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tugbamina_871

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    MFA 2017 All Art ADMISSIONS freak-out forum!!!!!!!!

    in Visual

    Posted

    23 hours ago, Poodle-Doodle said:

    I STRONGLY recommend reading Sharon Louden's new book Artist as Cultural Producer!!!!!! Sharon herself went to SAIC, then to Yale and graduated with more than a 100K in student debt in 91, which would be equivalent of more than 200K today. She managed to pay it off in 10 years. Artist as Cultural Producer is beautifully written and includes stories by 40 artists sharing their way of figuring out this madness of making a sustainable living as an artist.

    Judging from what @tugbamina_871, @KatieB1987, @dmirko and others are saying you would enjoy reading the book or seeing her on tour with the book. There really isn't a right or wrong, black or white way to be an artist much less making a living as an artist. It is icky and messy and nuanced. #staywoke

    Thanks! This looks like an amazing read!

     

    21 hours ago, KatieB1987 said:

    @Artsy2017

    If time and finances really are of the essence, then I would look very carefully at what MFA programs fit those needs. I don't know where you applied this year, but if finance is an issue then steer clear of anything in New York where your living costs will definitely be higher than other cities. There are great programs in smaller cities and towns where you could still easily take a train into New York to get your gallery/museum/big city fix. Also talk to each of the schools you are considering about financial support. Some offer more beyond tuition coverage, such as living stipends (for example, Tyler gives each of its students $4800 per semester as a living stipend. They're not making it rain, but it definitely helps). Ask schools what kinds of job opportunities they offer... many schools have positions for grad students to be studio techs, wood shop monitors, gallery installers, etc. Some schools pay for health care, or part of it. So, in short, call the schools you were accepted to and find out all you can about the possibilities to make things slightly easier for you financially. Also, if you decide to wait until next year, applying to residencies is a great option to still get some amazing artistic experiences. Best of luck! Here's hoping you can have your art cake and eat it too!

    @felixo

    So well said! And I totally agreed. Again folks, sorry to diverge for a bit, but I do think it's important to discuss the realities of taking on an MFA and what that means for your career. I'm sure we all wish it was a reality that getting an MFA equated a plethora of well-paying teaching opportunities in exciting locations, but unfortunately that's not the reality. Regardless, I think it's awesome to be witness to such a motivated bunch of artists from all kinds of backgrounds and experiences so revved up to take on grad school. As a supportive lil forum, I definitely appreciate this dialogue! 

    @tugbamina_871

    Congratulations on the acceptance to SAIC! It honestly sounds like it would be very difficult for you and your family, however, to raise a child while parents are in different parts of the country and one is in grad school. I know the "wait until next year" chorus isn't what you want to hear, but a great example would be a friend of mine who reapplied a second time and was offered a full ride to Yale, with a living stipend. I'm not saying that's what's going to happen for everyone, but there definitely is an advantage for those who have already been through the process once and have gained so much more knowledge from it (and from forums like this one!), and developed their work more, that their applications will be much stronger the second time around. Sounds like you need to do some thinking and decide if it's more important for you to dive into grad school right now, or rethink what schools you'd like to go to in order to make family life and finances easier. I wish you all the best, and seriously admire you for juggling a wee babe with the grad school process!

    @Poodle-Doodle

    YES! This book is fantastic! Sharon offers such great insight and advice, all the while making it very clear that yep, there is absolutely no one way to be an artist. And that's a beautiful thing.

    Thanks for the sound advice and your kind words! I think I will reapply, although I am slightly fearful that whatever turned them off this year may persevere. But who knows? I think the only way is up! 

    Where will you attend? Are you excited? 

    MFA 2017 All Art ADMISSIONS freak-out forum!!!!!!!!

    in Visual

    Posted

    23 minutes ago, felixo said:

    It sounds like you know yourself and your work and are ready to do this, All good things, but I think some of the message is getting lost. Again, I am not advocating for a 'struggle' or for hardening - for me it was rich and fascinating life experience that actually made me a softer, more empathetic person. That 'struggle' narrative needs to be put aside and working in general (in whatever capacity) does not need to be associated with that in this context. Saying you have not had a job at 26 makes me curious about your dismissal of varied experiences though. 

    I also feel compelled to mention that in many places in this country a university teaching job may be insufficient for a middle class lifestyle. I'm not talking high income. I'm talking making ends meet survival - paying bills, funding your art, putting away for retirement and maybe going out to eat sometimes. Meaning a full time teaching appointment and affording a house and a family is often unrealistic given the compensation. Maybe if you have a partner who also has stable work you're okay. And as far as jobs go considering financial compensation, unless you're going into a major growth industry and your degree correlates to industry specific training (healthcare, tech, engineering, biotech) - university degrees aren't necessarily going to do a whole lot beyond a bachelor's. It's more how you hustle that degree and use it creatively. Lot's of PhD's have these same issues. Not trying to be discouraging, but it's better to be clear eyed about it. If you go where the cost of living is very low, you could be okay, but a lot of artists want to be where things are happening - and inevitably costs are higher in those places. I really think that equating an MFA with achieving a middle class lifestyle is a dangerous association that could leave one disappointed and disillusioned. It's possible of course, but if it happens it will be because of much more than getting the degree (you are an exceptional artist/teacher/hustler/marketer of your work etc). The main thing, and I think the most realistic expectation one should have with any graduate degree that is not required for the job (MFA is generally this - with the exception of university teaching) is clarity and growth with your work - be it art, research, etc. As @KatieB1987 mentions, she's got friends from great programs who are still figuring it out financially. Pay attention to this. This is the norm, these folks are not exceptions. The exceptions are the university jobs that support a middle class lifestyle. Not saying it's not worth going for of course. 

    Sorry for the getting off topic of everyone's admission process! I just feel like there is a little bit that needs to be addressed in these statements. 

    My two cents, and speaking from experience, is that this is very true. My partner just got his PhD in history. He is starting a tenure track job in a somewhat rural part of new england that is two hours to a big city (and he got VERY lucky). His salary would not support a middle class lifestyle in a larger place. Seeing MFAs get even less money for faculty jobs, it is good to be realistic about what you are getting into. I think a crucial part is understanding that success in arts is arbitrary to some degree. People who put in an equal amount of work at a top program end up in completely different ends of the art world spectrum. In any case, I wish everyone the best, it is a difficult and daunting process and I hope everyone ends up achieving their dreams.

     

    That being said, after bombing my Yale interview I of course was not accepted! I did get into SAIC, where most likely I'll get 1/3 need based aid, and have to pay the rest out of pocket. I have been hearing a lot of people say to me to wait another year, which I might. What do you all think? I want to move on with my life and start my MFA, but with a two and a half year old it may be impossible in Chicago, especially since my partner will be in New England. I am 26 now and a bit worried that time is passing too. I have heard people applying several times to top schools but a bit worried about not making the cut next year anyway. Self-doubt is high!!

    All best and congrats to everyone!

     

    MFA 2017 All Art ADMISSIONS freak-out forum!!!!!!!!

    in Visual

    Posted

    6 minutes ago, Vespertine said:

    Congrats!! That's awesome.

     

    I got a phone call on Monday saying I was accepted, but haven't received any official letter or email yet -- so they might not be finished deciding yet!

    Hey congrats!!! I'll keep and eye and an ear out in that case!! If you don't mind me asking, was the caller someone from your interview committee?

     

    Best wishes for all your apps!

    MFA 2017 All Art ADMISSIONS freak-out forum!!!!!!!!

    in Visual

    Posted

    3 hours ago, Poodle-Doodle said:

    Congratulations to everyone so far! And to you guys who haven't gotten quite what you wanted; don't give up! I don't believe in the theory of No, rather I believe in No(t right now). So keep making the work and most importantly stay true to who you are and what motivates you and why you make art. 

    I also wanted to share with you guys. I got admitted into SAIC with a full scholarship in sculpture!  

    Hey congrats!!!!!! will you go?

    MFA 2017 All Art ADMISSIONS freak-out forum!!!!!!!!

    in Visual

    Posted · Edited by tugbamina_871

    22 minutes ago, M@H said:

    Hi guys,

     

    I got an admission for SVA. They sent me a scholarship application form but in their website there is no information on how much is the amount of scholarship. I am an international student, and no rich parents, so I cannot afford the tuition. Does anyone know how their department scholarships are? Have they ever waived full tuition fee?!

    Do you have any other comments on how to raise the money for it?

    I appreciate your suggestions

    Cogratulations!!! I was told at the national portfolio day in 2014 that there is no full scholarship for first years at SVA. They had second-year fellowships available I believe. The biggest was half-tuition and it was merit-based. Not exactly sure but that is what I remember. 

    MFA 2017 All Art ADMISSIONS freak-out forum!!!!!!!!

    in Visual

    Posted

    3 hours ago, felixo said:

    No - but it depends on your situation. If you're the average grad student looking at the average artist's future (25-40k$ / yr) with no savings to kickstart it and will have to finance all of it thru student loans you need to consider that 60k will basically mean paying double rent for 10-20 yrs (your payments will likely be btwn 700-1200 month) depending on, again, your situation. You can get payments lowered but this accrues more interest and costs you more long term - like, if you want to lower your payments to 3-400 a month you'll likely be paying your loans off into your 50's or something. Personally, my ceiling for total cost of an MFA would be in the 20-30k range, and I already get fairly consistent freelance work in my field (photo) that makes it more possible to pay off while going through it if I get a few of the right jobs. If you get better funding elsewhere I'd think hard about it... you might think about talking to some recent grads of the program though, usually they will be pretty candid with you. SAIC definitely gets mixed reviews from alum. I know some who have loved it, some who's debt has been a long long burden for them. 

    Then again, if any of us were really that logical about money we wouldn't be going for this to begin with - with the exception of maybe the best funded programs that actually waive tuition and pay you a decent stiped. There is the odd artist who will pay their loans off ahead of schedule (Hank Willis Thomas mentioned something about this last time I saw him speak) and well, then yea, it was probably worth it. So I guess, how do you feel about your chances of getting to that level? I wouldn't be surprised if someone on this forum may actually get there so you never know.

    You can use a loan calculator to see what your payments would (likely) look like: http://finaid.org/calculators/loanpayments.phtml

    I have little insight into student loan repayment but I know that half tuition scholarships are really sought after at SAIC. There are smaller grants for advanced students according to the scholarship fact sheet I was given at my interview. They also have a handy list of outside scholarships. I am not saying go for it 100% but from what I understand you are doing low res and might have some form of steady income elsewhere? In any case, I wish you the best!! 

     

     

     

    MFA 2017 All Art ADMISSIONS freak-out forum!!!!!!!!

    in Visual

    Posted

    31 minutes ago, NoFingerNailsLeft said:

    hey @Vespertine I read that too, but I have other friends who have applied and no one's heard anything. Reading the threads from 2015 & 16 most people started hearing in mid March. So I am not sure what to think. 

    I met people at the Yale photo interview who were invited for an interview at Columbia and were heading there right after. Sorry if this is bad news! Painting might be different.

    How important are CVs (esp. exhibitions) compared to portfolios?

    in Visual

    Posted

    12 hours ago, kyarnold said:

    Hello!

    Looking to apply for an MFA program next year and begin in Fall 2018.  I have two B.A.s, Studio Art and English Literature.  I've been working in Tokyo as an English teacher since graduating a year and a half ago and I will be at this job until August 2018.

    I have a lot of work, internship, and volunteer experience (all education and art-related) but very little exhibition experience (just a couple group shows per year at unknown galleries). Without language proficiency or much of a community here, trying to get into exhibitions is an uphill battle! I always heard that being an artist is like 80% art-making, 20% business, but being here it's like 30% art-making, 60% business (since every e-mail, site visit, meeting, research, etc. takes way more effort in a language I don't speak well).  

    Anyway, working full time, I'm trying to figure out what is the best use of my free time so that I could be ready to apply for MFA programs in a year.  

    Is it better to focus only on making art and developing a strong portfolio? Or spend *some* time making art but still continue to work on trying to find exhibition opportunities?

     

    Thanks!

    i think a couple of group shows a year is much more than what non-bfa people have on their cvs (or perhaps i am projecting bc I live in Chicago and feel that it is hard to get into the scene without  solid networking. how about awards or fellowships? you can try to find juried competitions that seem legit and see what it gets you. but I agree that the most important thing is the art and how it demonstrates your ideas, intentions and interests.

    I imagine the language barrier is very challenging. I wish you the best of luck. You could try to send work to the bigger and more cosmopolitan markets in Shanghai and HK. But I think your portfolio is the most important. 

    MFA 2017 All Art ADMISSIONS freak-out forum!!!!!!!!

    in Visual

    Posted

    7 hours ago, hihello326 said:

    Photo people! Has anyone in photography heard back from RISD or SAIC (interview/decision)?

    My current status:

    Yale-rejected

    UC Berkely-rejected

    Parsons-interview 2/9

    SFAI-interview 2/23

    Waiting for RISD, SAIC, SVA, UCLA, Cornell 

    Congratulations to everyone getting interviews ! + Good luck everyone (including myself (-:  ) ! 

    hey congrats on the interviews! photo went out two weeks ago and interviews are this saturday. they might accept without an interviews, especially if you are international. that would probably go out next week. I hope it will be positive news!!  

    MFA 2017 All Art ADMISSIONS freak-out forum!!!!!!!!

    in Visual

    Posted

    44 minutes ago, Poodle-Doodle said:

    People I say this with all love and admiration. Don't let a rejection (or even going to an alternate) control the direction of your life. When I was 20 I applied to RISD. It was every student's dream to go to RISD, where I am from. That year I was the only one admitted. It was an out of this world feeling. I couldn't tell you what it was about RISD or Providence but I know RISD is what I wanted. Fast forward six years later and I graduated from Tyler School of Art. Did I regret it? Not one iota. Was Tyler my dream school? Not close; but I got everything I needed from it and more. I was shaped in ways I wouldn't be at RISD. 

    Here I am now, rejected by Yale and I could only tell you how much I dreamt of wearing a Yale hoodie but ya know what? You have to keep chugging! Maybe Yale wasn't for me and that's why I didn't get an interview but I am moving forward. The universe along with your active decision making will take you in the direction you need to be going in. Positive vybez. 

    congrats!! love and agree with this so much!! 

    2017 MFA Interview Thread

    in Visual

    Posted

    question: when emailing thank you notes to interviewers, do you ask for their email beforehand? do you find them in the institution's directory? do you email them separately or all at once (dear selection committee?) 

     

     

    MFA 2017 All Art ADMISSIONS freak-out forum!!!!!!!!

    in Visual

    Posted

    15 minutes ago, tilde_swiñtoñ said:

    I heard back from Columbia this morning. All interviews for the MFA program have been scheduled for this year. They keep all applications on file until final decisions are made so won't send out official rejections until mid- to late-March. :unsure: Guess it's time to get back in the studio and start prepping for next year. Good luck to everyone with interviews!

    Thanks for the info! This is for the entire program, I imagine. I just submitted the CSS profile before reading your message :(

    Best of luck with all your work and applications!

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