studioELL artist from London, GB, Winter 2021
F405i Special Projects: Social Engagement & Collaborations: Building Your Project’s Road Map
Q: What do asynchronous and synchronous mean?
A: Asynchronous courses allow enrolled artists to complete course material on their own time. Deadlines are provided, and all course materials — including weekly assignments and prompts — are shared via email.
Synchronous courses meet in real time via Zoom, led by the professor. Meeting times are scheduled and shared before the start of the course to ensure all enrolled artists can participate. Synchronous meetings allow for in-depth discussion, critiques and live presentations.
Q: What level of experience do I need to take a studioELL course?
A: studioELL courses are open to artists of all levels — from emerging to established practitioners. Some courses may require prior experience or specific skills, but this will always be noted in the course description. If you’re unsure whether a course is right for you, feel free to reach out and we’ll help you decide.
Q: What is a typical class size at studioELL?
A: Class sizes vary. On average, studioELL courses have four enrolled artists and may run with as few as two. Depending on the course, enrollment is typically capped at eight. Minimum and maximum class sizes are determined by the professor.
Q: Do I need to be based in a specific location to take a course?
A: No. studioELL courses are accessible to artists worldwide. However, synchronous sessions are scheduled in Eastern Time (US), so consider time zone differences when enrolling.
Q: My internet connection is spotty. What should I do?
A: Several factors can affect internet and WiFi connection. If you experience issues, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Move closer to your WiFi router
- Use a wired connection if possible
- Close unused applications that might slow your connection
- Restart your router or try a different network
Q: Do I need to buy special materials for my course?
A: Most courses encourage you to work with what you already have, but some may require specific materials. A full materials list will be provided before the course begins. If you have concerns about access to materials, reach out to us or your professor — we are happy to discuss alternatives.
studioELL artist from New York, NY, Summer 2020
F402i Developing Practice: Independent Study
Q: What can I expect to gain from a studioELL class? Is the emphasis on skill development, refining my work or community critique?
A: Each studioELL course is designed to help you build on your practice, expand your thinking and explore new directions. While critiques and feedback are a core part of most courses, the focus varies depending on the course and professor. Some courses emphasize technique and craft, while others are more conceptual. No matter the course, your curiosity and autonomy will guide your learning. If you have specific goals, don’t hesitate to communicate them to your professor.
Q: How much feedback and support will we receive from professors?
A: Feedback frequency varies by course and professor, but you can typically expect to receive feedback weekly or after each session. The full course schedule — including expectations for feedback — will be included in your course guide. If you have specific concerns, reach out to us before enrolling and we can connect you with the professor.
Q: Do professors have office hours? What are the expectations around contacting them?
A: Yes. All professors maintain office hours, which are listed in your course guide. During these times, they are available via their preferred method (email, Zoom, etc.). If you need to schedule a meeting outside of office hours, reach out to your professor via email to arrange a time. We want you to feel supported and comfortable reaching out when needed.
Q: How long will I have access to the Online Studio and any materials or lectures stored there? Can I stay in contact with my classmates beyond/outside the class?
A: You will typically have access to all course material throughout the entirety of the course and up to two months after your course has ended. We recommend downloading all pertinent information from the course that you wish to keep. We maintain an archive of all course materials, so if you are unable to locate something, we should be able to retrieve it.
studioELL believes in building networks. We ask all enrolled artists if they are comfortable sharing emails with the course group, and will make those available to each enrolled artist so that you can maintain relationships outside and after the course.
Q: Are there one-on-one opportunities to study with professors?
A: Yes. studioELL offers independent studies and studio visits throughout the year with select professors. These opportunities provide individualized feedback and deeper engagement. We are also developing a mentorship program, which will allow for more flexible scheduling and long-term guidance. Contact us for more information.
Q: Can I stay in contact with my classmates after the course ends?
A: Absolutely. studioELL values building long-term artistic networks. We ask all enrolled artists if they are comfortable sharing emails with the group, and with consent, we provide a class contact list so you can stay connected.
studioELL artist from Nashville, TN, Spring 2020
F405i Special Projects: Creating Your Archive
Q: What accessibility considerations are in place for online courses?
A: We are committed to making studioELL courses accessible. If you need accommodations — such as captioning for Zoom meetings or alternative ways to engage — please reach out before enrolling. We will work with you to ensure the course meets your needs.
Q: What if I can’t keep up with the coursework or need to withdraw?
A: Because studioELL is an artist-to-artist network and we pay our professors up-front at the start of each course, course refunds are not available. However, if you face an unforeseen circumstance, we will work with you to find a solution — such as arranging a later completion date with your professor — though this is not guaranteed.
Q: Do courses ever get canceled? If so, what happens?
A: We aim to run all courses as planned, but courses require a minimum number of enrolled artists to proceed. The typical minimum is three, though some courses may run with two. If enrollment is low, we will notify you in case you were hoping for a larger group experience.
If studioELL cancels a course due to low enrollment, all enrolled artists will receive a full refund.
Q: Who should I contact with technical issues or website questions?
A: If you have any technical issues, Agnes Álvarez, our website and technical guru, is available at hello [at] studioELL [dot] org. If your question is specific to your course, please contact your professor directly.
Q: I’m nervous about sharing my work and critiquing others. Are there guidelines to help?
A: Every professor has their own approach to critique, but we encourage a supportive and constructive environment. Critiquing is a learned skill — if you’re struggling, reach out to your professor for guidance. Listening to how others talk about work can help you develop confidence in discussing your own.