Natalie

Employment

Post-MFA Life

I am a Queens-based artist (www.nataliebeall.com) and part-time art teacher. Since last year, I graduated with my MFA in Visual Art from Columbia University. I am now making art out of a small home studio, teaching after-school art about 10 hours a week, and looking for additional work in the arts. When I first graduated, I thought I would work part-time in order to be able to spend time in the studio. Since various grants and other opportunities fell through, I am considering full-time employment for the health benefits and the financial security as I begin to pay back student loans this month.

I have had one interview since beginning my job search in August. The position was at a non-profit arts organization, and the interviewer told me she had received over 200 résumés. She was only able to look at the first 100, and about 10 people were interviewed (I did not get the job). I am looking forward to another interview next week.

In some ways, I feel I am back to square one after getting my Master's. I had much less trouble finding a job when I originally moved to the city with virtually no experience in 2004, and the jobs for which I am interviewing are essentially the same low-paying, administrative jobs I have always held. HOWEVER, I have been able to spend two exciting years on my art full time, I have received helpful feedback and encouragement from respected artists and critics and met many exceptional artists who I now count as friends. Overall I am hopeful and looking forward to future projects.

4718 44th St., Woodside, NY 11377