Facilitated by: S. Emsaki
Emsaki is an interdisciplinary artist and educator based in Brooklyn, NY. They hold an MFA from Yale University and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley, and are a recent alum of the Whitney Museum Independent Study Program.
Emsaki is currently an Artist in Residence at Smack Mellon and the 2024–25 recipient of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation Residency at the International Studio & Curatorial Program in Brooklyn, NY. They have attended residencies and fellowships at Blazing Star Press, Williams College, MA; Yaddo, Saratoga Springs, NY; Fine Arts Work Center, Provincetown, MA; Atlantic Center for the Arts, New Smyrna Beach, FL; The Institute of Contemporary Arts & Paul Mellon Center, London, UK, among others.
In addition to attending eleven residencies and fellowships, Emsaki has served as an applications jury manager, program coordinator, and reviewed over 1,500 applications. In the workshop, they share tips and advice on making a solid application that stands out.
"Emsaki's no-nonsense approach to the application process, and the associated risk of rejection, was very refreshing in a field that is often riddled with anxiety and magical thinking. The transparency and generosity involved with sharing resources, including successful as well as rejected application materials, was super helpful."
-Lise Haller Baggesen
For March & April registrations, sign up here.
Takeaways:
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Revise and finalize an application of your choice
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Receive two rounds of personalized, in-depth feedback on your materials
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Learn through observing live feedback on other participants’ applications
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Become familiar with the jury processes, unspoken rules, language, and strategies that can strengthen an application
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Closely review and discuss strong, successful applications to understand what works—and why
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Review common FAQs and receive clear answers to your own questions
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Learn practical tools for planning, budgeting, time management, and identifying opportunities
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Receive guidance on file preparation, organization, and systems for tracking progress
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Complete weekly assignments to support momentum and accountability
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Build an intimate cohort through reciprocal support, trust, and ongoing connection beyond the workshop
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Develop a resilient, sustainable approach to applying—one that supports persistence, clarity, and navigating rejection
Services
Application Workshop
Three 90-minute virtual sessions, spread over three weeks, capped at three participants.
Offered at a sliding scale of $350–$450
The first session covers general information, dos and don’ts, philosophy, and resources, followed by a close reading of an accepted and a finalist application. During the second session, participants receive feedback on the first draft of their application materials and observe feedback on other participants’ drafts. A second round of feedback is provided during the final session, along with an extended Q&A and discussion of references, interviews, and next steps.
* Sessions are held virtually and scheduled on evenings and/or weekends to accommodate participants’ schedules. The workshop is offered only twice per month, and registration closes two weeks prior to the start of each session. *
One-on-One Sessions
One-on-one sessions are tailored to the specific needs and goals of each participant and can be used in whatever way is most useful. Sessions may include, but are not limited to, application feedback, project critique, portfolio review, proposal development, or topics covered in the Artist Application Workshop.
These sessions are well-suited for artists who are unable to commit to the full workshop, are seeking focused critique on a project or body of work, want in-depth, individualized feedback and guidance, or are preparing applications for MFA programs.
*Sessions are available virtually or in person in the NYC area, depending on availability and preference. Rates are determined by session format (hourly or package) and the participant’s scope and needs.*
Academic/Extended/Large Group Workshops
These workshops are designed for MFA programs, universities, and other academic or organizational settings. The length, format, and rates of the workshop can be adjusted to meet the specific needs of the students and the hosting organization. Sessions can focus on topics covered in the Artist Application Workshop, portfolio development, artist statements, project descriptions, project critique, or other tailored material, and can be offered virtually or in person.
Testimonials
"Emsaki helped me rework an application from a program I was rejected from last year. When I compared the two applications side by side, the difference was unbelievable. They really helped me in writing about and explaining my work to a blind audience. I walked away from this workshop feeling much more confident about applying to residencies and open calls. It was an incredibly worthwhile investment in myself and my practice."
-Emmette Metier
"Testimonial: This is the best workshop that I’ve ever had concerning residency applications. This is the information that I needed but did not receive from Art school."
-Kiko Thomas
"Emsaki's workshop was so helpful!! They gave great, specific feedback on my application and were so thoughtful about ways to improve it. Highly recommend for anyone who wants some extra eyes on their applications! "
-Anya Pertel
January Session #2 Cohort
"I took Emsaki’s Rejection Is Hot course, and it was incredibly helpful. It strengthened my application writing and shifted how I think about and approach residency applications. It also gave me the chance to workshop a specific application with clear, structured feedback from other artists."
-Anabelle DeClement
"It was lovely to be in community and get to know the work of others, and get good feedback from multiple perspectives. Overall I feel less alone in the application hustle."
-Isabel Monti
"This workshop was extremely insightful and practical. It helped me better understand how to structure my portfolio, refine my application texts, and approach residency and grant applications more strategically. The group discussions were especially valuable, as hearing other artists’ perspectives and questions created a supportive and inspiring learning environment. I left the workshop feeling more confident and better prepared for future applications."
-Mahsa Mersi
January Session #1 Cohort
