Ryan Secora

Why did you choose to attend Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design?

First of all, it is located in Colorado, a state I'm pretty much in love with. Additionally and more importantly, after several visits, portfolio reviews, and shadowing illustration classes, I developed a really good "vibe" towards RMCAD: the faculty was knowledgeable, welcoming, talented; the campus was beautiful and quirky; and the students were enjoying themselves and producing some impressive work. It just seemed like a good fit and I was confident that RMCAD would nurture my skills and train me to be the best artist I can be.

What has been your favorite class so far and why?

There are many classes which I have enjoyed immensely! But if I were to select only one, it would have to be Illustration Media with Hugh Alexander during my sophomore year. Under Hugh's direction, the class was able to explore many unique and interesting mediums. It was a class where one could really experiment and explore their own style and artistic process.

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

Well, I do recall a time when I was working in one of the illustration studios late into the night, preparing an illustration for Larry Kresek's Conceptual Illustration class. I had just bought a Venti Caramel Macchiato from Starbucks to get me through the late-nighter and placed it on a close-by table. I took a short bathroom break and my Macchiato was gone! To my horror, the night janitor had chucked my beautiful caffeine into the trash! I had barely taken two sips! Alas! The next day I lamented with some friends in class about the Venti tragedy, and Larry had overheard it. He was appalled and offered to buy me another coffee…which he did! I know it's kind of a trivial incident, but the fact that a professor would compensate or even sympathize with a student and his lost coffee is a real insight as to how much the faculty genuinely cares about the students. Good man that Larry.

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

As of right now, I'm quite interested in illustrating literature. RMCAD certainly has prepared me for such a path with classes such as Children's Book Illustration and, of course, Illustrating Literature. However, I have acquired gems of knowledge in all of my classes here and I will certainly use them in whatever artistic endeavor I have.

How would you describe the students who attend RMCAD? How are they different or similar to students you knew in high school?

Everyone has a creative slant and everyone is passionate about what they do here. There's a great creative fervor here.

What do you like about living in Denver/Colorado?

Denver is one hip town and there is so much to do! Plus, Colorado has a breathtaking environment year round.

How has your life changed since enrolling at RMCAD?

I've definitely grown as an artist, and have produced things I would have never dreamed I could produce three years ago. RMCAD has made me a confident illustrator, and I'm excited about what the future holds for me. I've also gained some amazing friends here at RMCAD.

Was there a moment when RMCAD changed from "a school" to "my school" for you?

There are continuing moments of that feeling that I'm at the right place at RMCAD. However, the first of these moments probably happened during Paul Yalowitz's class, when one of our projects was to make up a game as a class, then go outside and play it. We had so much fun, but learned a lot about creative problem solving. I just remember thinking to myself that I never knew school could be this fun.

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

Be sure to come in as a freshman ravenous for knowledge. Absorb everything you can and back it up with hard work. Manage your time and have fun! Also, don't leave your coffee laying around, and beware of Carlyle the RMCAD squirrel—he is brave and hungry for whatever you're having for lunch.