Letters of Reference

[Cinnamon Latte]

Hi everyone,

I need some guidance regarding the letters of reference. I've been painting on my own for years now, taking jobs to pay the bills but planning on going to grad school for an MFA. I have finally felt like I am going in the right direction and want to apply soon. My issue is about the letters of reference. I work on my own. Although I do show in my city I have not really developed a lot of art world relationships. I take classes at my local art museum and can ask maybe 1 or 2 of these instructors for a letter, but I am stuck on the third one. Should all references be from an art person? I don't know who to ask that knows me well enough.

Cinnamon.

[stephanieb]

I was curious about this too if others have some advice...

[Cinnamon Latte]

p. figment

I'm sorry I did not receive your pm. But I am glad someone replied. I didn't think to email the coordinator - thank you for that- I do know many people to attest to my character and work ethic - hopefully that will suffice. Thank you!! I do believe in my portfolio so hopefully that carries a lot of weight.

Cinnamon.

[barebamboo]

Last year I asked my professors and my previous boss (working in the other field) to write them for me. I got one school accepted but got rejected from the other school which I'm not sure for what reasons.

[TheStranger]

p. figment

I didn't think to email the coordinator - thank you for that- I do know many people to attest to my character and work ethic - hopefully that will suffice. Thank you!! I do believe in my portfolio so hopefully that carries a lot of weight.

Cinnamon.

Make your own luck and don't rely on hope. That is the advice I am going to leave here...

[leee]

You should be fine asking a non-art person for a letter if your other two references can speak about your work/process. I got all three letters from previous professors and I think they probably overlapped each other in certain areas.