Portfolio-Builder Bootcamp: 

Create an Ad Campaign from Scratch

With Kevin Forister, Creative Director

The Portfolio-Builder Bootcamp is an intensive,
4-week opportunity for aspiring art directors and graphic designers who are looking for mentorship, support and additional work in their portfolio that will get them noticed and hired.

Watch the bootcamp introduction video:

Write your awesome label here.
Write your awesome label here.

Meet Your Mentor: Kevin Forister

Kevin Forister has nearly 15 years of experience in the advertising industry, creating campaigns for brands including Samsung, Audi, FedEx, and Jack Daniel’s. His work has received numerous National Addys. 

Kevin is also the author of Breaking Into Art Direction and creator of Open Door Creative. He has extensive experience coaching and mentoring emerging creatives, helping them strengthen their ideation skills, portfolios, and prepare for careers in the creative industries.

“Kevin brings extensive industry experience and a genuine passion for helping emerging creatives strengthen their ideas, portfolios, and careers.” Laura Bennegadi, CEO ArtBound Initiative

A strong portfolio is one of your most powerful career assets.

In this hands-on, online bootcamp, you’ll receive 6 hours of live sessions and mentorship with Kevin, and 4 weeks of individual work. You’ll finish with one strong portfolio piece.

Kevin Forister, Creative Director, will guide you through the entire process with strategic feedback and professional mentorship.

see what's included
  • 6 Hours of Live Coaching with a Creative Director

1. Learn about award-winning ad work; how to create a campaign from scratch

2. Receive strategic and conceptual thinking skills and creative process tips

3. Get professional feedback, critique, and pushes

4. Get presentation experience in a supportive environment

5. Receive personalized career guidance tailored to your goals

  • 4 Weeks of Individual Work with Feedback

You’ll work throughout the bootcamp to develop your portfolio piece. You’ll receive support and guidance from Kevin throughout.

  • 1 Portfolio Project
You'll walk away with a complete 360° brand campaign or large-scale graphic design project.
Empty space, drag to resize
"A high value, form of mentorship, learning and personal growth delivered by industry professionals."
Empty space, drag to resize

Who this is For

  • Hungry and eager aspiring art directors & graphic designers
  • Creatives preparing for junior creative roles in the ad industry
  • Current university students or recent graduates
  • Those interested in building their portfolios

Prerequisites

  • Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, or equivalent) 
  • Foundational design skills and a start to your portfolio 
  • Enthusiasm for collaboration and constructive feedback

Bootcamp Details

Full details of how the bootcamp is going to run.

Price

US $499

Group Size

Maximum of 8 Participants per Bootcamp
to ensure a quality experience

Format & Duration

Virtual (Zoom)
4 Weeks, 90 minutes online per week
+ individual work between sessions

Requirements

Adobe Creative Suite access and working knowledge, computer with camera, stable wifi connection

Schedule

See below for upcoming bootcamp schedules, or scroll to the bottom to join the waitlist for future dates

Cancellation Policies

Free cancellation, less processing fees, within 24 hours of payment.
No refunds or cancellations after. Full terms & conditions here.

Bootcamp reviews

Kevin Forister was a genuinely experienced and enthusiastic instructor. His feedback was detailed and accurate, pinpointing exactly where each assignment was strong or weak, which helped me refine my vision toward a stronger campaign. I came in wanting to learn about the industry and build confidence in my work, and the instructor feedback was easily the most valuable part of the course for getting me there.
Kevin M.
Former Bootcamp Participant

Upcoming Bootcamp Schedules

November bootcamp

NOVEMBER 02 - 23, 2026

US TIME ZONE
Mondays Nov 02, 09, 16, 23 at 8:00 - 9:30PM ET

AUSTRALIA TIME ZONE:
Tuesdays Nov 03, 10, 17, 24 at 12:00 - 1:30PM AEST

The above are the same session, converted to two different time zones. Participants must be available for all 4 of the above sessions.
Limited to 8 Participants Per Bootcamp

US $499 
Early Registration: US $449 before October 1, 2026
JANUARY bootcamp

JANUARY 06 - 27, 2027

US TIME ZONE
Wednesdays Jan 06, 13, 20, 27 at 8:00 - 9:30PM ET

AUSTRALIA TIME ZONE:
Thursdays Jan 07, 14, 21, 28 at 12:00 - 1:30PM AEST

The above are the same session, converted to two different time zones. Participants must be available for all 4 of the above sessions.
Limited to 8 Participants Per Bootcamp

US $499 
Early Registration: US $449 before December 1, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Who teaches the bootcamp?

Kevin Forister, a Creative Director at Omnicom with over 10 years of experience working with brands such as Audi, Samsung, JBL and Krispy Kreme.

Who else will be joining the bootcamp?

A maximum of 7 other graphic designers or art directors ranging from junior to mid-level.

How much time do I need to allocate?

You need to be available for all live sessions. There are a total of 4 live sessions for 90 minutes each. You'll also need to allocate sufficient time each week to complete your individual work between sessions, approximately 4-6 hours per week recommended.

What if I can't make it to all live sessions?

Only register for the bootcamp if you can make it to all live sessions. As these are limited capacity group sessions, there are no rescheduling options if you miss one session.

What are the cancellation policies?

You can cancel for a full-refund within 24 hours of registering, unless the bootcamp is beginning in less than 5 days from registration. Full refund policies and T&C can be found on the registration page. 

What if I can't find a time that works for me?

If you're interested, but you can't find a time that works for you, join the waitlist and we will inform you of future bootcamps.

Are there other bootcamps available besides this one?

We will soon be offering other bootcamps.

Not ready? Want to save for later? 

About ArtBound Initiative

ArtBound Initiative is a career bridge for creatives, which helps students and recent graduates transition from school-ready to industry-ready through intensive mentorship, employer access, and our internship placement guarantee.