WRITING SAMPLES
Most schools that you apply to will require a sample of your writing. This could be in the form of an artist’s statement, personal statement, or specific questions the school wants you to answer.
WRITING AN ARTIST’S STATEMENT
An artist statement is about your artwork specifically. Writing your artist statement can be a daunting task, but the more you learn to write and talk about your work, the more natural it’ll become, and it will help inform decisions in your artwork practice as well. If you’re in school as a Fine Arts major, for example, critiques will become second nature to your studio practice. In a creative environment, where it’s expected for you to complete projects, talking about the process of your work with others will become key to the successful completion of your work.
For example, are you drawn to certain forms of painting, sculpture, film, photography, etc? Talk about the materials. Who and what were some of the influences? Be specific. What’s a common theme or interest that you find yourself going back to? Are there any personal experiences or memories that come back to you? What was your initial motivation?
PERSONAL ESSAY
Personal essays ask more questions regarding your background, whether it’s about experiences that have shaped you, family, academic, etc. These essays are mostly required amongst liberal arts schools, included in a section of the common application. Some examples are:
“Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?”
“Describe a problem you’ve solved, or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma-anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution”
Here are some examples of writing prompts from several schools:
ArtCenter College of Art & Design
Who do you believe to be the three major artists and designers who are shpaing the discipline you are interested in pursuing or who have influenced you?
The ability to think critically and to approach the classroom with curiosity is vital to success at art center and in the professional world, explain something that you once believed to be true that you have since come to question,
OR
Taking a risk comes more easily to some than others but for most it will be an important part of becoming an artist or designer, explain a risk you’ve taken in your life that has paid off-exploring something new, confronting a fear or problem, or taking a stand on an issue.
SVA
In 500 words or less, discuss your reasons for pursuing undergraduate study in the visual arts. Feel free to include any information about yourself, as well as your goals and interests that may not be immediately apparent from the review of your transcripts or portfolio.
NYU
A one-page artist’s statement describing your:
a) goals as an artist;
b) artistic influences, including two contemporary artists who are nationally or internationally recognized (these artists should have created new work within the past 20 years and they should be represented in major art museums or art galleries which feature contemporary visual artists);
c) background and interests, including previous art training, and films, literature, or music you enjoy and how they relate to your art work;
d) what you hope to gain from studying in the studio art program at NYU.
RISD
Submit one example of your writing, up to 650 words. Remember, this is the limit, not a goal. Use the full limit if you need it, but don’t feel obligated to do so. The writing prompts are listed below, but you will also find these prompts in the Personal Essay section of the Common Application and in the Writing section of the RISD online application. Select one of the following options:
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma or anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.
While we encourage you to adhere to the rules of good writing, we look for applicants who are not afraid to take risks in their expression. Please don’t hesitate to use a writing style or method that may be outside the mainstream as you express a distinctive personal position in the samples you submit.
PARSONS
Essay 1, BA/BFA Essay: Please elaborate specifically on what a liberal arts education means to you and how it can inform your studio practice or how you see your studio practice being enhanced by also studying liberal arts. Describe how the BA/BFA dual-degree program at Eugene Lang and Parsons can work together to help you realize your goals. (maximum 250 words)
Essay 2, Artistic Statement (optional): What do you make, how do you make it, and why do you make? Ultimately, where do you see your creative abilities and academic study taking you after your education here at Parsons? (maximum
500 words)
Always stay true to your own voice. Don’t overcompensate with elaborate stories, but write your draft a few times and plan ahead. It’s good to have time in between writing to assess which parts to keep and which parts to leave out in your essay.