Catalyst Studio is a career accelerator launching June 1st, 2026 for ArtCenter grads up to one year out. The program is for people who want to have their own clients and customers.
Land clients faster and build systems and habits that support long-term financial stability.
75% of arts and design alumni are either currently working self-employed or have been self-employed previously
Being self employed demands:
Self-promotion, sales and personal branding
Client outreach and relationship-building
Negotiation, pricing, and contracts
Business basics: legal structure, taxes, invoicing
Systems for tracking time, money, and outreach
Package your skills into clearly defined services
Define your brand and value proposition
Develop a pricing strategy
Identify your Ideal Client Profile
Craft an outreach plan
Turn your portfolio into a client-focused website
Draft agreements and invoices
Build habits and systems to support an independent creative career
The program will help you:
What we’re looking for
All majors are welcome to apply. This program is for people who want to pursue their own clients and customers and are ready to put in the time and work to build their one-person business. You don’t have to have previous experience as a freelancer or entrepreneur.
How it works
Catalyst is a series of 10 modules clustered into 3 workshop themes. The program is asynchronous with a weekly live virtual feedback session. Each week, you will have access to new content that we will discuss as a group in the feedback session.You will be required to attend one of the two virtual feedback session per module.
Graduated in the last year (Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026)
Ability to show up and be prepared for the weekly feedback sessions
You have an idea for how to turn your skills into something people can buy
A desire to have your own clients and customers
Willingness to play an active role in creating a supportive environment and engaged community
Requirements
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This workshop series will help you turn your skills into a marketable product or service and build the toolkit you need to launch your one-person business. By the end of the program, you will have
A defined service offering and positioning statement
A client-ready website or portfolio page
A pricing and proposal template
An outreach plan and contact list
At least one real client lead or proposal sent
A personal operating system for managing your freelance practice
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In order to apply and be accepted, you will need to have graduated from ArtCenter within the last year which means that people who finished in Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or Spring 2026 can apply.
You are able to attend a weekly feedback session between June 1st and August 7th. If you miss more than one feedback session, you will lose access to the rest of the workshop modules.
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The more you invest in this program, the more you will get out of it.
This workshop series is asynchronous meaning it is self-paced. We do require you attend one of the two weekly virtual feedback sessions each week and you come prepared to discuss the week’s topic.
Feedback sessions are
Thursday 2:30 - 4pm
Friday 9 - 10:30am
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Yes, International students on an OPT visa can participate.
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Since this is a pilot program, we are offering it free to the first cohort in exchange for helping to develop the program.
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If you miss more than one feedback session, you will lose access to future modules and feedback sessions.
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You apply by filling out the application, found at the top and bottom of this page, which includes submitting your portfolio.
The deadline to apply is April 15th
We’ve extended the deadline which extends the application process.
Final selection will be announced on April 24th.
You will have two weeks to accept the invitation and fill out the participation agreement.
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Yes! We love thoughtful responses. Here are the questions.
Application questions can be found here
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We are accepting up to 25 people for this pilot program.
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At the beginning of each week, we will share an interactive module with you. You will be able to go through the content and enjoy the examples and learnings at your own pace and when it is most convenient for you.
Each module will include a live, synchronous feedback session. We will offer two feedback sessions each week so you can choose the one that works best for you.
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Application deadline - April 15th
Final selection announced - April 24th
Program start - June 1st
Program end - August 7th
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Graduates of Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026 are eligible.
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You have an online portfolio
You have an idea for how to turn your skills into a marketable service or offering
You are able to attend the weekly feedback sessions
You are motivated and excited for this opportunity. You want to have your own clients and customers
You will contribute to this community of practice by creating a supportive and engaged environment
Download the Application Questions to see the evaluation metrics we’ll be using for the application.
FAQ
Still have questions?
Apply to Catalyst Studio
Review the application questions