MFA: Textiles

Geared towards students with a background in textiles and visual studies, this two-year MFA program focuses on the design of textiles for interiors and apparel design. It promotes visual and material research built on a foundation of strong technical skills and helps students to hone their artistic identity.

As a means of building analytical and critical thinking skills, the program also emphasizes digital technology in design and studies in drawing and color, along with participation in graduate seminars. Specialized facilities, high-tech equipment and professional software accommodate advanced work.

Graduate students work closely with the department's accomplished faculty and establish vital connections to the profession through required internships, seminar speakers, field trips, visiting critics and communications with experts in the field.

current enrollment
graduate students: 12
undergraduates: 90

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• What kind of relationship does Textiles have with the profession?

  Our alumni working in the field function almost like an extended faculty, providing a direct link to the professional world, along with our faculty and long-term supporters in the industry. All of these contacts help us in finding jobs, internships, speakers, visiting faculty and critics.

• What are some of the companies you typically work with?

  In the past few years, students in the department have worked on collaborative projects with DesignTex and Wearbest, for instance, to design a collection of contract fabrics. A recent collaboration with the Italian Trade Commission had RISD students from Apparel Design and Textiles working together in teams to design and create apparel using fine Italian wool and other fiber.

• How much technical knowledge do I need to succeed in the program?

  It is important that all MFA candidates in Textiles have a basic understanding of the medium, a strong visual vocabulary and exceptional motivation. However, through our rigorous program you will learn whatever you don't already know about various looms, designing digitally and operating advanced equipment.

• What kind of career options will I have after completing the program?

  The textiles field is very versatile. You can design interior or apparel fabrics for a studio connected to a manufacturing plant; you can work for a company that contracts out manufacturing; you can deisgn for an apparel company; or you can open you own studio and work as a freelance designer. Many RISD alumni start their own businesses, producing textiles from their own studios or teaming up with mills to produce industrially made fabrics. Quite a few of our graduates have also gone into teaching.

link to general questions on Graduate Studies at RISD

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“Through research, our students gain an understanding of design as an expression of a continually evolving culture. Their work reflects the values of both individuals and communities, while serving basic human needs.”

Anais Missakian, Department Head / Professor

Anais Missakian, Department Head / Professor

Maria Tulokas, Graduate Program Coordinator / Professor

Liz Collins, Assistant Professor

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