Reflections After the MA Interview

I thought I'd write a short post after coming off the video call for my MA interview. A few days ago I received an email saying that I'd be having an interview with Pam Smy, the Senior Lecturer Practitioner, on Friday 4th February. I've previously seen Pam on the course virtual open days along with Shelley Jackson, the Course Leader. Both tutors are practising illustrators so it's interesting to see how they work and benefit from their experience in the industry. With such short notice, I didn't have much time to prepare or think about what was going to happen since I'd only submitted my portfolio about 2 weeks ago. I'm not very good at waiting for things as it usually builds up as stress and overthinking every outcome, so in a way, this system worked better for me as I had less time to think about it! 

Pam Smy

Instead of going to Cambridge for the interview, it ended up being an online call via Zoom. While this was better for sorting out travel arrangements, it was still a challenge to figure out how I wanted to present it. I wanted to present my portfolio pieces and sketchbooks in their physical state rather than in a digital PDF as I feel it can lose the quality. In the email, they had asked to see observational drawings with that being a large portion of the first semester, so I thought it was best to scan my sketchbooks and create a PDF in case the rising sun in my studio was an issue. 

In reflection, the interview went well. I didn't feel confident after as there were a lot of things that could have gone better but I think I said and showed everything I wanted to so there's not much more I could do. As I'd imagined, the bright sunrise was an issue so halfway through I had to figure out how to share my screen on Zoom halfway through- which didn't go too well! Another thing I found tricky was that the interview wasn't very conversational; I'm used to light-hearted chats with feedback whereas I felt it was hard to judge her reactions and if she liked my work. After talking to some friends and family this seems to be the general consensus but as I'm not used to it, it threw me a bit. 

After asking some questions about the course structure and print room access I was told I'd receive feedback next week so I'm waiting for that, trying not to stress too much! I'm feeling nervous but excited because it's such a big opportunity and I'm glad I've done everything I can now. I've been following the CSACBI (Cambridge School of Art Children's Book Illustration) Instagram page where they have been posting two graduates daily prior to the final exhibition in London in the coming weeks. It's been interesting to read about the artists behind the work on the graduate's show page, seeing the diversity in backgrounds, ambitions and processes.  It's also incredible to see the talent coming off the course, but also quite overwhelming to think that that could be me next year!

The Cambridge School of Art Instagram page where graduates work is being posted daily

2022 Graduates MA Showcase, links to each artists portfolio and social media pages.

Pamsmy.com. 2022. Pam Smy Portfolio. [online] Available at: <https://www.pamsmy.com/portfolio> [Accessed 6 February 2022].

MA Children's Book Illustration 2022. 2022. MA Children's Book Illustration 2022. [online] Available at: <https://www.cambridgemashow.com/> [Accessed 6 February 2022].

Instagram.com. 2022. CSACBI. [online] Available at: <https://www.instagram.com/csacbi/> [Accessed 6 February 2022].