post-bac or other prep for MFA

[catherineinnyc]

Hi, all. I'm probably older than just about all of you. Here's my deal: I got my bachelor's in an unrelated field and worked for a few years and then went to law school. (Did both because of my parents, pretty much.) I work full-time (and then some) as a lawyer in NYC but somehow I find time to paint. Painting's the only thing I do for me. I want to do it full-time eventually and am thinking of going back to school for it.

 

So I did SAIC's continuing ed certificate program right before I went back to school -- loved it and I am still in touch with my advisor. I did mainly abstract ink and watercolor work. About a year and a half ago I picked up oils for the first time and I love doing very free cityscapes (NYC is simply awe-inspiring) and am starting to venture off into more abstract stuff.

 

No delusions: it will take me several years to even apply anywhere for the first time. I do not have a large or cohesive enough body of work; I do not have recommenders (aside from my SAIC certificate mentor and a mentor from college, but that was 10+ years ago); I need to build up my skills since I did not spend four years in a studio getting a BFA.

 

So, how to start? I was thinking of doing continuing ed classes at SVA or NYAA (maybe the NYAA certificate), or else saving up some cash and going for the SAIC post-bac.

 

Thoughts, advice?  

 

Thank you and all the best to those of you who have applications out there right now.

[bengston]

I understand why you would want to keep painting, but it is less clear to me why you are interested in getting an MFA. What are your long term goals? How would an MFA suit them more than continuing to take classes, work in your own studio, and apply to residencies?

 

I am not even sure why I am asking this, obviously you have every right to apply to schools. I guess it just seems like you already have a lot of education under your belt.

Edited January 9, 2013 by bengston

[catherineinnyc]

@bengston, fair enough. Quite a few reasons, but most importantly, I feel that when you're around people and engaging in discourse, the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

 

In my experience, at least to a certain point, working around others leads to much better work than working in a vacuum. Having serious inquiry from others leads to growth; exchanging ideas pushes you and others to places you might not go otherwise. (In law, it's no accident that complex deals or cases are handled by teams of lawyers.) Not to say art isn't a solitary endeavor at times -- it is -- but, not sure I have the tools at this point to push myself to have those kinds of conversations inside my head yet.

 

Continuing studies classes are a mixed bag, because pretty much anyone can sign up for them. Sometimes the range of purposes for signing up for those classes is helpful, but sometimes it's not. I've seen it go both ways.

 

While I did spend (and enjoy) seven years in school, they weren't spent doing what I really love to do. The thought of being devoted to art and using two or three years as time to have me grow as an artist, unencumbered by other considerations, isn't just wonderful; it seems like an imperative.

 

Thanks very much.

[printmaker2013]

I am very much in the same boat as you! PM me if you want to know more about SVA as I took some classes there.

[LovelyPainter]

Unless you have under 15 works ready and no disposable income...I would apply.

 

You may surprise yourself, as I've found through the process last year when I applied regardless of my own thoughts on my "complete" body of work... that I ended up with interviews. It shocked me as like you, I have a business background and literally NO art credits outside of a few pursued after undergrad.

 

The interviews last year gave me so much insight. For example I interviewed with a top 10 program and found out that I HATED the fact that they were so anti-painting in general and much more into pushing conceptual sculpture pieces. 

 

This is just my personal opinion and could totally be seen as bad advice. lol but I always tend to think eh, why not! Life is short, goooo for it.

[kekbatter]

I'm a post-bacc at MICA and am applying to MFA's at the moment. I am not sure where I will end up but I am super grateful for this experience. I've learned so much in only one semester. Highly recommended. I'm a lot younger than you though.

[Emoree]

theoretically, you could also go back to school for a second bachelors and get a BFA.  you would be able to build up a large body of work and also make the connections to get recommendations you need.  i don't know how that compares financially or in terms of time spent, though.

[sculptress]

I did the Summer Studio Program at VCU last summer and highly recommend it. Two months of working hard and having access to great facilities accompanied with weekly (more more) studio visits, a few visiting artists, seminars etc. It was incredibly helpful and pushed me in some new directions that have been an important step. Having the chance to meet faculty, grad students, and visiting artists and get a lot of feedback was great.

[laaru]

Hi there, I'm also in a similar situation. I have a BFA from MICA in interdisciplinary sculpture. I knew I was going to take some time off of school but didn't expect working full time as a chef to prohibit art making quite as much as it has. More time has gone by than I would have liked since I've had a regular studio practice, but it is still the only thing I'd like to do long-term. I have always wanted to attend VCU for grad school but life has moved me from the East Coast to Colorado. I am considering applying for the University of Colorado at Boulder post-bacc program. Has anyone had experience there as either a post-bacc or MFA? I think this might be a good way to buckle down and give me the push for the full MFA. 

[01010101010101101010101010]

I did the Summer Studio Program at VCU last summer and highly recommend it. Two months of working hard and having access to great facilities accompanied with weekly (more more) studio visits, a few visiting artists, seminars etc. It was incredibly helpful and pushed me in some new directions that have been an important step. Having the chance to meet faculty, grad students, and visiting artists and get a lot of feedback was great.

I was accepted to that program but could not afford attendance. Do you think the cost was worth it? Do you feel like you've got a leg-up on any MFA prospects? 

[sculptress]

I was accepted to that program but could not afford attendance. Do you think the cost was worth it? Do you feel like you've got a leg-up on any MFA prospects? 

 

For me, yes. It was costly but I was able to make A TON of work in the two months. Like most things, it was what you made of it. People who worked hard gained new insights and respect from the professors/visiting artists/faculty. I got to know some great folks, some of whom have been incredibly helpful in my applications this year and others that are wonderful friends. It definitely helped expand my MFA prospects this year (but who knows what particular affect it made until the results come in). They make an effort to bring in professors and visiting artists who are engaged and actively help participants expand. That was really good for me and my work. I'm still riding the waves of change in my work that the program created and believe that I still will be in the forseeable future. If you have any more questions feel free to PM me.

[Ren Adams]

theoretically, you could also go back to school for a second bachelors and get a BFA.  you would be able to build up a large body of work and also make the connections to get recommendations you need.  i don't know how that compares financially or in terms of time spent, though.

That's what I did. First degree is in English. Best decision I ever made, to seriously pursue a BFA in Studio Art and prepare for an MFA program properly. I made connections, did a BFA thesis (which, at my university, is modeled after graduate programs) and am now applying to MFA programs.

My background in English has helped tremendously in critical writing and I built up a significant body of work during the program. I also found that I was more efficient and focused than most of the other BFA students. Every class mattered deeply.

Just food for thought.