Portfolio Center Blog Portfolio Center Blog: Apologies to Nissin Food Corporation | Considering Graduate School
It's a sad fact, however, the old cliche of the starving artist sometimes feels very real to people trying to make a living as filmmakers, photographers, performers, painters and other fabulous and creative professions. Some keep at it by surviving on ramen noodles. Some devote the 9-5 portion of their day to a desk job. And some go to graduate school.
But, how would more school help anything? You studied your craft for 4 years (sometimes more) so how would another two or three or even five years of learning get your closer to your goals? Well, graduate school and undergraduate school are two totally different experiences.
For starters, graduate study allows you to focus more specifically. While your undergraduate career has armed you with the basics, your graduate career will most likely offer a more unique and specialized course of study. The culmination of your graduate study will most likely allow you the opportunity to make that documentary, shoot that series or sharpen that specialized painting technique that started your interest in making art.
Additionally, graduate school offers you the chance to meet more artists and make more connections. With projects and grants for support, you will have more opportunities to get your name out there with the backing of a university. Those connections come in pretty handy later when you're out on your own.
Lastly, many programs will offer some level of funding, meaning you have a chance to work on your art without accruing too much debt (also meaning you may escape the ramen noodle diet after you earn your degree.)
However, to apply to graduate school, you need to prove to admissions committees that you are focused and committed to what you intend to study. Part of your application package will include a portfolio, and that's where Go-Go Graduate School leaps to the rescue.
On Friday, October 27th, the Portfolio Center and the Advising Center are bringing over 25 programs to campus to help you get the inside track on how to make the most of your application. We'll be offering panels on the visual arts, film & television, as well as a general "how-to" and information about the newly emerging "digtized portfolio." Not a listener? All of the schools will be there answering questions and reviewing work. It will be a great way to start learning about the process. You don't need to apply right away, but, the information will come in very handy should you ever find yourself trapped in a cubicle.