Artist1

I was rejected by Yale for painting. I had extremely large scale narrative figurative work, combining drawing/painting. Realistic and anatomically accurate that the figures are recognizable, but done very painterly. So more realistic from far off and loose close up. My work looks better in person than in photographs due to the scale and close-up detail. I had a a very strong statement and my work is developed conceptually, aesthetically and technically. I'll be turning 30 and have been out of school for 6 years. During this time I have worked in my studio full time and run a gallery (management, curating, as well as managing resident artists), I've shown extensively and have had a lot of press coverage. I have teaching experience. So my resume is very solid. My references were strong and even alumni from the schools.

I received very good reviews when I went to the grad reviews from several schools when I went for the grad interview day last year. I figured I'd be rejected from Yale. I haven't seen any narrative figurative work on their site or from anyone that's been interviewed or accepted yet.

I was wondering, for those of you selected for an interview would mind sharing an image of your work or maybe describing what type of painting you do? And maybe anyone that was rejected talking about the kind of work they do?

I'm just curious because I'm wondering if it's worth ever applying again. If they don't seem to ever accept the type of work that I do, then it just seems like a waste of time and money. And also, I'm just curious in general with who is getting interviewed.

Congrats to every one that received an interview. I have to admit I'm jealous.

But I applied to other schools as well and am waiting to hear back. I think I have a better chance at a couple of them. Although I expect to be rejected from Columbia, since they seem to lean more toward conceptual work and have seen no narrative figurative work.

I understand that there are many factors that go into the selection process for the schools. But it is true that certain schools are more conceptually-based and others more receptive to figurative work. Some are more formal while others more experimental...etc. etc.

In terms of interview questions - there are a few threads on here that discuss specific questions asked by Yale. Just do a search. A couple are from last year.

Good Luck! Don't be too nervous and be yourself. That's what's most important.

Looks like I'm going to grad school at SMFA & Tufts. I'll have my art studio at SMFA and will spend most of my time there.....and then attend classes at Tufts. I am moving from out of state and am not familiar with Boston. I have visited once, but didn't see much of the neighborhoods.

So I'm looking for an apartment near SMFA. I absolutely will not live with roommates. So I'm looking for my own apartment (and I have a cat). I don't have a car or bike.

1. must be close to SMFA and/or good transportation
2. clean, no roaches, bed bugs, etc
3. safe
4. no frat houses, undergrads partying all night or loud ghetto buildings

One issue is that I tend to work different hours in my studio...depending on the job I have - I might have to work during the night or come home in the middle of the night, etc. And I've read that the subway and buses don't run late. And some neighborhoods aren't safe to walk at night.

I was thinking something like $800 (maybe a little more $850) with utilities included if possible. On a different thread in the arts section someone said Jamaica Plain would be good? I live in a pretty big city right now but I really hate public transportation. I do it because I have to... so I don't mind the time it takes to commute, I just don't like having to do several connections to go to a place. And I'll easily walk 30 - 40 minutes or more if needed (safe areas). I was very confused when I visited Boston and ended up taking cabs, which I know was super expensive. I just didn't have the time to figure out the public transportation in the little time I was there for the interview. And I just have a bad sense of direction anyway. I'm sure I can find someone once I get there to help me out and show me around so I don't feel so lost and confused.

Can anyone suggest neighborhoods that would fit what I'm looking for nearby? (Oh to be able to do public transportation to Tufts from the apartment as well)

What about bad credit? My credit is bad right now (I'm working on it) and I'm self employed so I usually show my bank statement as proof of deposits, etc. will this be okay, would I need a cosigner? How hard would it be to rent with bad credit and being a self employed artist? I can pay two months in advance plus deposit if necessary.

Also, I'm curious what the talk about BED BUGS is all about? I haven't heard anyone say anything about it before and it terrifies me. I've lived in buildings with roaches and silverfish (EEECK!) but haven't had bed bugs. I don't even know what a bed bug looks like. How would I know if an apartment had bed bugs?

I'm curious if most buildings have a shared laundry room or do most people have to go to a laundry mat?

What are most bathrooms like for the range I'm looking for? Is it common that they only have shower stalls instead of an actual bathtub? are they smaller bathtubs or old style with clawfoot tubs? I'm curious because the city I live in - good or bad buildings tend to have the old style claw foot deep tubs (which are just nice to relax in, even when I lived in a super ghetto building I had one). Maybe a luxury at this point if I can find one in Boston....not the top priority but there's nothing more relaxing than a nice bubble bath after working all day.

I might have to get an apartment before seeing it. I can't afford a hotel or renting a room for weeks while I find an apartment. So I'm a bit scared of getting something I haven't seen.

sooooo...many questions. help?

As part of the Statement of Intent for Syracuse University - It asks "how you expect to finance your studies?"

I'm not sure the best way to address this. Honestly, I really don't have any money to contribute to going to grad school. I'm saving up enough to move, get an apartment, food and supplied. I doubt I will have enough to really contribute toward tuition. So I need ALL of the financial aid I can get. I can only take out Fed Loans (I defaulted Private). I have a strong portfolio for scholarships.

So what do I say about how I expect to finance my studies??????? that I'm hoping to scholarships, grants, and loans? that I'm a struggling artist from a poor lower-class background but will work my ass off TAing and whatever it takes to get the scholarships/grants to go?

Hi. I can't really add much here for your question. But I was wondering if you could give some info after your interview about the school? I wish I would have applied this year but was focused on east coast in the US. I would be applying for painting and/or drawing. If you had a chance to see the grad painting studios, please let me know what size they are? private, semi-private, etc? This is something I wish I would have looked more into before applying to schools this year.

And of course, how the interview went! and everything

good luck

I am shipping a large drawing on paper, rolled up, to SMFA. I need a large sturdy tube, at least 8 feet long and about 10-12 inches wide. I understand there might be some heaviness but light as possible to keep costs low. Must be sturdy.

Where can I buy a large tube like this? I need to buy locally (Minneapolis) due to time constrictions.

Also, what is the best way to ship this? Fedex or UPS. Fedex said they won't insure the artwork. So I'd have to go through an art insurance company seperately?

Did anyone have to ship their work rolled up to a school?

Please help. I need to go buy one today and figure out the shipping/insurance before Monday?

My personal assistant/intern did not find out much info about this... :/

Thanks!

Any word from Columbia or Syracuse?????????

i posted this before, but maybe its too far back in the thread.
anyway, i was accepted at columbia, i was called by gregory this past saturday. i can't remember if he said 6 or 9 painters were accepted.

Congrats! Do you mind if I ask what kind of questions they asked during the interview? How did it go?

I'm applying to Columbia next Fall and am nervous about interviews! Thanks!

As part of the Statement of Intent for Syracuse University - It asks "how you expect to finance your studies?"

I'm not sure the best way to address this. Honestly, I really don't have any money to contribute to going to grad school. I'm saving up enough to move, get an apartment, food and supplied. I doubt I will have enough to really contribute toward tuition. So I need ALL of the financial aid I can get. I can only take out Fed Loans (I defaulted Private). I have a strong portfolio for scholarships.

So what do I say about how I expect to finance my studies??????? that I'm hoping to scholarships, grants, and loans? that I'm a struggling artist from a poor lower-class background but will work my ass off TAing and whatever it takes to get the scholarships/grants to go?

I'm looking at Yale, Columbia, SMFA, and Syracuse.

SAIC was on my list but I visited for Grad Portfolio Day last November and was disappointed in the MFA studio space provided. I work large and there's no way I could work in a space that small. My undergrad studio was bigger. And they said I couldn't use an empty class room to work in. And the school and campus just didn't "feel" right. I received a good review though. I just don't want to waste my money applying to a place that I don't really want to go to after visiting. My ex was rejected three times by SAIC (after interviews).

I've been trying to track down admission information for the schools - when they start accepting applications and the deadlines. Same with financial aid. The only real info you can find on their websites is the deadlines. I want to know when I can start applying so I can plan for the time frame.

I already have a portfolio but am working to make it stronger. Not only to get into a school but to compete for merit based scholarships. I'm nervous about being interviewed. I can talk and write about my work, but I get really nervous with interviews.

Hi KMC88 - I'm applying to Yale for next Fall. I wanted to know what questions they asked you during your interview, if you don't mind sharing?


And Super Congrats!
Thanks!