Parsons School of Design: My Story, Part Two

Buona sera, birdies!

 The fabulous Lexy asked me some questions in the comments of my last Parsons post, so I'm going to try to answer a few.

How would you describe your teachers?

It really depends on the teacher.  Most of them are professionals in their field, and can be very tough on students.  They expect excellent work and professional attitudes, but many teachers stay in touch with their students and can be a great contact to have.

How would you describe your classes?

A lot of work! Most of the teachers I have had stuff a lot of information and work into the class period!  For foundation year, all of my classes were 3 hours long each except for drawing and lab. Those two classes are six hours long each. That can seem like a long time, but when you are working the whole time it can fly by.  The first semester of foundation year at Parsons is pretty rigid, because everyone has the same classes and must learn the fundamentals and basics of art and design. The second semester, students have a bit more freedom in choosing their classes and are supposed to have a lot more freedom in their work. My teachers liked to take us to places outside the classroom to give us examples of things we were learning.  I have gone to museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Natural History. My art history professor loved to take us to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I have also gone on field trips to art galleries, Printed Matter, and even just down the street to look at poster designs.  There is also a lot of outside work given, to use the information you learn in class. Students must learn to be very independent and get used to the city, but I also have made a lot of friends in my classes and worked together with them outside of class.

A project I did for 3D class.

A project I did for lab class with two other people.


How would you compare Parsons to other art and design schools?

I can't really compare that much, since Parsons is the only one that I am attending! However based on research and friends, I have heard a lot of things about other schools.  My friend goes to FIT as a photography major and he really enjoys it for that particular subject; plus since it is a SUNY school it is cheaper!  However I have another friend who went there for Fashion Marketing and didn't like it much. No matter what your major, it really really depends on the person. I have heard different things about Parsons, FIT, RISD, FIDM, Marist, Berkeley, MICA, and the Art Institutes.   Location can also be a big factor: some people like to live in cities, some people like to go to a big school, and some people do not!  Ask around and do your research!

How much work do you get on a nightly and weekly basis?
Again, it depends on the teacher and the class.  As long as you are organized and focused, your work will get done. [I am a big procrastinator, so focus is a big one for me!]  You will probably have to pull some all nighters, but this is college- it happens!  It is possible, I promise! You are often expected to travel to other places in the city for an assignment, which can be tough if you don't live in the city and are a commuter.  Art and fashion school isn't always as glamorous as it seems, and it takes hard work and dedication, but I promise that it is so worth it! I am having the time of my life! If you are doing what you love to do, a lot of the time the homework doesn't even seem like work.  I feel thankful and lucky every day that I get to learn about art and design and meet people who are just as passionate about it as I am!

Ooooh, frustrating. :p

 What kinds of things did you submit in your portfolio?

I've seen portfolios that were very very different from mine, and some very different answers to the Parsons challenge. It's all about the individual.  At Parsons, we were required to submit both a portfolio and a Parsons Challenge "response".  I included descriptions, or "artist statements" for each piece I submitted in my portfolio.  I was also required to write a short description for each part of my Parsons Challenge. Here is the link for my portfolio on Flickr.   Here is the link for my Parsons Challenge-however I am not sure if the question is the same ever year.

I would suggest including both real life studies and work that is from your imagination, and including figures and still life.  Include many differeny medias is you would like, but stick to what you are good at.  I also went for an interview, where someone from admissions reviewed my portfolio (not formally) and interviewed me a bit.  I also had a chance to ask her about the school.  I showed interest in the study abroad program and...I don't really remember, but I'm pretty sure I showed mega enthusiasm in all of the programs, haha.  I wore an outfit that was dressed up but still showed my personality- one of my style rules is, "if you want to be remembered, wear a hat!" ;]  Just be yourself, and let your artwork show who you are and your point of view!

Lastly, though, don't worry too much about it.  Stay true to yourself, work hard, and believe that if you are meant to be somewhere, it will happen!


xx, Nikkidee! :]