The Waiting Game Begins! MFA Painting Fall 2011, Gather Here

[orangetrousers]

I would love to have a place to talk about nerves and put news and stuff out there. Here I go!

Oh boy! I am nervous. This was an intense and tedious process. I went into it thinking if I did not get into any of the schools I wanted, that I would

apply again over the next three years. I am beginning to doubt that notion now. People keep asking me what is the school I want to go to the most and my most recent response is, "the one that accepts me"!

I applied to:

RISD

MICA-Hoffberger and Low residency

YALE

Tyler

IUB

BU

You can view my work at www.orangetrousers.com

Excerpt from my artist statement:

My urge to paint is as strong as my instinct toeat. I have used painting as a way tounderstand my relationship with food and its power over me. My paintings arecovert reconstructions of past experiences, acted out and painted on canvas,like plays, but the characters are fruits and vegetables and the settings areplates and cutting boards. I use seeds, skin and juices as correlations betweenhumans and plants to demonstrate narrative. Concepts such as beauty as bait,the botany of desire and astrophysics inspire my work. Similarities betweenfood structures and astrophysical formations reoccur in my compositions as wellas a fascination with the surface and sub-surface of objects.

Icreate gigantic oozing imagery that embraces visual pleasure, but I embed itwith layers of personal, cultural, political, and scientific meaning. I see thetrait of beauty in food as a form of visual manipulation, like bait, pulling usin and making us want to eat its flesh. I strive to create imagery that canhave a poetic dialogue with a viewer over a lifetime, not just a complicatedmoment.

In Open Sourced Fica; Portrait of Evelyn Nesbit, I used a fig and honeyto depict ejaculation on the outside of the vagina, which has become a popular andfetishised ending in current mass-media pornographic video. The fly adds alayer of narrative, referencing the lost story of Evelyn Nesbit, and shows thecyclical life of physical beauty as bait. The Fig, or La Fica, is a reoccurringsymbol of femininity and is portrayed as a vagina in the narrative of mypaintings.

I amtorn between my loves for abstraction and realism. Scale allows me to embraceboth traditions. Up close, my marks are expressive and abstracted, but whenstanding further back my technique allows exploration of the observationalaspect of realism. I am interested in the large, dripping orifices in thedoughnut paintings by Emily Eveleth, massive realist portraits by Chuck Close,and satirical, master-influenced paintings by John Currin. All the while, in I’min love with Caravaggio, Matisse, Hans Hoffman, Vermeer, and Louise Bourgeois.

[paintymess]

I would love to have a place to talk about nerves and put news and stuff out there. Here I go!

Oh boy! I am nervous. This was an intense and tedious process. I went into it thinking if I did not get into any of the schools I wanted, that I would

apply again over the next three years. I am beginning to doubt that notion now. People keep asking me what is the school I want to go to the most and my most recent response is, "the one that accepts me"!

I applied to:

RISD

MICA-Hoffberger and Low residency

YALE

Tyler

IUB

BU

You can view my work at www.orangetrousers.com

Excerpt from my artist statement:

My urge to paint is as strong as my instinct toeat. I have used painting as a way tounderstand my relationship with food and its power over me. My paintings arecovert reconstructions of past experiences, acted out and painted on canvas,like plays, but the characters are fruits and vegetables and the settings areplates and cutting boards. I use seeds, skin and juices as correlations betweenhumans and plants to demonstrate narrative. Concepts such as beauty as bait,the botany of desire and astrophysics inspire my work. Similarities betweenfood structures and astrophysical formations reoccur in my compositions as wellas a fascination with the surface and sub-surface of objects.

Icreate gigantic oozing imagery that embraces visual pleasure, but I embed itwith layers of personal, cultural, political, and scientific meaning. I see thetrait of beauty in food as a form of visual manipulation, like bait, pulling usin and making us want to eat its flesh. I strive to create imagery that canhave a poetic dialogue with a viewer over a lifetime, not just a complicatedmoment.

In Open Sourced Fica; Portrait of Evelyn Nesbit, I used a fig and honeyto depict ejaculation on the outside of the vagina, which has become a popular andfetishised ending in current mass-media pornographic video. The fly adds alayer of narrative, referencing the lost story of Evelyn Nesbit, and shows thecyclical life of physical beauty as bait. The Fig, or La Fica, is a reoccurringsymbol of femininity and is portrayed as a vagina in the narrative of mypaintings.

I amtorn between my loves for abstraction and realism. Scale allows me to embraceboth traditions. Up close, my marks are expressive and abstracted, but whenstanding further back my technique allows exploration of the observationalaspect of realism. I am interested in the large, dripping orifices in thedoughnut paintings by Emily Eveleth, massive realist portraits by Chuck Close,and satirical, master-influenced paintings by John Currin. All the while, in I’min love with Caravaggio, Matisse, Hans Hoffman, Vermeer, and Louise Bourgeois.

I just submitted my applications the last few days and am nervous as well! It's my first time applying too, so we'll see how this goes. I applied to Tyler, VCU, Syracuse, UNT and UTSA for painting.

I looked at your work and it is beautiful. I'm no expert, but I think you have a really good shot.

[Artist1]

Applied to Yale, Columbia, SMFA and Syracuse. ::::::fingers crossed:::::::: beginning to feel nervous about interviews. Expecting some rejection letters/emails. Totally going to cry when I receive it but I think I'll have at least one interview....Now..we'll see if I pass the interview...and then if I get accepted, if I actually will get any scholarships/grants so I can go!

[Curious12345]

Applied to Yale, Columbia, SMFA and Syracuse. ::::::fingers crossed:::::::: beginning to feel nervous about interviews. Expecting some rejection letters/emails. Totally going to cry when I receive it but I think I'll have at least one interview....Now..we'll see if I pass the interview...and then if I get accepted, if I actually will get any scholarships/grants so I can go!

One foot before the other, gotta get the interview first...last year I applied figuring I'd get at least ONE out of five schools....got rejected by them all. I'm applying to eleven schools this year.

[firewalkwithme]

I know ...

my first time I'm done with all my apps and freaking out. Now that it's all done I regret not applying to more schools .. did 7 and hope I don't have to do this again December.

crossing my fingers & toes!!!

[colbz]

My first time too....during the week I am so busy as an elementary school student art teacher...but come weekend when I'm not super busy I'm sitting here in my room half the time just thinking about it! I'm expecting rejection letters any day now! Crossing fingers for an interview invite or two. Applied to 10 schools....hoping I don't have to do this again. If I don't get in this year, I'm thinking it will probably be another two years at least before I apply again. Especially if I end up teaching art this fall then I can imagine it will take me a long long time to build up a new portfolio. Spending all day everyday with little kids throwing paint all over the place has me fast asleep in bed by 8 pm every night, no joke.

Does anyone else find it annoying how every time you tell people you just applied to grad school but you may not go because you might not get in they say "oh, of course you will get in!" I keep trying to explain that an MFA painting/ studio art is not like applying for an MA in art ed or something...it's like no...actually there is a really good chance I won't get in...and they don't understand. They don't realize how selective it is. I think if I get rejected from all 10 schools I might just keep my mouth shut because all my friends/ family will think I'm an idiot!

I know ...

my first time I'm done with all my apps and freaking out. Now that it's all done I regret not applying to more schools .. did 7 and hope I don't have to do this again December.

crossing my fingers & toes!!!

[vermillion]

My first time too....during the week I am so busy as an elementary school student art teacher...but come weekend when I'm not super busy I'm sitting here in my room half the time just thinking about it! I'm expecting rejection letters any day now! Crossing fingers for an interview invite or two. Applied to 10 schools....hoping I don't have to do this again. If I don't get in this year, I'm thinking it will probably be another two years at least before I apply again. Especially if I end up teaching art this fall then I can imagine it will take me a long long time to build up a new portfolio. Spending all day everyday with little kids throwing paint all over the place has me fast asleep in bed by 8 pm every night, no joke.

Does anyone else find it annoying how every time you tell people you just applied to grad school but you may not go because you might not get in they say "oh, of course you will get in!" I keep trying to explain that an MFA painting/ studio art is not like applying for an MA in art ed or something...it's like no...actually there is a really good chance I won't get in...and they don't understand. They don't realize how selective it is. I think if I get rejected from all 10 schools I might just keep my mouth shut because all my friends/ family will think I'm an idiot!

Ha! I know exactly how you feel. I told friends/family that I'm applying and they're like "oh you're gonna get in" they don't know how competitive it is and how many people apply for such a small amount of spots, its too stressful. I agree that if I don't get in this round its not going to be for a few years till I apply again, I'm kind of wishing now that I applied to more schools. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed with the rest of you.

[colbz]

In my opinion, I don't think it's the greatest idea to apply again right away...especially for me if I end up teaching I will be sooo busy planning lessons, going to meetings, etc etc I won't have time to crank out very much new work for a while if any. All the art I'll be doing will be sample projects for the kids. I'm worried that if I don't get in now, it will get harder and harder to apply again. I'm almost considering living with my parents for a year or two and bartending or something so I can paint during the day! In the event that I don't get in, I'm brainstorming day jobs that would allow me a little more free time than teaching. I'm only 23, but if anyone else on here is a few years older and just now applying...or applying again, then I'd like to hear what you did with your lives from ages 23 ish to 26 ish!

Ha! I know exactly how you feel. I told friends/family that I'm applying and they're like "oh you're gonna get in" they don't know how competitive it is and how many people apply for such a small amount of spots, its too stressful. I agree that if I don't get in this round its not going to be for a few years till I apply again, I'm kind of wishing now that I applied to more schools. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed with the rest of you.

[a lumberjack]

Hey all! I applied to eight schools this round. I applied a couple years ago to five schools and was waitlisted at two of them. I think the years inbetween has definitely made me feel more confident about my work. That first round was kind of crushing - but if you really want to make art - you just keep going and think about what you could have done better and then do it.

After applying the first time - I started working on a farm and was fortunate enough to have a free studio there. And I worked part time so I could focus the majority of my engery into art work and applications. This board has been an awesome resource for applying. Best of luck to everybody!

[caraa]

I totally feel you, on all fronts. i am 25 and i applied to 9 schools last year, got into 1, which I eventually decided to decline. I am applying to 11 this year, and I feel like I have a much better grip on things this time around (for instance, I really researched the schools I applied to, and didn't just apply to top-tier schools, which was one of my mistakes last year).

i graduated from undergrad in 2009 and moved to my hometown, got a part-time job working in a fine wine/beer store which I actually really enjoyed, thus making time for me to have some semblance of a studio practice at home, which has been reaaally key to my overall well being. a few months ago my boyfriend got a job in providence, ri and so we moved there and I haven't exactly been on the hunt for a new job seeing as I have been spending most of my time working on these apps...but then, within the past few weeks, he got a better job offer in louisville, ky and so we are going to be moving there soon. (doing the whole balancing act between my priorities and his has been challenging, but we are taking everything in stride. What happens if I get into grad school this year, far from ky? We'll cross that bridge when we get there). For me, the biggest challenge in living like this has been my disconnection with an art community/peers to interact with & get feedback from. I was living in smalltown massachusetts (where there weren't really any art communities within reach) since graduating, and haven't spent enough time in providence to really delve into the art scene here; now we are moving to louisville where I have no idea if there's an art scene, but I'm hoping...

I think it's great that you are teaching art and it's an experience that will probably help you in the future, but I also know that working with kids is SO incredibly exhausting. i totally understand your not having enough energy leftover to make your own work. I think that now that you have that experience under your belt, it might be really beneficial to follow that idea of giving yourself a break--moving home, getting a part time gig that doesn't suck your energy, and working on your art as much as you can in the free time you have...I suggest just thinking about part-time stuff you could do that collides with any interest you have, since finding anything lucrative in the art field is pretty tough. I.e., for me, I am a craft beer&fine wine fanatic, so I looked for jobs in that field. I have worked in restaurants before, and, while that would definitely be a good option, it made me feel much more drained than I've felt by working in a high end store where its not all about fast-paced multitasking, and where I'm learning about something I'm actually interested in.

anyway, that's my 2 cents. good luck with everything!

In my opinion, I don't think it's the greatest idea to apply again right away...especially for me if I end up teaching I will be sooo busy planning lessons, going to meetings, etc etc I won't have time to crank out very much new work for a while if any. All the art I'll be doing will be sample projects for the kids. I'm worried that if I don't get in now, it will get harder and harder to apply again. I'm almost considering living with my parents for a year or two and bartending or something so I can paint during the day! In the event that I don't get in, I'm brainstorming day jobs that would allow me a little more free time than teaching. I'm only 23, but if anyone else on here is a few years older and just now applying...or applying again, then I'd like to hear what you did with your lives from ages 23 ish to 26 ish!

[colbz]

Thanks! Yea, I have been considering other job possibilities such as maybe being a teaching assistant or full time sub for all subjects rather than an actual art teacher. That way I can still have my connections in the public education system, but I won't have to go home and write lesson plans, I can leave work every day and be done and go paint! Luckily I ( my parents) live near DC so I've got a lot of art friends in the area. I applied to ten places, so I am hoping like crazy that I will not have to worry about this just yet, but of course it is a very possible reality. Luckily I at least have a summer job lined up as a summer art teacher for kids, and I did it last year so I've got all my lessons planned out already.

I know a lot of people made the mistake of only applying to top tier schools, so I applied to U. of Delaware and CCNY which are a little bit less selective...but even then it's not like they are easy to get into at all, so maybe I was kidding myself. I also haven't visited either of those schools in person so I don't even know if I will like them. Where was it that you were accepted to last year?

I totally feel you, on all fronts. i am 25 and i applied to 9 schools last year, got into 1, which I eventually decided to decline. I am applying to 11 this year, and I feel like I have a much better grip on things this time around (for instance, I really researched the schools I applied to, and didn't just apply to top-tier schools, which was one of my mistakes last year).

i graduated from undergrad in 2009 and moved to my hometown, got a part-time job working in a fine wine/beer store which I actually really enjoyed, thus making time for me to have some semblance of a studio practice at home, which has been reaaally key to my overall well being. a few months ago my boyfriend got a job in providence, ri and so we moved there and I haven't exactly been on the hunt for a new job seeing as I have been spending most of my time working on these apps...but then, within the past few weeks, he got a better job offer in louisville, ky and so we are going to be moving there soon. (doing the whole balancing act between my priorities and his has been challenging, but we are taking everything in stride. What happens if I get into grad school this year, far from ky? We'll cross that bridge when we get there). For me, the biggest challenge in living like this has been my disconnection with an art community/peers to interact with & get feedback from. I was living in smalltown massachusetts (where there weren't really any art communities within reach) since graduating, and haven't spent enough time in providence to really delve into the art scene here; now we are moving to louisville where I have no idea if there's an art scene, but I'm hoping...

I think it's great that you are teaching art and it's an experience that will probably help you in the future, but I also know that working with kids is SO incredibly exhausting. i totally understand your not having enough energy leftover to make your own work. I think that now that you have that experience under your belt, it might be really beneficial to follow that idea of giving yourself a break--moving home, getting a part time gig that doesn't suck your energy, and working on your art as much as you can in the free time you have...I suggest just thinking about part-time stuff you could do that collides with any interest you have, since finding anything lucrative in the art field is pretty tough. I.e., for me, I am a craft beer&fine wine fanatic, so I looked for jobs in that field. I have worked in restaurants before, and, while that would definitely be a good option, it made me feel much more drained than I've felt by working in a high end store where its not all about fast-paced multitasking, and where I'm learning about something I'm actually interested in.

anyway, that's my 2 cents. good luck with everything!

[colbz]

This board is the best resource! So, I have to wonder...how do you get away with working part time? If you only work part time, then how do you pay for things like food, clothes, rent, art supplies, shampoo, and health insurance? Lol. That's what I don't get. I would love to know how people pull this off because my parents are getting ready to cut the cord. Everyone is going to hate me because I was actually lucky enough to have my parents pay for my MFA apps...but they made it clear that it was their final financial act of kindness.

Hey all! I applied to eight schools this round. I applied a couple years ago to five schools and was waitlisted at two of them. I think the years inbetween has definitely made me feel more confident about my work. That first round was kind of crushing - but if you really want to make art - you just keep going and think about what you could have done better and then do it.

After applying the first time - I started working on a farm and was fortunate enough to have a free studio there. And I worked part time so I could focus the majority of my engery into art work and applications. This board has been an awesome resource for applying. Best of luck to everybody!

[lyonessrampant]

I am similarly a nervous wreck. . .I'm so desperate that I've taken to surfing fora that have NOTHING to do with my area (early modern poetry, applied to English Ph.D. programs). . .so yeah, this all sucks. Can't wait until it is over (ahem) as long as over means with at least one accepatance for us all!

[caraa]

Thanks! Yea, I have been considering other job possibilities such as maybe being a teaching assistant or full time sub for all subjects rather than an actual art teacher. That way I can still have my connections in the public education system, but I won't have to go home and write lesson plans, I can leave work every day and be done and go paint! Luckily I ( my parents) live near DC so I've got a lot of art friends in the area. I applied to ten places, so I am hoping like crazy that I will not have to worry about this just yet, but of course it is a very possible reality. Luckily I at least have a summer job lined up as a summer art teacher for kids, and I did it last year so I've got all my lessons planned out already.

I know a lot of people made the mistake of only applying to top tier schools, so I applied to U. of Delaware and CCNY which are a little bit less selective...but even then it's not like they are easy to get into at all, so maybe I was kidding myself. I also haven't visited either of those schools in person so I don't even know if I will like them. Where was it that you were accepted to last year?

I got into U Wisconsin in Madison. I visited when I interviewed for a TAship/scholarship. It is actually a reeeally great program, but neither me nor my bf really felt good enough about moving to Madison, and I didn't end up getting the scholarship, so those are the reasons I decided to decline. AND I was also waiting to hear from MICA, where I got waitlisted, to see if I eventually got in (I didn't).

[a lumberjack]

I was able to only work part time because of my living situation. I lived on the farm rent free because my girlfriend was an apprentice there and received free rent/utilities as part of the deal. All the food was there and available - just had to go pick it. Other than the real basic items and repaying loans/insurance, we didnt really spend much money except on canvas/paint/the occasional concert. I was able to save up money too. It's not hard to live on little - just depends on your comfort level.

This board is the best resource! So, I have to wonder...how do you get away with working part time? If you only work part time, then how do you pay for things like food, clothes, rent, art supplies, shampoo, and health insurance? Lol. That's what I don't get. I would love to know how people pull this off because my parents are getting ready to cut the cord. Everyone is going to hate me because I was actually lucky enough to have my parents pay for my MFA apps...but they made it clear that it was their final financial act of kindness.

[wannaknow]

Hello everyone! I am brand new to this and was really looking for people to discuss the terror of waiting for acceptance or rejection letters with! I am 27 and because of my situation I really feel like I only have this one year to get into a school. I researched for 2 years and in the end I did a crazy crazy thing and applied to 10 schools!!!!!!!!!!! It was an enormous amount of work but my top choices are:

MICA-- Mount Royal

Northwestern

Rutgers

CU

Penn Design

I am so so so nervous about finding out and the anticipation is killing me!! Does anyone know if all "short-listed" MICA hopefuls have to interview???

[wannaknow]

Ha! I know exactly how you feel. I told friends/family that I'm applying and they're like "oh you're gonna get in" they don't know how competitive it is and how many people apply for such a small amount of spots, its too stressful. I agree that if I don't get in this round its not going to be for a few years till I apply again, I'm kind of wishing now that I applied to more schools. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed with the rest of you.

YES!!!!!!!!! People think it like going to the local college and registering for night MBA classes... I am so nervous that after telling everyone and preparing to make major, major changes in my life I wont get in and then I will be stuck!!!!!

[L333makes]

Hi,

I'm in the same boat: 27, applying to 8+ schools (still deciding about a few with Feb deadlines) and crossing all fingers and toes--however, I've been telling myself (and will therefore tell you) that 27 is NOT OLD! Even if we don't get in anywhere this year, there is still time. Many people begin an MFA program in their early 30s, even, and are probably better off for the extra life experience they bring to such an intense immersion.

My top choices are

Cornell

Carnegie Mellon

VCU

Purchase

also applying to

Rutgers

Brooklyn College

Penn Design

Deciding about

SUNY Stony Brook

Queens College

U Delaware

Where else did you apply, and what kind of work do you make?

Best of luck!!

L

Hello everyone! I am brand new to this and was really looking for people to discuss the terror of waiting for acceptance or rejection letters with! I am 27 and because of my situation I really feel like I only have this one year to get into a school. I researched for 2 years and in the end I did a crazy crazy thing and applied to 10 schools!!!!!!!!!!! It was an enormous amount of work but my top choices are:

MICA-- Mount Royal

Northwestern

Rutgers

CU

Penn Design

I am so so so nervous about finding out and the anticipation is killing me!! Does anyone know if all "short-listed" MICA hopefuls have to interview???

[orangetrousers]

My stomach is in knots...........................................

I am 28 and was told by many programs that they were looking for 25-35.. So I do not think we are to old.

Hi,

I'm in the same boat: 27, applying to 8+ schools (still deciding about a few with Feb deadlines) and crossing all fingers and toes--however, I've been telling myself (and will therefore tell you) that 27 is NOT OLD! Even if we don't get in anywhere this year, there is still time. Many people begin an MFA program in their early 30s, even, and are probably better off for the extra life experience they bring to such an intense immersion.

My top choices are

Cornell

Carnegie Mellon

VCU

Purchase

also applying to

Rutgers

Brooklyn College

Penn Design

Deciding about

SUNY Stony Brook

Queens College

U Delaware

Where else did you apply, and what kind of work do you make?

Best of luck!!

L

[colbz]

You can imagine how annoying it has been for me studying art education....everyone keeps thinking I'm an idiot for not becoming a teacher and getting my mfa over summer breaks....I was like, yea that's possible.(MiCA has a summer program) ..but really you need to be working for two full years both summers and school years if you really want a serious art career. And other teachers get masters degrees taking night classes payed for by their schools....but um no...can't do that for art! And I'm worried not only about everything else, but everyone will think I am a total idiot if I get rejected from all 10 schools! I don't look like an artist, and people tend to not think of me as "artsy" or intellectual in any way so I feel like I have something to prove, which is probably not good.

I think the absolute scariest thing...is the possibility of NOT doing art 24/7 this fall. I've been painting every day for years now, and I know when I get a full time job I'll be too tired. Crossing fingers like crazy that I get in somewhere...

YES!!!!!!!!! People think it like going to the local college and registering for night MBA classes... I am so nervous that after telling everyone and preparing to make major, major changes in my life I wont get in and then I will be stuck!!!!!

[colbz]

27 isn't old.....I didn't exacly go to a selective art school for undergrad...it was out in a rural area...but regardless of that, many of the grad students were like 40-45. In my 4 years as an undergrad, I most definitely worked with at least 3 or 4 MFA candidates over 40. Some of the MFA students at my school were as young as 25-27, but then there were a bunch of 30-35 year olds as well. Two of them had been art teachers (for kids) for years before. Also, I am a student teacher, and a lot of the teachers at the high school I'm working at are all middle aged, and have gotten MFA's in recent years.

This doesn't relate to art, but my great aunt was like 60 years old when she finally got her Phd in computer science and became a professor. Point being, over 27 isn't old, and even if you were 40 +, then who even cares what people say or think? Some schools like SVA don't even know your gender or age when they review applications...it's basically all on your portfolio. (That's what they told me when I visited)

Hello everyone! I am brand new to this and was really looking for people to discuss the terror of waiting for acceptance or rejection letters with! I am 27 and because of my situation I really feel like I only have this one year to get into a school. I researched for 2 years and in the end I did a crazy crazy thing and applied to 10 schools!!!!!!!!!!! It was an enormous amount of work but my top choices are:

MICA-- Mount Royal

Northwestern

Rutgers

CU

Penn Design

I am so so so nervous about finding out and the anticipation is killing me!! Does anyone know if all "short-listed" MICA hopefuls have to interview???

[colbz]

ps I'm 23, and have actually been worrying that they might not want me because I'm too young! lol. I've been planning out what I will give for my reasons of applying straight out of school if they ask me that in an interview.

Hello everyone! I am brand new to this and was really looking for people to discuss the terror of waiting for acceptance or rejection letters with! I am 27 and because of my situation I really feel like I only have this one year to get into a school. I researched for 2 years and in the end I did a crazy crazy thing and applied to 10 schools!!!!!!!!!!! It was an enormous amount of work but my top choices are:

MICA-- Mount Royal

Northwestern

Rutgers

CU

Penn Design

I am so so so nervous about finding out and the anticipation is killing me!! Does anyone know if all "short-listed" MICA hopefuls have to interview???

[annaelectric]

Not to be Debbie Downer, but applying to 10 schools and not getting in is a definite possibility. I'm speaking as someone who was 0/8 last year. From what everyone with an insider view has told me, it's an absolute crapshoot. Some top programs have 500-1,000 applicants for 10 spots. That's like, lottery odds. It's not fun to think about, but having a "Plan B" is a really good idea.

Also, I have a full time job, and a studio. You have to make the time. It's true, finding a job that doesn't make you want to ram an ice pick in your ear at the end of the day is ideal, you do need mental energy to make art. Every artist I know, even the mfa graduates scraping by on random teaching positions and artist's assistant jobs do that so they can go do what they really love.

It was a HUGE bubble-burster to leave undergrad and have to work a job. No one really cares that you make art, they just want their bills paid. But honestly, I think it's the best part of your development as an artist, to figure out how to manage your time and make it work. This is the life we've chosen for ourselves - we do it cause we love it, we do it cause we have to, I keep repeating.

You can imagine how annoying it has been for me studying art education....everyone keeps thinking I'm an idiot for not becoming a teacher and getting my mfa over summer breaks....I was like, yea that's possible.(MiCA has a summer program) ..but really you need to be working for two full years both summers and school years if you really want a serious art career. And other teachers get masters degrees taking night classes payed for by their schools....but um no...can't do that for art! And I'm worried not only about everything else, but everyone will think I am a total idiot if I get rejected from all 10 schools! I don't look like an artist, and people tend to not think of me as "artsy" or intellectual in any way so I feel like I have something to prove, which is probably not good.

I think the absolute scariest thing...is the possibility of NOT doing art 24/7 this fall. I've been painting every day for years now, and I know when I get a full time job I'll be too tired. Crossing fingers like crazy that I get in somewhere...

[zaquon]

As someone who wants to ram an icepick in his ear everyday, I agree with everything in the previous post. I was 0-7 last year. Going for 9 this year with a much better portfolio/application. If all I get is a post-Bacc offer from the SMFA again, I just might take it.

[colbz]

Don't worry...that bubble has already been bursted for me...hence the anxiety. I figured that applying to ten would at least be better odds than applying to 4 or 5 like some people do...but yes I'm full aware, which is why I am working so hard to complete my teaching license and will be looking for a job soon in case. :-/ I've already informed my parents that I may be living with them for the next year or two/ I'm looking into other jobs besides teaching that might suck less energy from me than little kiddos.

Not to be Debbie Downer, but applying to 10 schools and not getting in is a definite possibility. I'm speaking as someone who was 0/8 last year. From what everyone with an insider view has told me, it's an absolute crapshoot. Some top programs have 500-1,000 applicants for 10 spots. That's like, lottery odds. It's not fun to think about, but having a "Plan B" is a really good idea.

Also, I have a full time job, and a studio. You have to make the time. It's true, finding a job that doesn't make you want to ram an ice pick in your ear at the end of the day is ideal, you do need mental energy to make art. Every artist I know, even the mfa graduates scraping by on random teaching positions and artist's assistant jobs do that so they can go do what they really love.

It was a HUGE bubble-burster to leave undergrad and have to work a job. No one really cares that you make art, they just want their bills paid. But honestly, I think it's the best part of your development as an artist, to figure out how to manage your time and make it work. This is the life we've chosen for ourselves - we do it cause we love it, we do it cause we have to, I keep repeating.