Episode description

When Michael graduated college, he wanted to get an MFA. He spent a few years working at a boarding school while building his portfolio to apply to an MFA program. During that time his art evolved from strictly photography to a more diverse set of media. He applied to MFA programs, got in, and matriculated, but two weeks in he realized that completing an MFA program wasn't for him. So he moved home and began applying to internships. Eventually, he began working at an art gallery as an intern and worked his way up to being the director of the gallery. After working there for seven years, he decided he wanted to focus more on the data-oriented aspects of business and was hoping to learn more. Tune in to hear more about what he's learned in business school and how he's balanced his art.

This episode is best for: figuring out how to pursue art after college; learning about what it's like to work at a commercial gallery; hearing about the application process for MFA and MBA programs

Also, check out his artwork at michaelpatrickobrien.info

Contents:

01:00 - Meet Michael and hear about his educational background

05:30 - Building his portfolio and working at a boarding school

14:31 - Applying to MFA programs

21:48 - Finding internships at commercial galleries after dropping out of his MFA program

30:48 - Starting at Inman Gallery and working his way up

39:43 - Deciding to go to business school and applying

46:01 - What he's learned in business school

54:45 - Lessons learned