We have so many stellar Options alumni, and in our new series, we wanted to shine a light on a few of our past clients who have gone on to do great things both near and far. This month, we chatted with Misa about what she’s been up to since she graduated and his advice for current post-secondary students.
What’s your name?
Misa Yamaoka
Where and what did you study?
2019 – 2021
Art History & Management
St. Andrews, Scotland
2021 – 2023
Art Business
Gallatin Individualized School of Study, New York University
How did you choose this institution and program?
Following in my siblings’ footsteps, I knew I wanted to study in the UK after graduating from Collingwood. Going abroad allowed me to converse with an entirely different cohort of students; I developed my interpersonal skills and independence quickly. I chose St. Andrews because it allowed me to pursue my love of Art History with Management simultaneously. Located at a coastal point of Scotland, the historic university offers a community feel with beautiful scenery. The teaching I received there has been indispensable in thinking about how I’ve approached my new life and academic path in New York. I appreciated the lecture-style structure of courses, which were supplemented with small tutorial groups. It was academically rigorous and offered a lot of independent study. Feeling more autonomous motivated me to dig deep into the literature on my own terms!
Now at Gallatin, New York Universities school for individualized study, I am finalizing my degree in Art Business. The flexibility of this program has offered me the space to supplement my studies with valuable work experience. Time spent interning at Sotheby’s, and Art Production Fund, while also participating in The Met Collective has been hugely beneficial as I build my art network in New York.
St. Andrews, Friends & Rowing
What would you tell current post-secondary students about finding a path?
Being a generalist is overrated, and the best thing you can do is sit with yourself and ask some tough leading questions to find out what makes you tick! School had always been incredibly difficult for me until grade 12, when I took AP Art History. Finally, I found something I was excited to apply myself to; it made me super opportunistic about the future. I think my high school self would feel settled in where I’ve ended up – I always knew I wanted to pursue a creative career, but sometimes the hardest part is just committing to what you want.
NYC Gallery Hop
Working Frieze LA with Art Production Fund curating the public art walk
What are you doing now?
After graduation, I will be transitioning into a full-time job in New York with Art Production Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to commissioning and producing ambitious public art projects. Along with this placement, I will be working to develop the new iteration Headline Gallery, an entrepreneurial project I started in Vancouver. I hope to help Canadian artists gain more exposure within the international market.
Art Production Fund, Ugo Rondinone, Seven Magic Mountains Installation
What at Options Solutions helped you the most?
One-on-one meetings with Melinda were super formative. I used to refer to them as “1-hour cheerleading sessions,” where she would lift my spirits and provide an action plan. The best advice Melinda ever gave me when I felt overwhelmed by the application process was to pretend I was online shopping. Applying the same intensity I had when hunting for shoes, cross referencing prices, styles, and reviews to degree programs to find the “right fit.”
Headline Gallery, Vancouver
A fun fact about you?
This June my family and I are participating in Tahoe’s Broken Arrow Trail Race!
Where can our readers find you?
Instagram: @Misamaria_
