JBois

I'm thinking about applying to a low res MFA. I was planning to go to MECA, but after reading up on MFA applications, I'm thinking I might not get in on my first try or at all. I can't afford to go without using my GI Bill, which expires in a couple of years, so I don't have a lot of wiggle room when it comes to the date I can go. GI Bill covers MECA, MICA, SVA, SFAI, and SAIC (doesn't cover Bard, MassArt, NVU, Goddard, or VCA). I'm wondering if I should even bother applying at this point. I have been working professionally in a non-art related field for the past 10+ years to pay off undergrad debt (Ceramics BFA). While I never stopped making art during this time, I had no idea how to represent myself as a professional artist or make a career as an artist. I've never had a solo show and I'm making a new portfolio from scratch, as I don't have a cohesive collection of anything right now (I work a lot and have a baby to attend to!). The schools on my list (MECA, MICA, SVA, SFAI, and SAIC) seem competitive and I'm wondering if I can even get in. I will try. Does anyone have advice on how the professional artist career (resume) is assessed in an application like this? I'm asking in this forum, because the low res programs seem to cater towards working professionals, given the flexibility of the program. I'd like to start my own ceramics business and continue making higher end art for galleries in the future, but I don't yet have any experience with this. TIA for any thoughts.