By Ngan Huynh on March 25, 2022 Dawn Yang Recently, two MFA alumni have received highly competitive O-1 artist visas: Roshan Ganu and Dawn Yang. I had a chance to reach out to them both to get some insights about the O-1 application process, as well as learn about their art practice. The two artists were very kind in giving out advice to international students about the visa process while sharing what it was like to graduate during quarantine. This special feature will be divided into two parts since each artist has their own unique experience to share. Before we dive into the conversation, here's a list of some types of visas the artists will talk about that you might want to get familiarized with. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students. The Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion). The O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements. There are two types of O-1 visas: O-1A and O-1B. Dawn Yang - Illustrator Dawn Yang ’20, MFA, is an illustrator originally from a small city called Zhuhai near Hong Kong and Macau in China, now based in Queens, New York. She graduated from the MFA program at MCAD with a degree in Visual Studies. She has won many illustration awards and participated in different exhibitions, such as International Motion Art Awards 9, American Illustration 40, and Society of Illustrators 63. Her strengths lie within stylized digital illustrations and product designs. To Yang, illustration is not only a way to express her own feeling but also a fast way to help people communicate with each other. Can you describe the O-1 Visa and the process for obtaining it? The physical process of obtaining a visa actually depends a lot on the lawyer you hire to work with you. Each applicant has different talents and uniqueness, so having a lawyer who understands your work and practice will be the most beneficial. Also, the lawyer will give you a checklist of all the materials you need for your application. For my process, I had to gather my accomplishments such as awards, collaborations, my portfolio, along with 5-6 recommendation letters. However, this is different for everyone. I know one of my friends had to submit 12 letters because their lawyer thought that would be more beneficial for them. How long does the visa last, and what will the process be for reapplying? This actually depends on different people. For me, it's a 3-year visa. Why did you decide to study abroad at MCAD? I decide to study abroad at MCAD because of its MFA program and mentorship education system. I like the mentorship education system because it can let me learn from one mentor deeply. Since they know you very well, they will also give you a more suitable direction for you. Also, the second reason is the friendly faculty from MCAD. Can you talk a bit about your art practice? What has it been like post-graduation? About my works, Most of my inspirations come from my personal living experience, music, and book. I am also deeply influenced by Art Deco and Japanese culture. Right now, I am still trying to figure out my life after I graduate from my MFA program. It is important to find the balance of life, such as between her logical and emotional mind. Therefore, you can tell some of her illustrations are expressing her understanding of balancing. Graduating in 2020 was actually kind of overwhelming because it happened when quarantine started, along with the Civil Rights Movement surrounding the murder of George Floyd. At the same time, many friends and I were clueless because it was tough for everyone to find job opportunities during this period. I learned to adapt my art practice to fit editorial illustrations better because things tend to be more quickly. I draw more color illustrations now even though I used to draw black and white works mainly in school. My own style also changes a bit because I’m trying to improve the speed of my drawings. What’s something you changed after graduation? Compared to school projects, my projects after graduation become more commercialized. Making illustrations is different in school vs. out of school because you have less time to work on a project, the topics also change a lot. Because of the field I'm in I now pay more attention to news about political topics because they all have an impact on my art projects. Do you plan to revisit MCAD and talk about your works? Yes! I always love to share my experience and help MCAD students out. MCAD is like my second home. In a way, I was like a child and MCAD was nourishing me into the person I am today. Is there any advice you would like to give to international students? To the student who wants to apply for an O-1 visa, you need to take care of yourself—mental health is really important! Personally, it was a story of a mental breakdown every week when I was applying for the visa because my timeline was very tight and I had to gather a lot of materials in a short period of time. It’s a very stressful process so you need to take care of yourself during the process by starting the application early. You're not only an international student applying for the visa, you are a human being first. One other thing is realizing English is very important. The way you express your works and the ways you communicate with your classmates and mentors are important even if you are here to study visual art. It also helps you better in making friends and connections. What are some things you remember the most about the MFA program now that you are 2 years out? The people. I adore all the people I met while studying at MCAD, this includes both classmates and faculty. I want to especially thank Ellen, Britt, and my mentors: James O'Brien and Ryan Peltier. Yang's Website Explore more about Dawn Yang James O'Brien Ryan Peltier Ellen Mueller