Once a year, the RMCAD community gathers to celebrate the astounding graduates from 11 programs and countless states. On Sunday, May 4, friends, family, and faculty gathered in the Seawell Ballroom to celebrate the 2024-25 graduates. These students represent the best and brightest artists and designers beginning their creative careers. Many of these graduates may be new to the workforce, but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t wise in the ways of self-expression. Of the 388 students scattered all across the country, five shared their insights on what they learned at RMCAD and their advice for future graduates as they contemplate life beyond art school.
#5: When in doubt, write it out – Sarah Pauly
It’s next to impossible to know what will benefit you in the future, so it’s never a bad idea to keep a notepad nearby. As an online Illustrative Design graduate, Sarah Pauly encourages students to go back to basics and write things down the good old-fashioned way – pen and paper. Whether it’s class assignments, job listings, or even just your grocery list, Pauly believes the best way to stay organized in this hectic world is through writing tasks down manually. “I have to have a list where I can check items off and then throw it away.” It’s not just Pauly’s opinion; take it from Scientific American, which can confirm that handwriting has proven to be more stimulating to the brain than taking notes digitally – and thus better for retaining information.
#4: Remember who you’re creating for – Charla Ann Barnish
Building an online following can be a difficult yet rewarding way for young artists to get their name out into the world. However, according to Fine Arts graduate, Charla Barnish, artists mustn’t lose sight of the works they want to create for themselves. Many content creators find themselves trying to ‘keep up with the algorithm’ in the hopes of reaching a broader audience. Barnish warned others of the trap she had once fallen into with social media, saying, “I found myself creating things that I thought other people were going to like, instead of focusing on my own practice.” While there is nothing wrong with creating art that is accessible to others, Barnish prompts creatives to express their genuine thoughts and invite their audience along.
#3: Project confidence, even if you have to fake it to make it – Anna Gaiser
When it comes to seeking a role beyond graduation, it can be hard for a lot of new entrants into the workforce to project the confidence needed to land professional roles. If all else fails, Interior Design grad, Anna Gaiser, tells future graduates to project confidence while looking for roles – even if they have their doubts. Many graduates struggle to find their perfect role straight out of college, which can weigh down their self-worth. This is totally normal. Gaiser says, “You might not know what you’re doing, especially when you first graduate, you’re gonna feel like a lost puppy.” That doesn’t mean you should lie and pretend like you have all the answers, just the opposite. Ask lots of questions, always strive to learn more, and remain humble. Projecting confidence means not letting your inexperience get the best of your level head when you are overwhelmed. Gaiser says, “When you first start out, it’s a little scary, you have doubts. But if you act like you’ve been doing this for a decade or more, then people are going to be a lot more receptive to what you have to say.”
#2: We all need someone to lean on – CherJay Yang
As one of this year’s two valedictorians, photography graduate CherJay Yang took to the podium on May 4 to share his gratitude and insights with his fellow class of 2025 graduates. In his speech, Yang thanked the many educators who aided him in his creative journey, both at RMCAD and beyond. Yang encourages all artists to remember all the people in their support system that made their creative journey possible, saying that “through their guidance, I came to understand that art goes beyond just visuals or sound; it’s about conveying deeper, more personal narratives that reflect meaningful expressions.”
Yang also reminded the 2025 cohort that they were vital in his success at RMCAD. He credits the important connections of his classmates not only with informing his visual style but also with assisting him through difficult times. Yang said to his fellow graduates, “Think of everything we’ve faced: the unknowns, the pressure, the self-doubt, the deadlines, the small wins, the breakthrough moments, and the friendships that carried us through.”
#1: Find your creative voice – Allison Hawes
The 2025 Valedictorian of RMCAD’s second commencement ceremony, illustration graduate Allison Hawes, emphasized the importance of honing your unique style. Hawes proclaimed, “Tomorrow morning, we wake up and knock on the door of an industry that values the quality of our work over the degrees we are receiving today.” She urged her fellow graduates to leverage their one-of-a-kind creative voices to show their worth in the professional world. As college graduates, many of whom are young or less experienced in their particular field, Hawes encouraged her classmates that a distinct artistic voice would help them to cut through the noise of the competition.
As far as what honing that voice looks like to Hawes, she encourages all artists and designers to think of the journey of their lives and reflect that back into their work. “We are human beings with hurts, hopes, dreams, fears, passions, likes, and dislikes, all of which inform your art and influence your unique style and voice.”
RMCAD’s class of 2025 is comprised of students across all programs, modalities, and backgrounds. Traditional and returning students alike, there is a lot of wisdom shared among these nearly 400 students. Whether you’re a working artist with over 40 years of experience or a high school student considering attending art school, we hope the advice of this year’s graduates.
There’s a lot more to learn
If you’re feeling inspired to take the next step in your creative education, look no further than the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design (RMCAD). With multiple Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in a variety of programs and both on-campus and online modalities, RMCAD is the perfect place to discover your creative potential. Request more information to learn about our online and on-campus programs today!
