It’s time to change your story. Ellie did.
This month, we share stories from our students and alumni who put themselves first and changed their careers and creative paths. Whether it’s to pursue a different creative medium or finally leave their corporate jobs, these storytellers share how the MFA Visual Narrative at SVA catalyzed their change.
Applications for Summer 2026 remain open
Meet Ellie Ly, Class of 2026, who is finally pursuing her goal of combining art, storytelling and coding, alongside her corporate job as a frontend developer.
What was your work/art practice background prior to entering the program?
I was a hobbyist illustrator. As a kid I was really into art, but the people around me didn’t think it was a ‘good’ path. So I drew for fun; I taught myself how to draw through how-to videos and books and made up stories during my free time. But I never pursued art earnestly until I applied and was accepted into MFAVN.
What was the catalyst within your life/career that made you apply to MFAVN when you did?
After a few years into my career in computer science, I began to wonder if it was truly worth it. I didn’t hate coding, I actually enjoyed it quite a lot. But I wasn’t happy; I was busting my ass for my company’s goals and neglecting my own. That didn’t sit right with me, so I decided to take a chance and apply to MFAVN.
Would you recommend MFAVN for someone who is now at a similar point in their career? Why?
If you have to means to, most definitely, and especially if you’ve never pursued art studies in the past. You’ll learn so much so quickly, gain an amazing community of like- minded individuals and most importantly, become the artist you were meant to be. Plus, you can keep your day job during all this! I’m on a part-time school schedule, and it’s been great for flexibility, especially during busy seasons when work tends to run past traditional hours.
Once you learn the rules, you can start to play around with them and make your own.
Was there a specific path or change you are looking for once you get the degree? What is it? Do you anticipate success?
I’d love to do something that combines art and storytelling as well as coding: something that’ll meld my two worlds together. There are already a bunch of careers out there that do just that so I have no worries in that department. What I’d really like to do is use code to come up with new ways to tell stories!
MFAVN has a very different approach than many grad programs, offering a broad foundation in storytelling across all media. How does this shape or support your career goals?
This actually taught me so much about storytelling. I plan to reference the storytelling techniques I learned from this program and apply it to code. Once you learn the rules, you can start to play around with them and make your own.
How has the program affected the way you work now?
I’m a lot more intentional with my art now. When I drew in the past, I drew mostly with vibes and no real direction. But after learning about how and why other artists create in order to send a message through their work, I’ve started to apply the same thoughtfulness to my own.
In one sentence, how does your perspective on story and storytelling differ now in comparison to when you entered the program?
Storytelling is a lot harder than it seems. It’s easy to consume a story, but to create a story that will truly touch the hearts of people, it takes so much thought, care and intention.
Tell us about the community you found while in MFAVN, and how the people you met here have made an impact on you- then until now. You can mention faculty here if you like as well.
It still shocks me sometimes how loving and supportive the folks in MFAVN are, students and faculty alike. Everyone is so encouraging and so creative, it inevitably fosters an environment where we can all thrive and grow as artists. I used to doubt my abilities to be an artist, but thanks to these folks, I won’t doubt it ever again.
What have you gotten out of your time in the program or the connections you made here that surprised you the most?
The most surprising thing I’ve gotten out of this program is the amount of artwork I’ve received from my fellow artists. I try to hang up every single one but I only have so much wall space. Whenever I look at them, I’m in awe of everyone’s talent and creativity and it fills me with inspiration!
MFAVN attracts a very diverse student body and a multi-disciplinary faculty. What is your experience with that aspect?
It’s been so valuable to hear from people with a completely different worldview than me. In storytelling, there is never a single story; it’s a matter of perspective.
In a few words, what is the value of the program to you, professionally and personally?
Story is in everything, It’s the element that connects you and I together. So if you can apply storytelling to everything you do, you’ll go far in life!
Now it’s your turn. Change your story. Pursue what you’ve always wanted to!
Applications for Summer 2026 are Still Open!
Apply Now! Apply before February 15 to be considered for our second round deadline. Applications will remain open through May 1 while space, scholarships, and housing awards remain available.
Reach out to us at mfavn@sva.edu to learn more.
