studioELL artist from London, GB, Winter 2021
F405i Special Projects: Social Engagement & Collaborations: Building Your Project’s Road Map
Q: What levels of experience are welcome at studioELL?
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?
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: What do synchronous and asynchronous mean?
A: Synchronous courses meet in real time via Zoom or in person, 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.
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.
Q: What platform do online courses use?
A: All synchronous courses are held over Zoom. We use Zoom for its accessibility features and ease of access across devices. Enrolled artists also receive access to a dedicated, password-protected course page on studioELL.org — where course materials, assignments and updates are shared throughout the term — typically consolidated in your course guide. Your course guide, Zoom link, password and course page details will all be provided to you prior to the start of the course.
For asynchronous courses, all communication and course materials are delivered via email and your dedicated course page. Your course guide will outline the full schedule, deadlines and expectations before you begin.
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 please consider time zone differences when enrolling.
Q: Are there one-on-one opportunities to study with a professor?
A: Yes. studioELL offers ANY-TIME Courses — a fully customizable, self-designed learning experience built around your practice, your schedule and your goals. Sessions can range from a single meeting to ten sessions over two months or more. Learn more about ANY-TIME Courses.
studioELL artist from New York, NY, Summer 2020
F402i Developing Practice: Independent Study
Q: How do I enroll?
A: For defined courses, follow the registration link on the course page. You will be taken directly to our payment page — after payment, a studioELL representative will be in touch to confirm your enrollment.
For ANY-TIME Courses and Directed Studies, follow the registration link to fill out our form with detailed info on your goals. Let us know if there’s a specific faculty member you’d like to work with — we will do our best to pair you with the right fit. A studioELL representative will reach out to discuss your interests, confirm your pairing and finalize enrollment.
Q: How are course fees determined?
A: Defined course fees are set per course and reflect our commitment to keeping studioELL accessible to all artists while ensuring proper compensation for our faculty. ANY-TIME Course fees are determined by the number of sessions.
If cost is a barrier, studioELL offers a small number of scholarships and work-study opportunities each term. We encourage you to apply early as availability is limited.
Q: Can I take more than one course at a time?
A: Absolutely — and we encourage it. Taking multiple courses is a great way to develop a more multifaceted understanding of your practice and explore new directions simultaneously.
Q: What is a course guide?
A: A course guide is studioELL’s version of a syllabus. It outlines your course in full — including schedule, expectations, materials, feedback structure and office hours. Course guides are provided to enrolled artists the week before your first session and reviewed by your professor at the start of the course so everyone begins on the same page.
Q: Do I need to buy special materials?
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, reach out to us or your professor — we are happy to discuss alternatives.
Q: What can I expect to gain from a studioELL course?
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 I receive from professors?
A: Feedback frequency varies by course and professor, but you can typically expect to receive feedback weekly or during and after each session. The full schedule — including expectations for feedback — will be outlined in your course guide. If you have specific concerns, reach out before enrolling and we can connect you with the professor.
Q: Do professors have office hours?
A: Yes. Professors are asked to maintain office hours, which are listed in your course guide — most often by appointment. They are available during those times via their preferred method (email, Zoom, etc.). If you need to meet outside of office hours, reach out to your professor by email to arrange a time.
Q: Are courses recorded?
A: Many sessions are recorded so that if you miss a class you can catch up — but this is not guaranteed and depends on the faculty member. Always check with your professor before the course begins if this is important to you.
Q: I’m nervous about sharing my work and critiquing others. Are there guidelines?
A: Every professor has their own approach to critique, but we encourage a supportive and constructive environment throughout. 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.
studioELL artist from Nashville, TN, Spring 2020
F405i Special Projects: Creating Your Archive
Q: My internet connection is spotty. What should I do?
A: Several factors can affect your connection. If you experience issues, try these steps: move closer to your WiFi router, use a wired connection if possible, close unused applications and restart your router or try a different network.
Q: How long will I have access to course materials? Can I stay in touch with classmates?
A: You will typically have access to all course materials throughout the course and up to three months after it ends. We recommend downloading anything you wish to keep.
studioELL values building long-term artistic networks. We ask all enrolled artists if they are comfortable sharing their email with the group — with consent, we provide a class contact list so you can stay connected beyond the course.
Q: Do courses ever get canceled?
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 advance.
If studioELL cancels a course due to low enrollment, all enrolled artists will receive a full refund.
Q: What if I need to withdraw from a course?
A: Because studioELL is an artist-to-artist network and we pay our professors up front at the start of each course, refunds are not available. However, if you face an unforeseen circumstance, we will work with you to find a solution — such as a course credit for future use or the possibility of a later completion date with your professor.
Q: Who should I contact with technical or website issues?
A: For technical or website questions, Agnes Álvarez is available at hello [at] studioELL [dot] org. For course-specific questions, please contact your professor directly.