The New Student Perspective

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as I entered my first year of grad school at NYSID.  My thoughts were a flutter with visions of light readings, engaging lectures, and the idealistic notion that my time management skills are up to par with tasks I was
about to endure.

Then reality sets in; projects pile up, readings appear endless, and sleep becomes that friend you always fail to catch up with.  Thus begins my fourth week as a NYSID MFA-1 student. Sure, the lectures are engaging, the faculty is knowledgeable and supportive, but no one could have prepared me for the workload.  I could complain, but I won’t.  This is what I signed up for, a rigorous program that prepares its students to emerge on top.  

One of the main reasons I chose to go to NYSID is the new graduate center. As a designer, your personal landscape is important, and this space is simply unparalleled. My studio, which is flooded with natural light, is shared with ten other students, each of us from different backgrounds and places (from China and South America to the Midwest.)   The design of the space promotes discussion and constructive criticism. It increases the quality of work that is produced and builds bonds among peers.

Is the workload heavy? Of course it is, I have three models (but ideally four) due this week, and more reading, painting, and project books than I know what to do with. Sometimes I even miss being able to sleep in. But I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything. Having seen the caliber of work displayed in NYSID’s 2011 Design Annual, I know that all of this work is leading to something big, and it will all be worth it the end.

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Matt Giampietro has recently started his first year as a NYSID MFA-1 Student. He earned a BA in Theatre Design from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, and was born and raised in Westchester County, just north of New York City.  Matt will be contributing peridoically to NYSID's Blog.