JT Spunk | Photography

How can I find a good MFA program?

I am a BA graduate of dual majors: Art and English w/ creative writing emphasis. I am a very tactile person and I am considering going for a MFA to become a professor. I am in the Midwest of the US and looking for something not too severe as a move. I am unsure of my focus. I enjoy Art History but my classes weren’t very strong during college, I am an avid potter, a good photography, good at painting, great as an editor and speaker, and very creative as a writer. I am very unsure about what to focus on because I am so far, good at everything I try. I feel like art history can take me farther and open more doors, but I also am afraid I will not enjoy it as much as being a graphic artist. Any tips or hints to help out? I would appreciate the advice. Thanks!

Well, I’m an art historian, and to get very far in this field, you really need a PhD. That’s a long haul, and the academic/museum job market isn’t good right now. I just came back from a day at the College Art Association Conference (CAA is the professional organization for art historians and studio art professors in the U.S.), and people in the field are not feeling optimistic about the situation.

However, I have a relative who is a graphic designer, and she has a good position outside of academia. That’s a field in which your prospects might be good.

As for MFA programs, the top art schools tend to be located on the East Coast. Still, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago is excellent, so you might consider it. Otherwise, you should start googling “MFA programs” “Midwest” and do some research.

Low-Residency MFA Handbook: A Guide for Prospective Creative Writing Students $11.81 The Low-Residency MFA Handbook offers prospective graduate students an in-depth preview of low-residency creative writing MFA programs. Interviews with program directors, faculty, alumni, and current students answer the many questions prospective graduates have, including: What happens during the non-residency semester? What are the brief residencies like? What community is established between fac…

The Creative Writing MFA by Kealey, Tom; Kealey Edition REV, 2 $22.95 This handbook for prospective MFA students in creative writing provides information on writing programs, their details, components, and requirements. Included are interviews and answers to questions by program directors, professors, graduates, and students, advice on the application process and choosing a program, and discussion of teaching, writing workshops, publishing in literary magazines, and what to do after the degree. New to this edition are chapters profiling and ranking programs, and discussing low-residency and PhD programs. The listings formerly at the back of the book have been omitted and placed online. Annotation ?2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Creative Writing MFA Handbook by Kealey, Tom; Kealey Edition , 0 $21.99 Kealey (a fiction author and writing teacher at Stanford) offers a guide for people considering entering a graduate creative writing program (M.A., MFA, or Ph.D.), as well as those who have decided to go for it. He discusses characteristics common to most programs, and gives tips for the research, application, and final decision processes. One chapter is dedicated to making the most of all aspects of the chosen program, including classes, workshops, and writing time. Profiles of some acclaimed programs in each region of the US are included in one chapter; a list of every creative writing program in the country comprises one appendix. Also included in the appendices are brief interviews with graduates and professors and a list of websites containing reading lists that may be helpful. Annotation ?2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

The Portable Mfa in Creative Writing $22.13 Presents a nuts and bolts instructional handbook that uses a series of entertaining and informative writing exercises, clear instruction in the craft behind the art, detailed reading lists, inspirational ideas, and tips on revision and productivity, all designed to help readers enhance their creative writing skills. Original. 15,500 first printing. Author: New York Writers Workshop Subtitle: improve your craft with the core essentials taught to MFA students Publication Date: 2006/05/13 Number of Pages: 282 Binding Type: Paperback Language: English Depth: 1.00 Width: 6.25 Height: 9.00

Digital Photography: The Missing Manual $32.49 Digital Photography: The Missing Manual helps you to take beautiful digital pictures of your baby, your trip to Paris, your new pet iguanaand then share the stunning results with your friends and family. Spiked with the advice and humor that are trademarks of the Missing Manual series, this book shows you how to: Master your digital camera. Learn how to use those mysterious buttons and modes to improve your pictures.Take memorable photos. Become a better photographer right away with a few simple tricks from the pros.Edit your photos to remove red eye, or crop out extraneous buildings. Add colors and effects not normally found in nature.Share your pictures using the best programs and Web sites for sharing your photosin print, online, and via ESP.This is a great book for people who want to get started with digital photography but its also perfect for those who need to increase the skills they already have. Intermediate digital photographers will love the tips and tricks from the pros and the helpful buying guides for those accessories theyre ready to add.Note: This book is Windowsonly. For Mac fans, iPhoto 6: The Missing Manual has a whole section on digital photography. Author: Grover, Chris/ Brundage, Barbara/ Pogue, David Series Title: Missing Manuals Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 403 Publication Date: 2006/07/07 Language: English Dimensions: 9.16 x 7.06 x 0.98 inches

Portrait Photography Transformed: 1960 Present $167.28 Photography at the high school level has traditionally been taught in a studio or darkroom and rarely included art history. The curriculum was generally gender biased and narrowly focused, leaving little time to investigate important contributions of female photographers. Because of the digital revolution, photography has moved from the darkroom into the computer lab where students learn technical skills and basic software programs. Because computer lab exercises lack any broad intellectual significance, combining photography with computer technology in a classroom setting makes it possible for students to learn about one and become proficient at the other. Also, there has been little significant political, cultural, and social discourse in the classroom within a mainstream educational context. Portrait Photography Transformed: 1960 Present focuses on how changing times affect social concepts of art, communication, and technology. The study of portraiture offers a point of connection between contemporary modes of production and the timelessness of being human. Through portrait photography, students find mirrors reflecting who they were, are, or could be. Author: Maphet, Barbara Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 284 Publication Date: 2011/01/03 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.64 inches

Portable Mfa in Creative Writing by Edition ILL, 0 $21.49 Get the core knowledge of a prestigious MFA education without the tuition.Have you always wanted to get an MFA, but couldn't because of the cost, time commitment, or admission requirements? Well now you can fulfill that dream without having to devote tons of money or time.The Portable MFAgives you all of the essential information you would learn in the MFA program in one book. Covering fiction, memoirs, personal essays, magazine articles, poetry, and playwriting, this book provides you with:Inspiration and tips on revision, stamina, and productivityClear instruction on the craft behind the artDetailed reading lists to expand your literary horizonsExercises to improve your writing endeavorsBy heeding the advice inThe Portable MFA, you will gain the wisdom and experience of some of today's greatest teachers, all for the price of a book.

The Creative Writing Mfa Handbook $14.21 This book is in New – Excellent condition