During the final term of this past school year, I decided to apply to the design program at my current university as a change of major. Unfortunately I was not accepted, however I thought I'd document the experience here since it is nonetheless a part of my creative journey - not to mention it involves some paper goods. As for me, I'll continue to be the history and art history student you all know me as, meanwhile fearing for the practicality of these degrees post graduation. In any event, I'm resolved not to give up on a career that incorporates creativity and design. I've been researching options for acquiring some formal arts training after I've finished up my B.A. degrees. Any advice is certainly welcome!
And now, to the application materials. I must say, I truly hate applying to anything so in an effort to make the task more appealing, I thought I'd spend a little time on creative presentation. To hold everything I made a solid red manila-sized envelope complete with a string-and-button closure and self-designed address labels. The sleeve that houses a red portfolio CD is double sided so the interior's tiny polka dots show through the circular vellum window. Finally, patterns and color palette are repeated on the personal statement page and cover sheet (not pictured).
Friday, June 20, 2008
Red Tape
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18 comments:
i will add your not getting accepted to my list of things i just don't understand! it's great that you're not going to give up and you shouldn't. you have a wonderful talent.
I'm just floored you were not accepted. Your work is so beautiful and your blog so visually....um....delicious! I just like stopping by to take a look around!
Aww...thanks for the kind words! On the upside I get to keep studying history/art history. Hopefully things will work out, I just have to keep trying!
i too am completely confused by your not having been accepted. what on earth are they looking for? your photos and designs and illustrations are pure visual delight.
if you live in SoCal, have you looked at Otis for studying design? my best friend went there and loved it.
Coming from someone with a BFA in graphic design, I say you have "the talent"! Without a doubt. I know when I first applied into the design program at my former university I was declined as well, but it was because a) I didn't have enough of the art pre-reqs out of the way and b) they would only let so-many students into the program, so essentially you were competing with the other students to get in (who may have taken more of the art pre-reqs than you, or had a higher avg. than you, etc). So, in your case, it may have had nothing to do with your portfolio/skills, so certainly don't take it to heart! Apply again at a later point.
Maybe you could also hunt around to see if you can work as a design intern with the college or a small local business? Send them a self-promo package just like the one you used to apply for the program along with a letter of your strengths/skills/etc. Design firms *love* that sort of thing as it shows instantly what you are able to put into a project and gives them something tangible.
Good luck!
Great packaging! As beautiful as your creations are....they are crazy!
I don't know why they rejected your application. You seem to have intuitively done just what graduating design students are required to do with their portfolios - design them perfectly, even the resume and cover letter, to mirror the style of the contents and reflect who they are as designers. I'm currently working on my own portfolio, and looking at your pictures delights me and reminds me that paying attention to details is paramount.
If this is the portfolio you handed in it truly baffles me as to why you didn't make the cut. But guessing is no good. I know from experience here in Bezalel Art Academy that they also reject applicants they see are already fully formed as designers and don't need the degree.
Not knowing which design program you applied to I suggest looking into Visual Communications. You're made for graphic design.
Silly fools, the lot of them. And look at that presentation! We love it!
XO,
Lola and Ruby
I'm also astonished that you weren't accepted - have admired your work for a while! I have given you an award on my blog if you'd like to take a look - http://artangelstudio.blogspot.com/
Hope that's OK!
Angie
Found you through Amy and so glad I did! Your blog is fabulous and your work - gorgeous! ~ Sharon
Presentation is very important. Very impressive you have some lovely work!
That's completely baffling news. Your work is amazing.
I Love your work! Your blog by its self is a work of art :)
Ditto to what 'bluebirdcrafts' said. Your blog is delightfully designed and it is apparent that each post is very well thought out and carefully constructed. Each one is like a mini design presentation in itself...truly you have oodles of talent and creativity!
Hmmm. It is baffling. I suspect one of two things: perhaps they viewed your work more as "crafty" than "design". This can be a slim line, but depending on the people who review, they can be very clear lines. There is often an elitist attitude in portfolio reviews (and I don't begrudge them that- it's their opinion helps make the program what it is.) Or, maybe it's because you are switching majors and haven't the background/strong portfolio they are looking for. Design and art schools can get very selective for whatever reasons. I would think they would explain to you why they rejected you so perhaps you could give it more consideration in future.
But beyond this, I admire your spirit and I'm glad you're not discouraged. I had absolutely no formal training in the the field I've made a career of for the last 15yrs and I never stop being a sponge to new and different genres of design. I'm certain you won't be held back on any creative venture you truly put your mind to!
I cannot believe that you weren't accepted ... I agree with other comments ... your site and everything about it is a treasure of visual yummy-ness ! I'm so glad that I found you, it's all tres inspiring.
I just love your blog! I applied to the design program at my school a couple months ago as well, and I agree--it's no fun. I like how you decided to make the most of it and create beautiful packaging.
I am so impressed by everything--your beautiful photography and typography and layouts. It's all wonderful!
Good luck with everything!
Hey, Livy! I am so impressed with all of your talent and creativity. Perhaps it is a blessing in disguise that you were not accepted to the design school. You will continue to be unique and your vision will not be diluted by what other's consider to be the "rules" of design.
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