Ask professors...bad idea?

[Josholas]

I was wondering if it would be considered bad etiquette or perhaps simply "unwise" to contact specific professors in the programs we are considering applying to. To push it further, has anyone ever heard of someone asking for advice in such a manner, perhaps even showing examples of work? None of the places I am applying to are very close to where I live, so any contact would have to be in the realm of phone or email. I'm just trying to think of ways of ensuring that I don't apply to places that would instanly reject me for something that I remain hopelessly unaware of. What do you think? Any suggestions? (I plan on applying to places with a leaning toward slightly abstracted representational painting with a strong emphasis on content/meaning...if that helps any.)

[michaelwebster]

I would do it to ask if you would fit into their program. I wouldn't say anything about "slightly abstracted representational painting with a strong emphasis on content/meaning" but I would definitely contact at least one professor ahead of time just to get them familar with your work.

I did it for SAIC, and that is where I ended up going. I also went to close schools before I applied, which is better than email or phone if you can get to any.

[dezz2011]

I just emailed one of the painting instructors at the university I received my BFA from last year. I contacted him and asked for a simple review of my work because I'm applying to MFA painting program.

He once reviewed my work a few years ago ( to give permission to register for directed study:painting course) and was brutally honest...

I was pretty sure he was going to like my work. I have sold many and exhibited nationally and was recently featured in a national showcase.

So, I received his email today and it actually helped a lot. He told it straight to me as if I were an applicant for the program there ( Not the school I was going to apply to next year) I have a lot of work to do

http://www.desireekellyart.com/projects/3163239#1 <--- this is my current portfolio and apparently I'm nowhere near grad school material yet. He did say I have the potential to be when I "find my voice"

[Josholas]

If it is a professor that I am contacting via email or phone, what is the best way to prevent a bad impression? (not of my work, but of my character) My primary fear is that contacting them with a request for them to view my work will come off as "pushy" or insensitive regarding their time. The last thing I want to do is to shoot myself in the foot by leaving a bad taste in their mouth before ever sending an application. I guess what I'm asking is...what would be the most appropriate manner to ask for their feedback? How would you word the email? Thanks!

[whenOwhen]

I have had good luck with replies from professors/ artist from schools too far away to visit. I don't think it is wise to ask for a review of some of our/ your work (as applicants)...that is what the application process is for.

[Josholas]

I think I might contact them and ask them about the type of work that is most likely to get accepted. If they offer to take a look at my work, then that's great, but I don't think I'll push it on them. Perhaps I'll try it with a few of the programs that I'm a little less interested in first, then if it backfires, I haven't lost much. I know MICA has a great (inexpensive) online feedback program in the fall, so I will probably do that again, as I found it helpful last year (even though I didn't ultimately end up applying there.)

[michaelwebster]

I think they'll be hesitant to tell you what type of work might be accepted, because its not easy to put into words. I would go ahead and send some of your work and ask if your interests fit with theirs. Also, if your not looking into past work by artists from that school you should do that first. If you can't find a list of current or recently past grad students then google something like "2012 MFA Painting School of the Art Institute of Chicago" and you'll find some recent MFA graduate's websites. After that look for links to friends websites, many of which are usually from the same program.

[Josholas]

@michaelwebster - When you say "ask if your interests fit with theirs", I am assuming you mean the interests of that particular professor (not the "interests" of the program), correct? I think I'll have to trust you on this one. I guess it makes sense, since they will likely be my mentor if I get accepted, so I might as well make sure we don't clash before wasting my money on an application fee. I'll go ahead and get my website up first, so I can send them the website link as well as maybe a few attachments? I'll post back to let y'all know how it goes! (Yes, I'm Texan)

Thanks so much for the advice!

[michaelwebster]

I meant if your interests fit in with the department. You can substitute "interests" with "discourses, concepts, aesthetic sensibilities," or whatever else feels right for you.

Departments usually have certain tendencies that might be difficult to tell without really deep research, and some are obvious.

But if a professor shows disinterest then it might not be worth applying there, or at least do much more reseach on the program.

[Curious12345]

Some schools do it, some don't, I don't know, it all depends on the person. Here at UCSB I know the professors encourage people to contact them beforehand.