Brittany0Kay

Hi all! The clock is really ticking and I just wanted to share some thoughts and sentiments, to see if anyone else relates because I often feel out of place and unorganized with my practice. I have always struggled with a consistent flow of production. I’m either doing absolutely nothing and thinking about all the directions I might want to go, or doing absolutely everything in a frenzy. As for the application process, it’s no different. Programs always emphasize how they want the breadth of our practice to be clear in the portfolio; how they should be able to see vision and a progression of ideas; a peek into our studio practice. I almost feel guilty or “fraudulent” compiling/developing a body of work over the course of a few weeks/months versus developing ideas over a period of a year or 2, followed by the “natural” progression of applying to MFA programs, but alas, that IS my process and always has been. I’m positive I’m not alone in that, but with social media and fellow colleagues seemingly having it all together, it’s hard to keep that perspective. So if you’re still powering through pieces and portfolio development, I’m right there with you! And if you have everything ready to go, take some well deserved rest and best of luck!!!

Just have to say— I feel you so much on this! I was talking with my mom about the programs I’ve been looking at and she responded with “aren’t you too old for school at this point?” Im 28 and obviously just eye-rolled and moved on, but there is this immense pressure to “get it right this time” with each passing year. It’s absolutely emotionally exhausting and I think it’s really valuable when other artists open up about that aspect of the whole process. You’re definitely not alone!

Ahhhh it’s still going. Definitely struggling with feeling secure enough with my portfolio, with only a couple months to pull it together, so we’ll see what happens! Regarding MICA, I honestly don’t know much about their graduate multidisciplinary program, outside of an inquiry I made a couple years ago about access to a printmaking studio. They were sort of vague and it seemed very open ended! However, I did attend MICA my first year of undergrad (2011-2012) and I really loved my experience there. I’m sure it differs a lot from the grad program, but that foundation year really challenged me and broke me out of my shell, conceptually. I will say, their undergrad program was very concept-driven, so I’m not sure if that would carry into a grad program too. I was a drawing major in undergrad, but now that I bridge into printmaking as well, my work is more technically focused and I do question if MICA is the right fit for that. Hopefully that helps, a bit!!

Just followed your IG! I completely relate to your struggle with schools, I can never determine quite what my priorities are: Cost? Duration? Location? Credentials? I think I’ve zeroed in on trying to focus on the program itself... what will be the best fit for the direction my work is going and how will the resources available propel me forward? It’s all so hard, though, truly!

Hello everyone, I’m also jumping in from the other forum! I’m hoping to apply this round, if I can get a more succinct portfolio together, in time. I have a BFA in drawing/printmaking and I’m looking mostly at MFA printmaking programs. I wish there were more programs out there for drawing, truthfully, but printmaking has such a rich history and community, and I know it will push me out of my comfort zone, more than drawing or painting would. I was waitlisted for RISD printmaking in 2019, so it’s still my top contender, but I’m also looking at: Rutgers MICA SUNY New Paltz Tyler VCU SAIC Cranbrook Yale UW and Syracuse If I’m honest, I’m picky about location and definitely worried about financials. I’d prefer to stay East Coast (I live in Upstate NY), but also open to change. My biggest hurdle right now is not having access to a print studio/press! Portfolio is obviously the biggest aspect of the app process and I definitely need to get some fresh work done, but time is not on my side, so we will see.

Hey! Yes love seeing another printmaker, as well! So valuable to have community through this process, and I would love to hear your background, too! As for me, I work primarily in long session, realistic, monotype/mono-print processes (I must like the constant edge of anxiety lol). My BFA is in drawing but I spent my last 2 years printmaking and it captured my heart! I also do some copperplate etching, but my biggest hurdle right now is not having access to a print studio/press. In 2019, I kind of went through the process to get a taste and see where I stood. Admittedly, my portfolio was not super cohesive, so I knew it was a long shot. I applied to SUNY New Paltz and RISD Printmaking. I was waitlisted at RISD, which was definitely a pleasant surprise, as I thought it was going to be a hard no. Through my research and experience, it seems like the most valuable asset to a portfolio/application is vision. Most programs seem to highlight candidates that conceptualize a clear direction, with their work and that has been the feedback I’ve received from colleagues and teachers, along the way.

Hi all! It’s early, but time has been flying and I’m already nervous I won’t have everything ready for this round of apps. Gah does anyone else just never feel “ready” (esp with the uncertainty of everything)? Or like a perpetual imposter? I’m 28 and already feel like I’ve lost career growth opportunities due to COVID, so I feel like I just have to go for it! I applied to a few printmaking MFA programs in 2019 and was waitlisted at RISD, so they’re def a top contender, again. I also wanted to gather opinions on whether accepting an opportunity as a university museum art preparator would benefit my application, at all? I left my job as a painting instructor a year ago to pursue a solo practice, but I’m considering this opportunity to gain a different facet of experience.

Does anyone have any insight on being waitlisted (specifically at RISD, but also in general)? I'm wondering if there's anything I should do in the meantime to increase my chances of being admitted. I'm also curious (and some of these may be entirely unanswerable): -If a spot opens up, is there still a chance for any funding? -How many people do they tend to waitlist in a department like Printmaking? -Is there a priority ranking I could potentially inquire about? I'm not prepared to direct these questions to RISD, at this time, as I want to tread carefully! So any info/experience/speculation is helpful!

I was just notified today via email that there was an update to my RISD grad application portal and it directed me to a letter that I've been waitlisted for Printmaking. Hope this info is helpful! Note: I was not interviewed

I'm in the same boat. Just want to know either way. My only other guess is waitlist? Would we be formally notified of that, I wonder?

Congratulations!! Did they interview you? And did you receive notification via email? I'm still waiting to hear, so I'm guessing it's not so good news for me, this time around ?

Still waiting to hear from RISD Printmaking

You're def not alone! I am in the same boat. Rejected from my "safety" school and no word from RISD, yet. I'm going for printmaking but my style is very traditional as opposed to conceptual/experimental and I don't think programs are looking for that anymore ?. Keep your head up! I've learned a lot through this process and have come to understand that a lot of schools seem to gravitate toward candidates with experience outside of academia. We still have time!

Caved and reached out to RISD admissions regarding their decision timeline and this was the response. So if you're in the same boat and haven't heard anything, I guess this is the worst case. For reference, I applied to their Printmaking MFA.

Did anyone else apply to RISD printmaking? I know RISD tends to move a bit slower overall, but seeing their other departments move forward with interviews/acceptances makes me nervous! I was rejected from SUNY New Paltz: Painting/Drawing which was sort of my "safety school", so now I'm in a full panic and questioning everything, haha! Truly wish I had found these forums before the application process!