How to get the most out of studio visits

If they say yes:

If they say they are too busy and you really want to meet them:

+ Ask what time of day is best, and how long they are able to visit.+ Share notes about finding your studio and where to park. Share a map like the one provided here. + Ask if they need any accommodations, or have accessibility needs.+ Be sure to ask permission to document their visit if you are hoping to record photos/audio/video.

+ Offer to go to them (their studio or office hours).+ Ask if you could reach out again in a couple months. + Ask if you could send some images and get feedback.+ Ask if you could meet for coffee.

Clean your studio. Make sure there is a comfortable place for guests to sit or stand. Dispose of all trash and adjust the lighting and room temperature as needed. If you are working with wet paint or toxic materials, provide visitors with a warning, so they don’t damage their clothing or your ongoing work.

Prepare the work you plan to discuss. Know which works you want to show first, second, and last. Put away work you do not plan to display. Be ready to explain the work on view and talk about subject, form, content, and context. Try taking a walk around your studio and imagine how your work is showcased from a visitor’s perspective.

Display items to page through or look at. You might include a brief statement, biography, resume/CV, process book(s), or previous publications. Visitors may not look at these items, but they are good to have, in case you want to reference them.

Have process-work on display (sketches, research photos, in-progress work, etc.). People often want to feel like they are getting a behind-the-scenes peek when they visit a studio. If you seek feedback on your process-work, feature more of it in your studio during the studio visit.

If you sell your work, know your prices. You do not need to memorize all of your prices, but be able to easily reference a document, or direct people to your gallery/dealer if you have one. If work is not for sale, simply state that.

Have questions ready, but also be ready to abandon them if conversation is flowing.

Have business cards available with your email address, website URL, and social media handles(s) for visitors to take with them.

Have a beverage or snack to offer visitors. Beverages might include carbonated or still water, tea, or coffee. Snacks might include small chocolates, granola bars, or pretzels. Visitors may not partake, but they will appreciate the offer. Do not bake or make a meal.

PRACTICE your studio visits. Try doing a couple low-stakes visits with people from your cohort or friends before you invite someone to your studio. Doing a run-through of what you would say or do beforehand can help calm your nerves for high-stakes visits.

IMPORTANT: If at anytime leading up to the visit you find that you are unable to attend or are going to be late, immediately let your visitor know (email, text, call, etc.). Do not skip the visit and apologize later, or the next day. Remember that your actions not only reflect on you as an individual, but also on the MCAD MFA Program.

Meet your visitor at the door to help them find their way.

Be okay with negative or constructive feedback. Everyone has an opinion, and it is okay if visitors have opinions about your work that differ from your own.

Do not text, accept phone calls, or play loud music during a visit.

Respect their time. Be ready to end the visit as scheduled, unless the visitor clearly wants to go over the agreed-upon time slot.

ALWAYS send a thank you note. Email is fine. A studio visit is an act of generosity, and you should acknowledge it. This is also a good time to follow up on any lingering questions or plans that might have blossomed out of the meeting. Be sure to write clearly and proofread your note for errors before sending it.

Reciprocate the offer, when appropriate. If your visitor was a peer, equal, or potential future colleague, they might be interested in you visiting their studio too. Think of it as an exchange of social capital– it’s 100% appropriate to offer to visit their studio as well.

If the visit went well, add the visitor(s) to your email/newsletter list. They will be delighted to hear from you once or twice a year (not more). This is how you build a strong network and occasionally remind them that you exist.

+Anika Schneider’s email template, Fall 2019+Strategies for a Productive and Successful Studio Visit by Cara Ober, 2/23/17 http://www.bmoreart.com/2017/02/how-to-studio-visit-with-curators-and-collectors.html +Show and Tell: The Dos and Don’ts of Studio Visits by Ann Landi, 9/30/13 http://www.artnews.com/2013/09/30/a-guide-to-doing-studio-visits/ +How to Nail the Studio Visit: Expert Advice on What Artists Should Do (and Not Do) to Make an Impression By Loney Abrams, 9/23/16https://www.artspace.com/magazine/art_101/in-their-words/how-to-nail-a-studio-visit-54220

Emailing your request: Preparing your studio:

Studio visit etiquette:After the visit:

Follow up emails:

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+ I recently came across your work on MNArtists.+ I was speaking to _______ about my work and they suggested we might have a lot to talk about.+ I heard you completed ______ residency/experience. I would love to hear more about this.

Would you be available for a studio visit at the MCAD MFA studios? I am a narrative figure painter and my work currently deals with visualizing memory through paint and how my curation of memory impacts personal narrative. I am looking to gain additional perspectives on my use of layering before I move into my thesis work.

Embed examples in the body of the email, not everyone wants to open an attachment or follow a link.

One of my most recent paintings, Sunroom, is below. You can view more of my work at www.morework.com (make sure this is a hyperlink). Looking forward to hearing from you!

Best, [Your Name]

Sample:

Hello ______,

ToSubject

Part A. Form a connection.

Part B. Give information, state your goals, and share

your timeline (if applicable).

Part C. Give visual examples of your work.

Credits:

Howto: Studio

Visits

MCAD MFA–Minneapolis College of Art and Design Master of Fine Arts

2201 1st Avenue SouthMinneapolis, MN, 55405

612.874.3629

MCAD–Minneapolis College of Art and Design

2501 Stevens AvenueMinneapolis, MN, 55405

612.874.3700

Studio visits are a vital form of networking and relationship building, which will feed and sustain your career after graduation. Luckily, the Twin Cities has a rich and thriving scene of professionals, and you are encouraged to invite them to your studio. The MFA Program will also provide opportunities and contact information for a selection of people who will be available for studio visits during your time in the program.

What is a Studio Visit?Studio visits consist of hosting someone at your studio to talk about your practice (artists, designers, curators, collectors, dealers, art/design enthusiasts/fans, alumni, donors, etc.). This may include discussing your research process, work-in-progress, completed bodies of work, or other topics.

The best studio visits flow organically with an exchange of ideas. However, everyone is different: some visitors are more subdued, while others are great conversationalists. You need to be prepared for all of the above. Remember, these relationships are unpredictable, and can have a quick pay off, no pay off, or might blossom into an opportunity years later. Approach these experiences with patience and perseverance, and bring your most genuine and authentic self.

Before you reach out:Update your online presence (website/social media). Make sure you have an up-to-date CV/resume on your site. If you’ve received press, make sure you’ve posted links (or better, a link to a PDF of the article for archival purposes). Typically, the person doing a studio visit will familiarize themselves with you and your work before they arrive.

Define your goals. What do you hope to accomplish? Why did you initiate or accept this studio visit? Are you networking or relationship-building? Are you being considered for an exhibition or for gallery representation? Are you hoping to sell? Keeping your goals in mind can help you make the most of your studio visit.

Research your potential visitor. Do some basic online searching to understand their professional background (but also, don’t be creepy; for example, avoid personal Facebook pages–stay professional).

Figure out the expectations of your visitors. Do they already know your work? Are they considering you for a future opportunity?

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Studio Visits at MCAD

mcad-mfa.com

mcad.edu

MFAatMCAD

@mcadmfa