Daren Hill

Daren Hill

Alumni

’17

Education

BS, Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Current Career

Creative Place-Maker; Muralist; Visual Artist

Location

St. Paul, Minnesota

Where are you originally from and how did you hear about MCAD?

I'm originally from Minneapolis, but I did not hear about MCAD until I was living and working in New York City. I was working in an art gallery as a curatorial assistant and had talked to several artists that kept mentioning MCAD. Those conversations piqued my interest and I decided to apply.

Why did you choose the bachelor of science program?

I wanted to find a way to monetize my skills. I knew I loved art, the history the craft/ techniques, and the artists who add beauty to the world. My original plan was to help amplify other creatives through curating art shows and in doing that, it amplified my own creative voice.

What was your experience living in the Twin Cities? Any hidden treasures?

For the most part it was good, except the winters can be brutal. I would say check out all the murals around the city, especially in St. Paul's Creative Enterprise Zone.

Briefly describe at least one of your internships.

I had a fun internship with Werner Elements. I was able to create content for their website. I also got to revisit my journalistic side by doing interviews with some awesome local businesses.

Did MCAD prepare you for life after graduation? In what way?

MCAD grew my network and has even given me opportunities even after graduation.

Is there anything you wish you knew when you were an MCAD student?

Take full advantage of all the studios and equipment while you can. Pick your professor's brains and seek their advice whenever you feel compelled to.

What have you learned since graduating from MCAD?

Be true to yourself and make sure that whatever opportunity you take aligns with your values. Money comes and goes, creating a positive impact is forever.

Painting by Daren Hill with emphasis on equality, justice, and love.

What do you miss about being a student at MCAD?

The constant flow of creativity from my peers was super inspiring.

Name your biggest takeaway from the program?

To constantly push yourself and embrace the ambiguity of being an entrepreneur.

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

I am a visual artist/ muralist, freelance designer, and super dad. It's been rewarding to see my hard work start to bloom. I believe that if you are consistent in what you do, it creates a snowball effect. People start to notice, and opportunities present themselves. I feel blessed and am thankful for everything—the highs and the lows.

How did you get your job?

It happened organically. Many of my jobs have come from word of mouth, or, from an opportunity I saw to use my skillset to creatively come up with solutions for a business. I always strive to go above and beyond for a client when possible, and it usually leads to other opportunities.

What inspires you/your work?

I try to pay attention to the small details or textures and patterns of things. I also am influenced by street art and graffiti culture. For me those are the roots of my creativity and what i attribute as my some of my biggest inspiration.

How do you network yourself and your art?

By being consistent and going above and beyond expectations of clients.

Favorite project you worked on for a client?

My favorite project was creating a mural for Ayeeyo Child Care Center in south Minneapolis. They were having a problem with graffiti and the building being tagged. The owners wanted a mural to cover it. Through a series of events and workshops with the families of the daycare and community, I was able to ideate and come up with a design. To avoid future problems, I hired some respected local and nationally known graffiti artists to help paint the entire building. I used the problem, so to speak, to solve the problem and in turn, amplified not only the graffiti artists and their creative voice but the communities as well.

What advice do you have for current MCAD students and/or artists at the beginning of their creative careers?

Keep your focus and try to stay consistent in your craft. Lean on your peers for inspiration and collaboration.

Best thing you ever found on the free shelf?

A pile of vinyl records.

Current obsession?

Wow Bao, their food is amazing and reminds me of living in NYC.

What is your most proud accomplishment?

Raising my daughters to be global citizens and seeing how beautiful and empathetic they are and are becoming. I'm biased but my daughters are my greatest works of art, and what I'm the proudest of.

Website

Mural and bicycle by Daren Hill.