Illustration
Class of 2012
Hometown: York, PA

Why did you choose to attend RMCAD?

I chose to go to RMCAD because it was far away from home and very close to the Rockies. The school had good teachers, programs, facilities, and a beautiful campus.

What's your favorite class and why?

My favorite class so far was Drawing 1 with Wes Magyar. Not only was the content of the class compelling, but I had an excellent teacher. Wes really knew what he was talking about. I felt that he was very honest and helpful and that the majority of his projects were interesting and challenging.

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

One thing I have learned from Foundations is my own work ethic. When I started first semester I stayed in my comfort zone. I worked without taking risks so that my projects would turn out well. As I eventually realized, this was not the best way to go about my education here at RMCAD. I remembered fundamentally why I attended RMCAD: to learn. I decided that, in order to set up the best possible learning environment, I would have to try new things, take risks, and make mistakes. Even if I did not receive an A for the project or have the best piece on the wall during critique, I would have learned more. When it boils down to it, art is not about being the best, it is about doing your best! Being too careful is the worst way to experience Foundations. My most influential class so far was probably Visual Design 1 with Jeff Sheppard. His honest and critical grading and emphasis on design challenged me to work harder and evaluate my own perceptions about art.

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

I have enjoyed the company of all my teachers. For me, the instructors are one of the best things about RMCAD. Each has their own interesting and distinct personality and they are all very knowledgeable and helpful. I guess one of the first teachers to earn my personal respect was (Wes) Magyar. I really appreciated the honesty he shared with his students. Another teacher who really influenced my art during Foundations was Jeff Sheppard. I remember a few specific critiques in Jeff's class toward the beginning of the semester. My attention during these first few projects was primarily dedicated to rendering and Jeff quickly showed me that art was not all about your skill with the medium. In the critiques, Jeff pushed me to focus the least on drawing and to focus the most on the other elements of design. It has really changed the way I approach a piece of artwork.

Tell us about a favorite project you've worked on.

My favorite project so far was a project titled, "Hidden and Revealed." Students were to first pick three tools to be set up in a still life. One tool would be completely hidden in fabric bound with string, another object would be partially wrapped in fabric, and the third object would be completely visible. I enjoyed this project because it gave me the opportunity to work with my weaknesses. I struggled to create a good composition and strong contrast. I chose this piece because it represents my greatest effort so far.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD?

My peers here are great. The people on this campus create an extraordinarily creative environment. Everyone is very open and honest and classmates are always a great help source. It seems like I meet someone new every day.

What do you like about living in Denver/Colorado?

I love living in Denver. With exception to the winter, Denver is usually warm and sunny. The mountains are just a short distance away and there are plenty of opportunities for any outdoor activity that you can think of.

How has your life changed since enrolling at RMCAD?

Life has changed a lot since being at RMCAD. I have more responsibilities, freedoms, and I depend a lot more on myself. I also get to focus on my art. Instead of dreading school, I look forward to it.

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

If you come here, be open to change, work hard, take risks, absorb and be creative.