taught by practising, internationally exhibiting artists
Fine Art Mentorship For Art School & Beyond
Cadmium supports Foundation, BA and MA/MFA applicants, as well as practising artists and career-changers, who need serious direction. We help you build a portfolio that feels artistically alive, conceptually strong and strategically structured, so your application reads as intentional, coherent and ready for competitive selection panels.
Why We Created Cadmium Education
Most students come to portfolio support at a pressure point. Deadlines are close, requirements feel opaque, feedback is inconsistent and confidence starts to slip. Cadmium was created to bring clarity, structure and serious artistic direction when the stakes are high.
Because talent isn’t the issue - direction is
Many applicants have strong instincts, but no clear through-line. We help you find the core idea and build work that moves with purpose.
Because art school selection is about thinking, not just finish
Selectors read your decisions, awareness and process – not just outcomes. We teach you how to make your choices legible and intentional.
Because most advice pushes people into “safe” templates
Quick fixes can polish work, but they often flatten the artist. We protect your voice while strengthening the structure around it.
Because contemporary context is often missing (or misused)
References shouldn’t be name-dropping. We use targeted contemporary artists to sharpen your visual language and deepen your work.
Because articulation changes everything
A strong portfolio can still fail if the writing is vague. We refine annotations, statements and interview responses so you communicate with clarity and confidence.
Because calm structure creates better work
When things feel overwhelming, productivity collapses. We build a clear plan, practical next steps and a pace that keeps you moving without burning out.
Artist-Founded Fine Art Education
Cadmium Education was founded by India, a practising artist and former Associate Lecturer in Fine Art.
India studied at The Slade School of Fine Art (UCL) and completed her MA in Painting at the Royal College of Art. She previously taught on the BA Painting programme at Camberwell College of Arts (UAL), where she interviewed prospective BA Fine Art applicants, supervised final-year dissertations and assessed undergraduate studio work. She has also worked with students at Goldsmiths, the Royal College of Art, Turps Art School and the University of Gloucestershire. Having assessed portfolios, interviewed applicants and marked degree-level work, she understands precisely how leading art schools evaluate students.
Alongside her teaching, India maintains an internationally exhibiting practice and was selected for the John Moores Painting Prize at the Walker Art Gallery in 2025. Her work is held in major international private collections. She also writes within the contemporary art world, including interviews with leading artists and press releases for established London galleries and Mousse magazine.
Before moving into higher education, she taught GCSE and A Level Art & Design at a specialist SEN school, supporting neurodivergent students to significantly improve grades and progress into higher arts education. Cadmium Education bridges the gap between secondary education and elite art institutions, offering the level of critique and portfolio strategy typically available only inside leading art schools.
Education
Central Saint Martins
BA Fine Art
The Slade School of Fine Art
BA Fine Art
Royal College of Art
MFA Fine Art
Lectured / Taught at
Camberwell College of Arts
Associate Lecturer
Goldsmiths, University of London
Visiting Artist
Selected Exhibitions
Walker Art Gallery
John Moores painting prize 2025
