tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post113865489357537018..comments2023-09-26T07:21:40.532-04:00Comments on The Brooklyn days: Why I do not have an MFAPretty Ladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00342833918614545778noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-87051923062981372812013-10-11T10:07:18.014-04:002013-10-11T10:07:18.014-04:00I liked your honesty, though you did finish your &...I liked your honesty, though you did finish your "BFA"degree from the SFAI - its seems that you gave up to easily. In short, you quit making art, with or without a BFA or MFA you didn't stick with it and now seems like you have just settled in. I only have a B.A. from Berkeley, though I am asked to guest lecture in many art schools and journalism schools in the country, (my work fits in both worlds) the number one thing I tell students is don't quit. Another is, its not a career, its a way of life and you know from that start if that life is worth it to you or if you can survive in it. By all means the lecture to the incoming students at SFAI that were told to live on the cheap is exactly right and to learn how to support yourself on very little and have a day job that pays enough to work on your art but doesn't take up all your time - well that is something you should of figured out even way before High School let a lone a expensive private art college such as SFAI, The problem is that kids are not taught to take care of themselves until a very late age in this country,getting an education is important of course but so is practical work experience, travel and learning a skill you can earn money on. Most of the Art school students I have seen are blind to all this and only want the label of being an Artist but don't want to pay there dues or put in the years of work, there is not one road to take to do this but the key is don't leave that road like you did with your own career. I know many a talented artist in different mediums that couldn't see the end of the tunnel and got tired of living poor and they had much more talent then myself but they quit, I didn't - yes my work shows at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, and is housed as permanant collections in two well known museums but that didn't happen because I went to school - it happened because I made it happened , my work is what got me out of bed in the morning and it continues to make me happy to this day. I will go back and get my MFA some day soon ( currently living in Africa working on a new project) but the only reason to get an MFA is to teach plain and simple. But first, prove to yourself and to the world that you can do art and not quit and have "success". But to get an MFA shortly after you received your BFA is a waste I agree, prove yourself first. I am getting older and to have a terminal degree is a good asset when applying to a tenure teaching position, btw even top art schools and University's wave the terminal degree if you have proven yourself in the art world and have a solid track record of exhibitions. The reason I stayed with it all these years while I saw friends drop out left and right was. I knew that getting some "job" and living a easy life wasn't going to make me happy, I had been working and supporting my self since I was in middle school and worked along middle age people who didn't stick with what they were passionate about in life and were jaded and had many regrets, I saw the window into the future of my own life at fifteen and that could have been me now at 48. But I didn't settle for less but just kept pushing on.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04474366166877533539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-4977615776310328642013-04-09T17:51:27.566-04:002013-04-09T17:51:27.566-04:00This is a great discussion and it's great to h...This is a great discussion and it's great to hear all viewpoints on the debate.<br /><br />I have been accepted into the MFA program at CCA and have the next three weeks to decide if im going to go for it. Ill be owing roughly 30k per year (for two years) after a 10k/year scholarship. The cost would be my only reason for not going.<br /><br />I have little interest in teaching (although the option for the future is nice). My main goal is to push my work to a new level, strengthen my thesis, and to be frank, make connections.<br /><br />It's hard to know what to believe as someone on the fence. A lot of folks say that the art world is "buttoned up" these days and that you have to have an MFA to advance, others say it doesn't matter.<br /><br />I think both viewpoints are true to a degree. It's a personal decision, but in my case a very difficult personal decision.Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10842838816376826083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-64533819644143569642013-04-09T17:50:24.719-04:002013-04-09T17:50:24.719-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10842838816376826083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-13247203193777554912012-08-28T13:10:42.964-04:002012-08-28T13:10:42.964-04:00This post and the comments that go with it give me...This post and the comments that go with it give me much food for thought. I'm a late bloomer and have always kept the dream of pursuing professional art to myself. I think more in terms of how an MFA might benefit me personally, how it would make me feel, give me a sense of personal accomplishment, and so on. The expense doesn't really factor in all of this. What matters more to me is whether or not venturing towards an MFA would positively impact my life. Thanks for your honesty in posting this and thank you everyone for your input.Redhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00995981511802074871noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-18967032758290850882012-02-23T01:27:08.335-05:002012-02-23T01:27:08.335-05:00If you go to grad school to become a better artist...If you go to grad school to become a better artist, you don't understand art. Are you a little baby that needs to be nursed along?Anniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06368539809287449450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-45754388756647122382012-01-18T22:47:02.888-05:002012-01-18T22:47:02.888-05:00Found your blog after dropping two out of four req...Found your blog after dropping two out of four required courses at Loyola Marymount's MFA film school. I am in my second semester. A mistake to get an MFA in filmmaking. <br />I just recently applied to UCLA's moving image archive program. It is much more stable and I have experience working as a special collections archivist assistant already.<br />Major film studios, museums, and federal agencies like the CIA need archvist to preserve, restore, and archive digital files. federal govt pays about $84K while museums pay roughly 50k to start. It's a nice start for a young twenty something woman fresh out of school. ALSO, i can take cinematography classes on the side at UCLA but now think it is a joke to have a degree in it.<br /><br />Along with archiving, I would like to save up and open my own vegetarian or ethnic cuisine restaurant.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-59764390428786800192012-01-18T22:44:06.191-05:002012-01-18T22:44:06.191-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-82253185346661363642011-11-05T14:13:47.348-04:002011-11-05T14:13:47.348-04:00You certainly don't need an MFA to make art or...You certainly don't need an MFA to make art or sell art, but you do need it if you hope to teach, and if you love knowledge and want to push yourself intellectually and creatively I recommend it. <br /><br />As a woman with no family and at the end of my 30's I decided to go back for an MFA at SFAI after a 15 year career in architecture. Life is short and I want to live as many of my dreams out as possible. <br /><br />I'm closing in on the end of my first semester. The facilities could be better but I am happy with the program. It is a lot of work and I've had times of crying, sweating, and feeling unsure. But I'm learning stuff I would never have been exposed to outside of academia: reading materials, class discussions and presentations, advice, conversations, new friends with common ideas and goals etc. <br /><br />That I'll owe over $80,000 for a second degree does not thrill me, particularly when I am still paying off undergraduate loans. However debt is ubiquitous in the current era and I'm investing not for financial return but for return in my personal happiness, fulfillment and evolution as a creative soul. It would be nice to own property but after years of grinding away in an office and isolated in my art-making at home, I needed this more.<br /><br />On a broader scope, we need more artists and creative types with higher education under their belt, who are able to analyze and critically respond with art-making and writing, to culture, society, politics on a playing field that is level with the politicians, policy-makers, corporations and other intellectuals. <br /><br />To anyone who's considering going for it, my advice would be to very thoroughly consider why you want an MFA before making the decision to apply. Research schools as much as you can and pick the one that suits you the most as an individual.Not Availablehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05773845003765951278noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-24200340471104097522011-09-26T21:51:08.549-04:002011-09-26T21:51:08.549-04:00lol, not surprising coming from a SFAI BFA...only ...lol, not surprising coming from a SFAI BFA...only the strong survive. You hold the weakest argument ever for not getting a MFA...only because you know people who have not acquired what you deem to be success. I know tons of people who HAVE got their MFA and HAVE gone on to be successful. Guess birds of a feather flock together.Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15914622322102071662noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-19164442381603552452011-06-30T00:00:23.736-04:002011-06-30T00:00:23.736-04:00Freakishly prescient: http://goo.gl/hqNj4 (Student...Freakishly prescient: http://goo.gl/hqNj4 (Students File Complaint against Art Institute with N.C. attorney general)<br /><br />Cannot remember how many times I've steered folks to this particular blog post. I hope you might consider re-posting this, as almost all studio undergrads go on to pay for MFA's that are nothing but bad loans and bullshit credits.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-31203644680898123522010-01-03T23:21:51.363-05:002010-01-03T23:21:51.363-05:00Thanks for this post. I'm 30 years old and ho...Thanks for this post. I'm 30 years old and hold a BA in Studio Arts from Baylor University. I constantly have debated back and forth about getting my MFA. I'm married with a kiddo and another on the way. Working as a web designer and developer pays the bills but isn't exactly my hearts desire.<br /><br />I've noticed friends of mine who've got their MFA, and those that don't be successful. If I could afford it, I think I'd go to have that season of refinement and focused time making art. <br /><br />Instead, I read what I can get my hands on and make it a goal to be in at least 2 shows a year. Out of all of my art heroes (living, not dead), I've found that those who "make it" just never stopped creating art and pursuing it. Some do hold MFA degrees and some do not. It's sad that teaching with an MFA isn't necessarily a given...but it makes sense why it's not. <br /><br />Last thing is that I really think your comments on getting away to a foreign country is a good idea. It may have been presented as "tongue and cheek" but after living for 6 months in Morocco, I can testify that it's a great idea. Those sorts of experiences will connect you with people you'd never meet, grant you memories you'll never forget, and change your life in a big way. <br /><br />Anyway, thanks for being so candid and brave to post this.Billy Hollishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06851245320481336646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-4067530820843856532009-12-04T16:27:56.911-05:002009-12-04T16:27:56.911-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.FailTriSucceedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09668911956121478184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-85950859215739064442009-10-01T19:00:02.340-04:002009-10-01T19:00:02.340-04:00THANK YOU for speaking the truth about this. I so...THANK YOU for speaking the truth about this. I soooo relate to much of what you said, and as an art major who is STILL paying off those monstrous loans from undergraduate school 10 years later, the idea of getting an MFA to add 60+k to the pile exhausts me, which is a main reason I never went. Oh but the guilt and feelings of insecurity about not being more articulate about my work or art in general since graduating!! Dude. Still have dreams with my professors in them haunting me.<br />THANK YOU again. I needed to read this today.Suzanne Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02446770427020336022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-41807435170533932432009-09-14T19:52:02.725-04:002009-09-14T19:52:02.725-04:00Amen sister!Amen sister!John Sanchezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10997075809645269778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-61028241406838481642009-03-03T16:18:00.000-05:002009-03-03T16:18:00.000-05:00I recently taught a a private art school for one y...I recently taught a a private art school for one year and it ended badly; however, I still want to get my MFA (at a state school) and teach. Read about my experience:<BR/><BR/>ATTN: Human Resources<BR/>Educational Management Corporation<BR/>210 Sixth Avenue<BR/>33rd Floor<BR/>Pittsburgh, PA 15222<BR/><BR/>August 14th, 2008<BR/><BR/>Dear Human Resources Coordinator,<BR/><BR/>As of yesterday evening, August 14th, at the end of my Thursday evening class (my last class for this week), I was told by Linda W. Wood, in an unannounced, late-night meeting, that I would be relieved of my teaching position with The Art institute of Atlanta, Dunwoody effective immediately. I was told this would also include the class I had been teaching on the satellite campus in Decatur.<BR/><BR/>This statement was made without proper notice, justification, or adequate opportunity for remediation. Just as I would normally resign from a work position with the typical two weeks notice, I would expect the same consideration and respect in a proper dismissal.<BR/><BR/>I had expected to be paid for the full term. I had an agreement (in essence a verbal contract) that I would be teaching from the beginning of the quarter (July 15th) up until the last day of the quarter (September 12th). I would have been willing and able to fulfill my obligation to work the term from start to finish and expect to be compensated accordingly. I had even been recently informed by the Lead Faculty member, Kat Hagan, that I was scheduled to teach in the Fall Term, two nights per week.<BR/><BR/>In the aforementioned surprise late night meeting, I was also told by Linda W. Wood that if - on the condition that I turned in my midterm grades on the following Monday by 12 noon - then I would receive my last payment of compensation for the week of August 18th – 22nd. Such a demand would circumvent the original agreement / assignment and is therefore unacceptable. I expect to be paid for each week that I worked - or was expected to work - up to and including September 8th – 12th. Even more troubling, there is no indication of severance pay of any sort listed in the specified section of my hand-delivered separation notice.<BR/><BR/>The circumstances for my early dismissal are perhaps too complicated and varied; however, I do not agree with or understand the department chair’s hasty assessment - “Performance” as per the reason listed for dismissal in the separation notice. From my perspective I found myself suddenly - without proper warning, justification or remediation – having been forced to change my teaching routine. According to my recollections, I had been doing fine since I started in October of 2007 (Fall Term 2007). I had even recently applied to (and got accepted to) an Educational Specialist degree program at a nearby University because I felt teaching was my new chosen calling. Suddenly everything came crashing to a halt.<BR/><BR/>I found myself struggling to reformat / re-tool my teaching technique without any proper assistance or guidance in an ever-increasingly hostile / unfair teaching environment. From the beginning I was faced with professional obstacles and those were further aggravated by the introduction of crippling new personal obstacles.<BR/><BR/>The professional obstacles I faced, from the beginning, were my being hired with no technical / educational training or input other than being given syllabi from other instructors; I was also given a poorly written textbook that students complained contained unclear sections, poor instructions and illogical entries.<BR/><BR/>I soon learned that complaints from other instructor’s regarding the textbook’s much-needed changes, edits and alterations went ignored / unanswered / unfulfilled. Furthermore, I also learned students were not being given (supplied with) required materials in their school kit (e.g. textbook & USB drive); and instructors (such as myself) were being forced to randomly create projects with no guidance / direction / input. Complaints about these learning hurdles were voiced to the Department Chair, Linda W. Wood, by other instructors; however, no remediation was given.<BR/><BR/>The personal obstacles I faced were recent and devastating. The problems began at the beginning of the Spring quarter when I was trying to deal with one particularly unruly student in my Monday night class. I reported the incident, via email, to the lead faculty member, Ms. Kat Hagan, who, at the time, stated she would inform the department chair, Ms. Linda Wood. No intervention or remediation was given.<BR/><BR/>Sometime after the Spring term had ended and right as Summer term began (either July 16th or 17th), I was summoned to a meeting with Ms. Wood and Ms. Hagan. I was shown bad reviews by two students– presumably the unruly student’s comrades from the Monday night Spring 2008 class.<BR/><BR/>Ms. Wood and Ms. Hagan stated they would assist in distributing and organizing my future class evaluations. I was so sufficiently shocked that I was permitted to take home copies of allegedly confidential student evaluations, that I failed to inquire as to why my desk had been moved to another floor without my being informed.<BR/><BR/>On the Friday before Summer term began, I learned that my desk had been moved to another floor without my being informed which caused my syllabi to be misplaced / lost. The lost / misplaced syllabi brought about un-needed distractions / problems in my first week of class.<BR/><BR/>The aforementioned distractions presumably resulted in a poor reflection of my abilities in the eyes of my students. After the first meeting on July 16 or 17th, the problems I faced were then further aggravated with the addition of new complaints lodged against me at the beginning of the Summer term by two new students.<BR/><BR/>A second meeting was called on July 30th; this time with Dan Garland, Linda Wood and Kat Hagan in attendance. I found myself suddenly - and very late into the teaching assignment – being commanded, by Linda W. Wood, to teach in a very certain, specified way heretofore unannounced.<BR/><BR/>I explained that the new way was analogous to being forced to drive a car to a destination (that I knew well) while several carloads of other people - who didn’t know the way - attempted to follow behind in heavy traffic. I voiced this concern and received no remediation or other alternative solution.<BR/><BR/>I soon learned that spies or agents had been inserted in my classroom – one in particular was a known school employee (a graphic design department employee and subordinate to Ms. Wood), one Mr. Willis Ponder, Jr., - to disclose and report my teaching progress and class activities. Additionally, the lead faculty member, Ms. Hagan, dropped in frequently and unannounced in order to watch over my shoulder and take copious notes.<BR/><BR/>On the night of August 14th, a surprise late night meeting was called. This was the third and what I was soon to learn (and quite honestly had expected) was a final meeting. As my Thursday evening class was ending, sometime around 9:40 PM, I was informed about said meeting by Ms. Hagan.<BR/><BR/>Ms. Hagan, who had been present the entire time in class watching over my shoulder and taking copious notes, waited until the very end of my class to inform me that I was being summoned by Ms. Wood.<BR/><BR/>I was subsequently led by Ms. Hagan to darkened, locked 3rd floor office which - at the time - seemed completely out of the ordinary if not outright inappropriate. It was in this manner that I was told by Ms. Wood, in front of Ms. Hagan, that I would be relieved of my teaching position with The Art institute of Atlanta effective immediately.<BR/><BR/>Based upon my observations and experiences with Linda W. Wood in her present position with The Art Institute of Atlanta, Ms. Wood lacks the necessary competence and qualifications required to chair one academic department, much less two. I would recommend placing someone else - someone more tactful, competent and sufficiently qualified - in the Graphic Design / Photographic Imaging Chairperson position before Ms. Wood continues making further questionable decisions which can only serve to damage the institute’s reputation and educational integrity.<BR/><BR/>I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss the nature and circumstances of my departure in an exit interview by phone or in person. As soon as possible, I will return any remaining keys and / or security passes (for both campuses I am employed) to the appropriate persons. Please contact me should you have questions or concerns in this matter. Thank you for your consideration.<BR/><BR/>Sincerely,<BR/><BR/><BR/><BR/>Robert D. Miller<BR/>Posted by romulus1129 at 10:11 AM 0 commentsromulus1129https://www.blogger.com/profile/14143294349100431361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-73961994332491948452009-01-18T06:06:00.000-05:002009-01-18T06:06:00.000-05:00^ best post of the thread.^^ best post of the thread.^Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-47145728483569122062009-01-17T08:07:00.000-05:002009-01-17T08:07:00.000-05:00Gee, I have an MFA - and I had a great experience,...Gee, I have an MFA - and I had a great experience, am doing well, sell work, and have loads of awesome students. I guess I just didn't learn how to make excuses.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-46677788226508592422008-12-09T16:49:00.000-05:002008-12-09T16:49:00.000-05:00I am currently an MFA candidate in a private insti...I am currently an MFA candidate in a private institution finishing my third of four semesters, as an MFA candidate. I do not think this is the path for everyone, and I do not encourage fence-riders to enroll. Anyone yearning for financial success and/or security should not choose this path.<BR/><BR/>I am worried as shit about what to do after school, but I knew I'd have to deal with this eventually. <BR/><BR/>I believe that hard work can offer you the same career opportunities as an MFA.<BR/><BR/>What can an MFA offer? Dedicated studio time, close relationships with other people working toward a similar goal and, most importantly, the opportunity to engage in dialog with other artists (student or teacher) about art. You won't find this in your shitty day job, not even at the coolest bar/coffee shop in town. Believe me, I've tried that, too.<BR/><BR/>The only reason to enter an MFA program is self-enrichment. The responsibility is yours. You need to arrive at class every day fresh,not hungover, with questions to ask and answers to offer. The only reward to the program is self-development. If you feel you can get that on your own, go for it. <BR/><BR/>School is not the only way toward this enrichment, but it is a concentrated environment without the distractions of everyday life.John F. Moore, Jr.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13895770155243330648noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-79325074913933390582008-09-07T12:03:00.000-04:002008-09-07T12:03:00.000-04:00My story is a long one.. i went to a BFA program. ...My story is a long one.. i went to a BFA program. the teachers were lazy.. i dropped out.. went to Germany, and continued to be a artist. My career grew from being around professional artist, and i showed my work . In Europe, i did not have the need or time to persue a MFA . My art work was evidence that i had a intellectual , professional and inventive Art approach<BR/> My point is.. Having no degree, i managed to create just what a degree is suppose to create, <BR/>a working artist who can compete in the International art market yet now, 2008 having a great Cv. international shows and teaching experience all with out a Degree. i was just told i could not have a job teaching a drawing class for undergraduate non art majors , cause i didnt have a MFA.<BR/> My point.<BR/> i dont respect the schools rule of manditory MFA,<BR/> <BR/> i am Qualified to teach or impart information regarding art, since i have the professional record to proove it from actual experience.The Unspoken Wordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00463459415468538498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-71059689931669000092008-08-11T21:32:00.000-04:002008-08-11T21:32:00.000-04:00elizabethbriel,My career is based on working with ...elizabethbriel,<BR/><BR/>My career is based on working with Federal gov't agencys and not-for-profits. The additional credit hours influence base pay in these sectors.<BR/><BR/>I am a web designer (Some print) and am looking to go for a "back to basics" MFA in Graphic Design. <BR/><BR/>I am looking for the exposure to the less business side<BR/>side of art, where my Microsoft Outlook does not rule my creative soul. <BR/><BR/>I am looking into MA's, that way my company would pay for it. This may be my best option, I think. But they are more structured than the MFA. If i have to earn credits for no other reason than saying - "Hey HR look at my credits, please up my GS level pay" - I at least want to enjoy it. Then be qualified (credit wise) for lead positions at the Smithsonian or the National Gallery for online exhibition development or in their traditional print positions.<BR/><BR/>I just do not know if I want to go through it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-1799935645943311392008-07-26T05:25:00.000-04:002008-07-26T05:25:00.000-04:00I'm currently in the decision mode of MFA or not m...I'm currently in the decision mode of MFA or not mode and glad this came up in my Google search. Thanx for all the comments-both pro and con MFA-I will add to my list of considerations/comments/advice to weigh whatever it is I ultimately end up doing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-43768744611176226472008-07-14T11:03:00.000-04:002008-07-14T11:03:00.000-04:00Well, um, er, unlike many of the comments here, my...Well, um, er, unlike many of the comments here, my experience was utterly positive, while getting my MFA. I went to a school in Vermont, Vermont College. People like Steve Kurtz have taught there. The faculty were more like mentors or peers, rather than like wild dogs out for a kill. They actually cared about students. (hard to believe I know). At the time I was already teaching Digital Art as an Adjunct.<BR/><BR/>My main reason to go was a sense of passion and curiosity and wanting my work, my process to go to a new place. And (yippee) it did. With the help and guidance of the faculty and mentors at VC, and 3 hours of sleep a night for 2 years, I grew as a person and as an artist in ways that I could not have imagined. And I am an "old fuck" as George Carlin called it (57 at the moment). <BR/><BR/>And they helped us prepare ourselves for jumping through hoops (writing CVs, etc) to deal with galleries and with educational institutions.<BR/><BR/>Yep, it was expensive. Nope, not really selling any work (digital video), and nope didn't get a tenured position, and as of this moment, probably not going to teach as an adjunct anymore, for about 100 reasons. (poverty being one of them).<BR/><BR/>But, selling my work is not important...thats not why I make art. What I gained personally at VC was well worth the time, vast effort and money...a priceless experience. <BR/><BR/>I think it really depends on your motivaton, why are you getting an MFA? And also what school you go to. They are all incredibly different. I just kind of lucked out...Vermont College is a rare kind of school. So, there ya go. Have fun y'all.chogyamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17770979015969427365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-25920973190038154632008-06-12T18:45:00.000-04:002008-06-12T18:45:00.000-04:00I just got an MFA in creative writing, and I hear ...I just got an MFA in creative writing, and I hear a lot of these same arguments... and I think they are a little tired and often driven by bitterness. This blog makes good points... but anyone who did their research ought to have known that going into it. The MFA is not a teaching degree, it is a studio degree.<BR/><BR/>It has been my experience that most of my fellow MFAers never expected to secure a tenure track job, if they did, great, but they knew it unlikely. They just wanted to write and learn. I went to one of the aforementioned state schools, a reputable one, that paid ALL of my tuition, and between fellowships and T.A. positions, I made over $40,000 in pay in less than two years (all this, and in four semesters I only taught three classes the whole time). Not bad for a student. Good, supportive programs are out there, you just have to look for them. My teachers were immensely helpful and, those that weren't, I avoided.<BR/><BR/>I will also point out that of the people who were the "best" (IMO), hard working writers were also the ones who began to win major awards and get published in reputable magazines... some even in places like The New Yorker, Playboy, etc... I haven't broken into slick mags yet, but I've already started getting into reputable often-anthologized literary journals... and my MFA only arrived in the mail last week. Am I getting published b/c of the degree? No. But the instruction and support helped a lot.<BR/><BR/>So before you bash the MFA, take an honest look around. Good things are happening for many MFAers.<BR/><BR/>And by the way, to one of the previous commenters... I learned to play chess by playing with "novices." Ditto on poker. Ditto on writing. Ditto on most things in life. Pretending like your "teachers" are the only ones that can help you sounds a lot like the elitist attitude you claim to reject.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-13141423732067066392008-06-06T01:41:00.000-04:002008-06-06T01:41:00.000-04:00To the most recent Anon: get a targeted MA, not an...To the most recent Anon: get a targeted MA, not an MFA, unless it's in Digital Art. You can do it part-time, and it'd be more relevant to what you're doing now.<BR/><BR/>What field do you want to use it for? Do you want to change careers? The art world isn't too forgiving of those over 40...or those under it, either.Ebrielhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16896422024671707656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7040841.post-70047154173127335172008-06-04T00:51:00.000-04:002008-06-04T00:51:00.000-04:00You think an MFA is going to help you make MORE th...You think an MFA is going to help you make MORE than <B>$75K A YEAR???</B><BR/><BR/>It won't. Sheesh.Pretty Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00342833918614545778noreply@blogger.com