<p>@ ornithes</p>
<p>Absolutely true that the majority of large awards go to freshman and high school portfolio competitions. I’m targeting the school specific scholarships, and while I’m not holding my breath or betting it all on them, I’m confident that I’ll be an appealing enough candidate. Some schools dont have anything for transfer or returning students, but I’ll be applying to as many schools as I can afford. I got a decent award coming out of HS years back, and am so far beyond that now creatively, technically and maturity-wise. I’ve got time to sculpt a really stunning portfolio, I’m good at essays, have a very “colorful” past that lends weight to what I’m doing, and am taking classes at a local community college getting all A’s. If it just doesnt work, there isnt enough money out there, well, I live in Ohio and there are some decent public schools I can definitely afford :)</p>
<p>@ bears and dogs</p>
<p>I think I’ve always had a bit of a chip on my shoulder since leaving school the first time. I have always claimed I would go back and finish what I started eventually. I’ve found that it’s really hard to make the kind of progress I desire while working and only being able to make art in my spare time. The idea of being able to do it full time, and the creative avenues I could explore are exciting! I wound up in the career I’m in now solely because I needed a stable job with benefits and good pay for my son. Now he’s older, and lives with his mother (my ex) and I’m just about ready to make a move. My son is actually thrilled that I’m going back to art school, and hopefully it will be setting a good example. My wife is really supportive too. She graduated the same school (some years after I attended) and wants to get her MFA, but refuses to do so until I’ve gotten my bachelors. Who knows, after she’s gotten her MFA, maybe I’ll shoot for mine too.</p>
<p>Anyhow, seeing other award winning portfolios just gives an idea of what people are getting for what kind of work. It doesnt change my course of action at all. I’ll just say from what I’ve seen that has been posted out there, it’s been encouraging for me. I’ll be going Fall 2011 at the earliest, so I’ve got time to hit up lots of portfolio days, get feedback from old teachers (and classmates who are now teachers!).</p>