prepare for the types of critiques and conversations they will encounter in the professional world.

“I’m always impressed by how ambitious these pitches are,” says Jessica Barry, president of The Modern. “Each student brings such thoughtful direction to their concepts, and it is clear how much consideration has gone into the development of every project.”

With the feedback gathered from their pitch sessions, each student will work with instructor Clancy Boyer to select one of their three projects to move forward with. That chosen direction will guide their work for the remainder of the semester.

As students bring their selected concepts to life, they will meet regularly with Clancy for critiques and guidance. They will also be paired with industry professionals outside of class for mentorship and check-ins, building valuable connections and perspectives along the way. The semester culminates in one final presentation of their polished portfolio project, a presentation that reflects months of creative work, growth, and professional collaboration.

Want to learn how The Modern helps students prepare for real-world creative careers? Request more info today.