I'm a painter...showing paintings during interviews?

[OlReagan]

I'm a caribbean IMG applying for psych this year and I do oil painting in my spare time. How would you react to an applicant pulling out a colored printout of examples of paintings during an interview when discussing my hobbies? I picked tasteful paintings, mainly true to life, highly detailed still-life along with a portrait of my mom's dog. Nothing controversial, abstract or weird.

On one hand I think it could highlight some qualities of mine that could give them a fuller picture of me and on the other hand I could see how it would be a strange move or they could wonder if I'm really dedicated to medicine, etc. Not sure which way it would be perceived.

I showed the sheet at my first interview and it seemed to genuinely go over well, they liked them, the PD seemed delighted, but how would it actually translate into them considering me for a position?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Shikima]

Will they travel well and will there be time?

 

[OlReagan]

It's one colored printout with 5 paintings on it.

 

[deleted314290]

Definitely bring it up but maybe just take a picture of it that you can show on your phone.

 

[wolfvgang22]

It's fine, keep on keeping on.

 

[kevinc2]

yeah i think showing pics on your phone will be a better idea.

 

[notdeadyet]

And dear God, only if people ask you if they can see. It can be irritating enough when people presume you want to see photos of their kids.

 

[birchswing]

I don't know how these portfolios work, but I would definitely use a sheet over showing your phone. Showing a phone seems very ad hoc and like you're trying to throw something into the interview last minute. If you're an artist I'm sure you have good print-outs.

<---As you can see I'm not a doctor. I still think my judgment on this issue is valid, though.

 

[WalterDonnie]

seems like it would be a little out of place. I agree that having a picture on your phone, just in case they ask, seems reasonable. But, if they ask what your hobbies are and you pull out paintings... mmm seems odd to me.

 

[22031 Alum]

If I see something artistic listed as a hobby on ERAS, I always ask about it. I appreciate it when applicants bring examples. Either an actual work if small, or a photo if it's large. It's fine to have, but only bring it out if asked.

 

[Leo Aquarius]

Carry 5 or 6 paintings of nudes under your arms, and bring them out at key moments of the interview. When they ask if you have any questions, you can say "Not really, but I have something astonishing to show you."

 

[birchswing]

Carry 5 or 6 paintings of nudes under your arms, and bring them out at key moments of the interview. When they ask if you have any questions, you can say "Not really, but I have something astonishing to show you."

My therapist has a handful of beautiful nude prints he showed me once by a lovely artist—I believe Rorschach was his name. The women in his paintings had an uncanny resemblance to my mother.

 

[masterofmonkeys]

My therapist has a handful of beautiful nude prints he showed me once by a lovely artist—I believe Rorschach was his name. The women in his paintings had an uncanny resemblance to my mother.

You have won the internets.

 

[birchswing]

You have won the internets.

Much like depicted in some of the paintings, it was low-hanging fruit.

 

[OldPsychDoc]

If I see something artistic listed as a hobby on ERAS, I always ask about it. I appreciate it when applicants bring examples. Either an actual work if small, or a photo if it's large. It's fine to have, but only bring it out if asked.

Unless their hobby is target shooting or hunting...

 

[22031 Alum]

Unless their hobby is target shooting or hunting...

I don't consider those artistic, so...

I have a couple of colleagues who'd be happy to talk to applicants about shooting or hunting. A photo of their biggest buck might be welcome. Something for everyone!!