Edgar Fabián Frías

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Revealing The MFA Art Portfolio that Led to Acceptance at UC Berkeley's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Art Practice Program!

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:

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.

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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!