Undergraduate /
Why do you want to attend Pratt? (personal statement) [7]
Question: Why do you want to attend Pratt and what do you hope to accomplish from your education? - No specified length, but I really want to try and cut it down from 1,000 words to at least 700
Although pursuing a career in animation is a new dream of mine, I have always been passionate about art. As a young child, I showed off my doodles and nodded proudly whenever someone asked me if I was an artist. What child at that age didn't think they are an artist? Seemingly no different than the next kid, I eagerly pulled out my box of crayons in restaurants and surveyed the placemat filled with connect-the-dots, word finds and crossword puzzles. Not content with the standard fare of placemat coloring, I would flip the paper over and start sketching whatever interesting things were in front of me (a habit I am guilty of still today).
Spending my earliest years in Southern California has also shaped my interest in being an artist. I was very fortunate to be able to soak up the natural beauty of flora, fauna and beaches as well as the varied and vivid culture of Laguna Beach, Palm Springs, Newport Beach, Pasadena, and Santa Barbara to name a few. Their shops and galleries particularly fascinated me - placing their crafty wares and paintings of gorgeous California landscapes in the windows while street artists used bright colors in their portraits and still lifes.
This way of observing life and telling stories through art has stuck with me since my family moved to the opposite coast. And while living in the center of suburban Massachusetts is quite different from the vibrant and expressive west coast, it has afforded me many opportunities and perspectives to explore and shape my art and education. Always enthusiastic with my art classes in elementary and middle school, I passionately added art electives to my rigorous junior year high school schedule and joined an artists' studio to expand my skills. Similarly, I enjoyed learning about computer technology and programming languages and took my share of those electives. And then an epiphany occurred mid-way through my junior year. I finally found my niche in the art world - the union of technology with art. I decided to major in animation!
A career in animation is a natural to me. As early as I can remember, I have been fascinated in the work that goes into my favorite television cartoons and I am always the first in my friend group to see the latest animated movie and marvel at how it is done. Set on this goal, I have long researched and revised my college list to include schools which provide excellent animation programs and their applicants' portfolio requirements. Since I only started taking art prerequisite classes and joined an artists' studio as a second semester junior, I realized it would take a lot of work and time for me to catch up with others applying to these very competitive programs. Undaunted, I applied, was accepted, and poured myself into the Art Institute of Boston's six-credit summer Young Artist Residency Program. My classes in animation, graphic novel illustration, videography, figure drawing, and still life drawing have further developed and strengthened my art skills as well as solidified my love and interest in animation and ensuing career. My decision to major in animation may have happened recently, but my desire and motivation to work in this field fuels me to do whatever is necessary to succeed.
Why do I want to attend Pratt Institute? Drawn to applying at only highly-recognized art and design schools in/near a city, I was immediately interested in Pratt. My interest in attending Pratt has only increased after multiple visits researching the school's website and spending a great day touring the campus in April. I had visited several other schools before Pratt and realized until you visit the campus, you can never know for sure if you "click". Pratt was so much more than I ever expected that I already envision myself as a fall 2010 undergraduate student. I am thrilled the campus is only a short subway ride from Manhattan and that it is so beautiful with its fabulous sculpture gardens and magnolia trees. Equal in importance to my feeling instantly comfortable on the campus ground is knowing that the education I receive is state of the industry.
To that end, I had the luxury of a scheduled tour and meeting at the Department of Digital Arts with Ms. Melissa Barrett. Not only was Ms. Barrett informative and enthusiastic to speak with, but I was warmly welcomed in to one of the computer labs by a handful of seniors working on their senior projects. Even in their sleep deprived, stressed out, over-caffeinated state, I was able to see their passion and happiness driving them forward. I learned first-hand about the program's challenging courses, amazing faculty, and rewarding internship and job opportunities. Talking to the seniors also made me realize something else. Being at Pratt would introduce me to several remarkable artists, the students.
What do I hope to accomplish from my education? "In the end it's not about the grades you make," my art teacher once said about school, "but the hands you shake." My favorite artist, Audrey Kawasaki, attended Pratt for two years, which further deepens my connection to the school and assures me I would be shaking hands with very talented company. By attending Pratt, I will have the ability to learn from its highly creative, experienced and accomplished faculty. I will be constantly challenged as a student and a creative thinker by its leading edge and demanding curriculum. I will make new connections with students similar to myself, my interests and ambitions. I will have access to one of the most artistic and important cities in the United States to grow. My mind is set on working in the animation field. Pratt is the perfect school to help get me there.
I think I'm somewhat OK on the grammar, I just really need help on how to shorten it up a bit. I suppose I could remove the first paragraph or so entirely...but I like the sentimental/personal feel of it... 