Hixiapa - my 2022 MFA thesis exhibition at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA)
Looking for inspiration from a successful UC Berkeley MFA graduate? My artwork has traveled from prestigious museums to the literal moon - and it all started with a winning portfolio.
The Portfolio That Landed Me a Fully-Funded MFA at UC Berkeley
After years of applying to MFA programs, I finally cracked the code. In my latest video below, "Revealing The MFA Art Portfolio That Got Me Accepted To UC Berkeley!" I share the exact portfolio that secured my spot in UC Berkeley's fully-funded MFA Art Practice Program.
Breaking Free from Traditional Portfolio Rules
As a multi-hyphenate and multidisciplinary artist engaged in digital art, performance, installation, and social practice, I often felt out of place in the conventional art world. A crucial aspect of my work involves questioning traditional structures and forms, leading to frequent challenges in being recognized as a “real” or “legitimate” artist since I don’t identify primarily as a painter or drawer.
My success proves there's room for artists who refuse to be boxed in.
Here's what made my application stand out:
My ability to showcase a multi-passionate approach while maintaining coherence
Curating a portfolio where each artwork was a part of a large narrative about my practice
The strategies I used to present and contextualize my non-traditional artwork
The documentation of ephemeral art forms (performance, social practice, community organizing)
The combining of new media and digital art with spiritual and ancestral practices
An invaluable MFA Admissions secret that changed everything.
What significantly changed my applications? Strategically positioning my top three images. This minor adjustment resulted in numerous MFA program interviews after years without response. Discover more by watching the video below.
Revealing The MFA Art Portfolio That Got Me Accepted To UC Berkeley!
My Artistic Success Beyond Berkeley
Since my graduation, I have achieved several accomplishments, including:
My solo exhibit at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles was named Top 10 in Hyperallergic
My artwork was featured on San Francisco's Salesforce Tower
I’ve shared my work at LACMA, Hammer, ICA San Francisco, and The Momentary
My artwork was placed on the moon, yes, the actual MOON, as part of the Arch Lunar Art Archive
The Los Angeles County Department of Art and Culture commissioned me to design a public artwork in downtown LA.
How to Create an MFA Portfolio They Can't Resist
As an artist in Los Angeles with a successful career, I’ve assisted many applicants, including a current UC Berkeley MFA student, in securing interviews and admissions to their preferred schools.
I understand the unique challenges faced by:
BIPOC artists
Neurodivergent artists
Queer, Trans, and Gender Diverse artists
Digital artists
Performance artists
Social practice artists
Multi-hyphenates or people with multiple careers and interests
Nontraditional Artists
Get Personalized MFA Application Support
Ready to transform your MFA application journey?
Listen, I want you to be the first to know that I did not start off with tons of recognition and support. I have had many years of feeling like nobody cares about me or my art and receiving rejection after rejection. It takes a ton of tenacity, perseverance, and commitment to your creative path to make it as an artist. I go way more in-depth into my own journey of finally getting accepted into UC Berkeley after many years of applying in this blog entry and video.
Your Non-Traditional Art Practice Deserves Recognition
Whether you're stuck with your MFA application or seeking portfolio guidance that goes beyond traditional mediums, I'm here to help. Your unique artistic voice matters - let me show you how to make it shine in your MFA application.
Subscribe to my newsletter to connect with me or explore how you can collaborate with me, including the option to hire me for one-on-one coaching.
Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions or helpful tips! The more we share and assist each other, the more empowered we all become to chase our dreams!