Good MFA programs

[ADPass]

I dont really know what the feelings on Masters programs is with this group but I will ask anyway. I am a graduate from scad and in my current position I feel like my major choice was not all it was cracked up to be. after almost a year of working freelance and searching my insides for my true passion I decided I need to be immersed in that artistic, learning environment again but with a different direction.

My question is, does anyone know of a school with a really stellar graduate painting program. I think if I could take a BA again I would but Im not sure if that would work with me already having one....

Im really not after the degree, I want the environment, the opportunity and the knowledge at my fingertips sort of thing. Thanks guys

[Storyboard Dave]

I have no feeling one way or another about people getting their MFAs but the one thing that comes to mind when I read your post was- what direction do you want to go eventually? I applaud you for being brave enough to realize that the current path you're going on isn't a passion, but where does your heart say GO now?

(I'm sure you do know that in the working world of concept art, no one really cares about the MFA. The portfolio is still paramount.)

From the sounds of it, you just want to be back in that structured academic environment. I don't think it's the acquisition of knowledge issue because there's really nothing to prevent you from attaining that knowledge now. It's completely understandable though. School's always a cushy environment; there's nurturing, stability and camaraderie.

Have you thought about checking into the local community colleges near you for painting classes? What about arts organizations? They might be able to offer you that sort of environment without having to jump through all of the hoops of applying to grad school.

Some stellar MFA programs I've heard of in Illustration are SVA and Syracuse, but I think that it might be better to do a wee bit of soul searching before going through the process of applying to grad school. It still may end up being grad school but before you drop that kind of cash and time, I just want to make sure it's being led there by your passion again.

Good luck!

[ADPass]

you have a good point, I am still searching for the passions in my art. I feel I am getting closer to what I truely want in a direction. I am currently taking classes for painting at SVA under continueing education and I am in love with the classes there. This is what gave me the idea so seek out a structured educational situation to ground my skills on. It is a sort of cushy environment, one where I would hope to let my talents and explorations of the medium grow into something more, but I am aware of the financial stress it would bring on me and the regret I would have if I realized it was the wrong choice for me after all. Thank you for all the advice. I am probably going to continue my continuing education classes at SVA and build a decent painting portfolio before I actually decide on what to do.

[Storyboard Dave]

you have a good point, I am still searching for the passions in my art. I feel I am getting closer to what I truely want in a direction. I am currently taking classes for painting at SVA under continueing education and I am in love with the classes there. This is what gave me the idea so seek out a structured educational situation to ground my skills on. It is a sort of cushy environment, one where I would hope to let my talents and explorations of the medium grow into something more, but I am aware of the financial stress it would bring on me and the regret I would have if I realized it was the wrong choice for me after all. Thank you for all the advice. I am probably going to continue my continuing education classes at SVA and build a decent painting portfolio before I actually decide on what to do.

It sounds as though you've got a pretty good grasp on things already on just searching out your passions. I hope you didn't think I was poo-pooing your idea of getting a Masters degree, but if you really didn't have a true passion, I really didn't want you sinking down that kind of cold hard cash on a program you weren't going to go into full bore.

For all we know you could be a fine artist trapped in a concept art world. And if that's the case, take a stab at some more self exploration and give a go at the gallery route. There's no shame in that at all.

What matters the most is that you find your passion- whether it's in fine art, concept art, bronco busting or whatever. And there's no time frame either- your epiphany could come next week or there might not be any clarification for years to come. But as long as you continue searching for that passion is what it's truly about.

Again, good luck.

[Chaotica]

Hi! this is jus the kinda thread i was looking for!

personally i am in a path to acquire a gradute (MFA) certification in either fine arts or illustration. I had been working as a 3d modeler for real time simulation based company for nealy 2.5 years and have realized the need to do my higher education. I always wanted to be a concept artist but never really got the kind of education. I stongly belive the graduate program would give me a strong foot hold into traditional art, different mediums and more importantly gives me an oppurtunity to explore my own style (unless im wrong in my perception!)

my question is : how much of an help would a MFA or MA degree be for me to pursue my goal of becoming a concept artist?? I do understand that at the end of the day its the talent (portfolio) tht u showcase and doesnt matter whre or wot i studied.

is there anytihing specific a person should consider before applying for a grad course? such as the stream, the college , the amount to be spent (im a int. student looking out for unvis in US) etc.,.

thanx kindly in advance for the suggestions fellas,

[Storyboard Dave]

my question is : how much of an help would a MFA or MA degree be for me to pursue my goal of becoming a concept artist?? I do understand that at the end of the day its the talent (portfolio) tht u showcase and doesnt matter whre or wot i studied.

I think you answered your own question right there.

And as an international student looking into a program in the US, I'd also use common English as a means to communicate as opposed to the "IM speak". It's fine if you're speaking to your friends but know when to turn it on and when to turn it off. Even in forums like this, when one sees your choice of language, it speaks volumes about you.

[Chaotica]

oops sorry about that maite...that one came off almost instantaneously..my bad! but u still havnt answered my 2nd question.. :(

[Storyboard Dave]

oops sorry about that maite...that one came off almost instantaneously..my bad! but u still havnt answered my 2nd question.. :(

I would look into a graduate program the same way I would be looking into an undergrad program. I would physically visit the facilities, ask questions galore, see where their graduates are working and see who the instructors are. A program's only as good as its instructors so I would seek out working professionals as instructors as opposed to professional educators.

As far as choices for programs...

http://www.aicad.org/grad.htm

[Maxine Schacker]

You need the skills, not the degree..