I am an aspiring artist, intellectual wanderer, and maker of hyperbolic proclamations. I have lived in China, Kansas, Southern California, and now, New York City.
Once upon a time, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in cognitive linguistics and political science, and did a lot of hoppin’ and boppin’ in the name of the American Mock Trial Association. I earned my street cred and my teaching credentials in the South Bronx. I’m currently working on a BFA in Design and Technology at Parsons The New School for Design.
I love Cubano sandwiches and pajama bottoms.
Hey, Im going to apply to Parsons this year, and well I am unsure about my parsons challenge. I already chosen an object, and I’m using Adobe Illustrator to make 3 of the works, however, the works does not look as diverse aesthetically (but the meaning of each work is significantly different) compared to what others have been doing, do you think that’s okay?
Hi Mel,
From what I know of the Parsons Challenge, it’s perfectly ok to make 3 images of 1 object. For instance, I talked to a girl this year who drew a crumpled up piece of paper or foil at 3 different angles. I have also met several people who made digital works for the Challenge, so I think the direction you’re going in works.
The thing about the Parsons Challenge is that it provides you with some options that you should consider essential to the development of your concept, regardless of what it is. It has a writing component, which you should embrace as another way to express your idea, and not think of it as just a descriptive paragraph that you HAVE to write. They’re requiring it because they want to see how you think, as well as how you make images. Likewise, they’re asking for 3 different images because they want to see how you expand an idea around a theme. Think about why you’re choosing to make these 3 images rather than just 1 image (other than the fact that it’s required, obviously).
In terms of style, diversity is not necessarily a good or a bad thing. Powerful ideas can be communicated by a series of visually cohesive images. You should ask yourself whether what you’re trying to say can be said just as well with one of your images as with three. If yes, then you may need to consider expanding your Challenge.
The important thing is to be purposeful in your art making, which is difficult sometimes, especially because the Parsons Challenge provides very little direction. Once you decide on your overreaching idea, whether it’s to explore the physical attributes of an object or facets of an external idea, use that to guide your visual decision-making.
Hope some of this blather has been helpful, and best of luck with your application!
-Sharon
thank you so much! this totally helps