Chances of getting into RISD as a transfer??

College Majors Visual Arts and Film Majors
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<p>Chances of getting into RISD as a transfer??
Hi there, I am wondering if someone can give me some sound advice. I already have my BA and regret not going for my BFA. I want to apply as a transfer to RISD.</p>

<p>I think I may have some things going for me but its hard to tell</p>

<p>I graduated with a BA from Brown University (literally across the street from RISD). I took RISD courses and received excellent marks (dk if it matters). I had an overall 3.5 GPA. I took a year of graduate school at Colombia and received a 3.35 GPA while there</p>

<p>Benefits being I am familiar with RISD, providence, community, etc.</p>

<p>While living in NYC I won a city-wide art competition and honorarium and the judge who selected me was Harry Stendhal of New York’s Maya Stendhal Gallery</p>

<p>I have shown my art in various galleries around the states and currently have an exhibition going on as we speak. </p>

<p>I have a website and etsy store with nearly 60 sales of original artwork and 3d practical items i designed. </p>

<p>Things that concern me:</p>

<p>I am an abstract artist mostly and I hear RISD is very technical. Which I love, I desperately need technical skill. In all my years in art classes not a single teacher has gone over ANY fundamentals for me. As a result, I can paint very well, but my drawing skills are near 0. </p>

<p>I fear RISD will be upset with that, but that very reason is why I want to go to RISD specifically and pursue my BFA before trying to go straight into an MFA. I desperately want fundamentals training.</p>

<p>I also fear scholarships/aid if i do get in, i hear they are sparsely given and that is absolutely essential for me.</p>

<p>While at Brown I only took a handful of art courses....I just wasnt as confident in my work as I am now and regret not taking more...I worry my background academically in art is too little and makes me look not serious enough...</p>

<p>I just am not sure how RISD rates its applicants or what about my application and background they may like....and what about it they may not like...</p>

<p>I hear academics are important, and so is artistic voice---I feel I have this. Is this enough to carry and less than technically sound portfolio? Like I said my art has been shown many places, won awards, but its all abstract and drawing is a serious weakness of mine that I am worried about.</p>

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<p>why do you need BFA? because you want to do MFA eventually? and you think drawing skill is that important?
it really is not the issue nowadays, as I saw it at Columbia MFA show. see my post halfway down there.
did you see the show? is that why you want to learn how to draw?
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/927468-cooper-union-graphic-design-27.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/visual-arts-film-majors/927468-cooper-union-graphic-design-27.html&lt;/a&gt;
what grad program you are at? what BA you came out with?
what is your goal, I mean you’ve won awards, shown at galleries, sold stuff. now what?
if you just want to draw good, maybe better to go to atelier like studio school or NY academy addition to what you are already doing. there are all different revels in CE classes. you can start from bottom of the heap.
[New</a> York Academy of Art](<a href=“http://www.nyaa.edu/nyaa/ce/spring2011.html]New”>http://www.nyaa.edu/nyaa/ce/spring2011.html)
[NYSS</a> | Evening & Saturday](<a href=“http://www.nyss.org/programs-courses/evening-saturday/]NYSS”>Evening & Weekend Classes - New York Studio School)
or do you just want to stay as a full time student mingled with younger kids doing learning for learning’s sake, not want to go ahead and take grownup responsibility?
It’s fine if you can afford it, nothing wrong with that.
just doesn’t make sense to me, is all.</p>

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<p>Wow, whats with all the judgement?? I didnt ask about my motivations, and you are clearly battling some of your own demons. </p>

<p>I want to go to art school b/c I want to grow as an artist at top school. Ive done so much without formal training and I OWE it to my talent to do all I can. It’s easy to say you dnt need a BFA or MFA to do art, and that is often said by people who GOT their BFA and MFA. The truth is there is so much I dont know that I want to learn not just about “drawing” but about the art world and an artists career and tons of other technical skills and art education. That combined by being pushed and guided by some of the best in the field…</p>

<p>whats it to you that im 26 and going to a bfa program?? Whats it to you that I now figured out I want to pursue arts? You think its “easy” to change careers and that I do it to be around young kids? Get a ****ing life.</p>

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<p>wow wow calm down
you asked advice, I answered from what I been doing and seen and thought.
kids go to artschools to be able to do what you are already doing.
^that is what I don’t get.
RISD esp. is far as I know, the most coveted UG school for straight-out HS kids who could be molded into their teaching style.
You say you want to transfer but understanding of doing foundation year, yes?
How often did you stick around to spy what is going on in RISD while you are at Brown?
have you seen the bike drawing show? and thesis show? which RISD class have you ever taken? have you talked to bunch (not only one or two) students or faculties there?
I don’t understand your passive aggressive attitude toward artmaking.
you say you got talent, drive and brain
then you are scared if they’d laugh at you?
calm yourself and think about it.</p>

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<p>I dont see it as that. I am just wondering my chances and if technical skill is harshly scrutinized. And yes, Ive seen much of RISD, took a few classes there and attended many of their events.</p>

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<p>BTW I have considered heavily the idea of just going directly to an MFA. I still want more formal education before that and I want to have a much stronger resume and portfolio to attract a school like UCLA…rather than going to an MFA right now and feel overwhelmed and underprepared.</p>

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<p>Why don’t you call up a RISD advisor and make an appointment with samples of your work or if that’s not possible email some files and ask them their opinion. “Would I benefit from a foundation year/BFA or would you suggest I apply for MFA?” Explain how you feel about your lack of technical skill and let them advise you. What have you got to lose and who better to tell you what your chances are and where you should start than the school you want to apply to.</p>

<p>Plus take Bears advice with a smile. Bears doesn’t mean to pry and isn’t being critical, just curious and full of good advice.</p>

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<p>smarty, the word is ‘nosy’
thanks anyway.
and yes, I do got my demons full, namely middle aged parents forever wants to stay in school instead of making honest 8bucks /hour, all the while taking federal money that should have spent for struggling kids with longer life span and possibly better motive, like say, this young artist here.
OP, it does not mean you, unless you got your own demon. LOL</p>

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<p>I’ve actually heard that RISD is more conceptual than technical. It’s true that a there is emphasis on good technical skills and the students there do amazing work, but from what I gathered about people’s experiences with the school, talking to alumni and admissions people, RISD has always valued concepts, thought, and creativities that push boundaries more than technical skills.</p>

<p>I’m speaking as a transfer student who got accepted into RISD for graphic design. Though it’s very possible that I’m wrong or that what I’ve learned applies more to my discipline than others. Since you’ve taken classes there you might have more knowledge and familiarity with the kind of education they have than I do.</p>

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<p>Brown - I know people who have gone back for an unrelated second bachelor’s degree - some happy and others regretted the time wasted. Ultimately, you need to decide if you want another 3-4 years in an undergrad environment. I can only guess that it would be a tough choice as your peers are probably in grad school like you or engaged in their desired career. I agree with the advice to talk to a RISD advisor and discuss your options - BFA and MFA. </p>

<p>Funding is frequently a concern on this forum, but since you don’t mention it, I am guessing you have that covered.</p>

<p>So, if you don’t mind being 26 when your classmates are 18-19, and you would get personal satisfaction working hard for a BFA at a top school, go for it. If you don’t get the answer you want from RISD, I would imagine you would look for alternatives to reach your dream and I think bears and dogs has mentioned some in the NY area if you are still there. RISD is not the only great art school out there, but I am guessing you think they would give you credit for the classes you took while at Brown and that is why you only mention RISD. Good luck!</p>

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<p>“I fear RISD will be upset with that, but that very reason is why I want to go to RISD specifically and pursue my BFA before trying to go straight into an MFA. I desperately want fundamentals training.”</p>

<p>Hello, brown06. I truly do think technical ability is very important at RISD. My prof went there and he STRESSES craft like no other. Honestly though, as a transfer student it may depend on what you decide to focus on. I dont think craft/artisanry is weighed as heavily in something like painting in comparison to design majors. Though I wonder why you would want to go to risd. It’s a school that focuses much more on craft, technical ability and design than other art schools. Why choose Risd over a school like SAIC? Also, if I interpreted your words right, youre interested in transfering to RISD but you’ll still be a freshman in effect (since you never had foundation training), right?</p>

<p>“I also fear scholarships/aid if i do get in, i hear they are sparsely given and that is absolutely essential for me.”</p>

<p>Honestly, since you already have an undergraduate degree I dont think you’ll run into much in terms of financial aid. Especially for risd. Though, maybe your just that good. You wont know until you try. Like I said early, other schools such as pratt, Mica and SAIC may offer you more than Risd and they also seem to have better fine arts programs. Since you mentioned that you had stuff in galleries I assume your a fine artist, right?</p>

<p>As for your portfolio, I think balance is key. No one likes artists where if youve seen 3 or for pieces of work then youve seen the full range of their work. Everyone I know has told me that drawing is VERY important for pretty much every art school. Schools want to know that applicants can draw. Even for abstract stuff drawing is important. You dont have to be Michaelangelo or rembrandt or anything so dont let that dissuade you. You should probably start drawing boxes for practice. If you start from boxes you can draw buildings and hallways. Then try cylindrical shapes like cups. Thats pretty much what everything breaks down into. If you can master perspective, line weight, proportion, draw boxes and cylindrical forms then you’ll have conquered a significant hurdle.</p>

<p>Also, if you can, try to uploadsomething youve done here. I think it would be more easier to evaluate your chances and whatnot if we see your work (and the work is by far the most important thing. Also, I dont think bears meant any harm. From what ive read of her posts, I truly think she is foremost concerned with helping people. She just posts in a down to earth and conversation manner, thats all.</p>

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<p>Brown - missed your note on scholarship/aid. RISD is not known for their generous aid, but some do get nice amounts. RISD Admissions has a page on Facebook. The moderator there seems to be very responsive, although she can’t comment on your technical skill in that forum. For that, you need a portfolio review. You don’t say whether you are in NYC still or somewhere else. It would be a good idea to put together a portfolio and make an appt for a review. Consider including some other schools in the reviews for different perspectives.</p>

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<p>thanks guys, yes I am considering other art schools, esp SAIC and MICA. I was just wondering about RISD specifically b/c I kept reading about technical skills in forums and remembering what I went through when I took courses. </p>

<p>I will throw my name in the bucket and see if I cant get in somewhere and begin this whole education experience again, alas. </p>

<p>Still just deciding I want to do this, its the most free or excited I have felt in years.</p>

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<p>I am not considering any NYC art schools bc i just moved from nyc and the cost of living there and the daily struggle to make ends meet and carrying my groceries up a 6 floor walk up after a 1.5 hr commute, ack, I can do without it for a while</p>

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<p>also my apologies to original replier, I am autistic and sometimes I misinterpret people’s meanings and such and then in reply I come off VERY strong, sorry…</p>

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<p>So glad to hear you are open to other schools! Can you get a couple of portfolio reviews done this summer? You want feedback asap so you can begin bridging the gaps.</p>

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<p>I wonder where you moved to? Any chance you are in New England? What about Mass Art? Are you in NY still? What about SUNY Purchase or New Paltz? I’m just wondering if you could search out a more affordable program than RISD or the other private art schools. If you are planning on going on for an MFA it seems to me that spending a ton of money on getting your fundamentals and technical skills down would be a shame. You’ve obviously have drive and talent which is priceless. If I were you I’d save the dollars for a great grad program.</p>

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<p>hi i am currently in nashville but relocating for a job back to providence actually (: </p>

<p>any tips on decent but affordable undergrad schools that take lost but now found transfer students like myself? I’d also like one to have a solid reputation as far as applying for MFA’s, since that’s the major end goal here. </p>

<p>You bet I am working nonstop on my portfolio! I have most of my work at a gallery now but I get it back in a couple weeks and am going to work on my slides and post them at some point.</p>

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<p>wow what kind!? you have to tell all about it!!
I mean, I do that (make someone angry)often enuff, being immigrant and ESL (well, this excuse have gotten old…)
it must have been quite an accomplishment getting out Ivy in one piece.
I can’t think top of my head but that would do all sort of special thing for your life as an artist. have you read any biographies or research papers?
who is your favorite artist?
see,
I can ask million more nosy questions. you don’t have to answer any of it if you don’t want to. since now I figured your demons were prewar walk-up in outer boroughs and half gallon milk that costs arms and legs.</p>

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<p>haha, im lost, what kind of what?</p>