Graphic Design + Interactive Media
Class of 2012
Hometown: Parker, CO

Why did you choose to attend RMCAD?

I first heard about RMCAD through word of mouth, from attending students and my high school art teacher. The second I stepped on campus I was hooked. I went on a personal tour with my admissions counselor and I slowly started to fall in love with the environment.

I made several more trips to visit the campus where I had the opportunity to meet with teachers and students. I was just so impressed by the atmosphere that everyone takes pride in creating at RMCAD. Every time I came, when I left the campus I felt more and more confident that this was a good place to be. Sometimes I could even picture myself being on campus for the fall.

I couldn't feel more blessed to be here either. RMCAD is such an amazing school. All of my teachers inspired me in more ways than one. I always feel like I can ask for help, and know someone will have the answers to get me what I need. The experience is worth every penny.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?

Visual Design has become my favorite class because of the freedom. Every project is so open ended, it allows me to problem solve on my own terms. With graphic design, the freedom is limited to what you know of the programs and to what the director wants. With visual design, I'm reminded of what I love about art again.

Which Liberal Studies or Foundations classes did you find the most surprising or useful?

This is such a difficult question to answer because everyday you learn so much. Not only about yourself and your artistic skills, but also about the world around you, the past, the future, and the role that art plays into that. I see my fellow students growing rapidly just as much as I feel myself evolving.

What did your favorite professor do to earn your respect or admiration?

My drawing teacher Wes (Magyar) influenced me the most. We were working on a one-point perspective piece and I was struggling to find an interesting composition. Now, Wes has a sketchbook for his classes so when he walks around to talk to the students he has a tool to show them what he means. And every time he would draw in his sketchbook it was always with a pen. So one day, he was trying to show me how I could problem solve my composition issue using his sketchbook. He was making all sorts of "mistakes" and was correcting the line by just drawing a new one with his pen.

I asked him why he liked using a pen if he couldn't correct the "mistakes." He said because he could learn something by that line. Sketchbooks in high school tend to become a status symbol as your worth as an artist. While sketchbooks are supposed to be a learning tool to make mistakes—to learn so that when we went to the canvas we wouldn't make those breaking mistakes on our masterpieces. He completely changed my view for sketchbooks and for learning about my art. Which is one of the things that inspires me the most about art.

It's that constant evolution of the self. The constant challenges and discoveries of the world around me that makes up such a huge part of who I am.

How has RMCAD prepared you for what you want to do when you graduate?

I'd like to take my degree and work somewhere exercising the growth I've gained from RMCAD. This school has taught me so much more than just academics. The education I'm receiving from RMCAD is teaching me full circle—not only about the field I'm getting my degree in, but also maturing me as an individual, and showing me the part I can play in this world.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD?

In college everything is on such a grander scale. The variety of people who attend here is so diverse, it's amazing. You're constantly surrounded by different characters who overall push you to be better in some way. To me, RMCAD students inspire me more than being around the students in high school. Everyone generally cares, which just adds to the mystical environment of the campus.

What do you like about living in Denver/Colorado?

I've lived in Colorado almost my whole life. I love the sporadic seasons—we get tastes of all the seasons year-round. Plus the views of the mountains are just to die for. I love the mountains like any other Coloradoans—how the light hits the mountains during sunrises and sunsets can sometimes melt your heart. It's a beautiful state with so many activities to do. You never get bored.

How has your life changed since enrolling at RMCAD?

I feel more alive. There's definitely a spark in me that wasn't there before. My life, though really busy, has never felt this rewarding or exciting. For once I feel like I made the right choice. I feel like, I'm doing what I should be doing and I'm in the right place with the right tools to do so.

What would you want a prospective student to know about RMCAD?

There's several ways to go about any challenge in your life. Every possibility has the potential for greatness or failure. It's up to you to decide what you're going to get out of your classes. It's up to you to take control of your life and learn what you want to learn. There are more than enough great opportunities on this campus, but YOU have to take it upon yourself to make it happen. And EVERYONE on campus is willing to help you to get there, so why not be a part of greatness?