Jonathan Rodriguez | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Jonathan Rodriguez

Image
Jonathan Rodriguez stands in a room lit with red light

Alumni
’13

Education
BS in Entrepreneurial Studies
Current Career
Sr. Independent Creative at no_____thanks® ; Lead UX/UI Designer at Perry Street Software
Location
Berlin, Germany

Why did you choose the bachelor of science program?

The bachelor of science program is a remarkable mix of the art and science of business, creativity, and communication. I've always been an early adapter and a hybrid creative. I knew a typical arts degree wouldn't be fulfilling enough and that an MFA would be far too dry. The BSc program prepares students to thrive in the creative industry and become their own change agents—the solopreneurs of the future.

Favorite project you worked on for a client?

I worked with MONO Minneapolis to launch the campaign website for Google Pay in 16 countries and 10 languages. For such a tight deadline and enormous task, everything went incredibly smoothly and I was lucky to have an amazing team, both at MONO and at Google. Going in, I wasn't sure what to expect with the Google team, but the whole process was incredibly agile and very collaborative. They felt like peers rather than clients. And, MONO is a dream agency, too. :)

Briefly describe at least one of your internships.

As a student I was lucky enough to compete and win the pitch to rebrand BI Worldwide, an event marketing and engagement agency with an annual revenue of 1.6 Billion. Forever thankful for MCAD's then head of Academic Services, Lars Mason, for pulling me aside and pushing me to join the team as a freshman. We worked in teams on weekends to create our branding pitches, presented to the C-Suite at BI, and were gifted the opportunity to complete our vision with their team during an internship the following summer. BI still has our logo and I'll always be incredibly proud of the opportunity. Felt very MCAD!

Graphic by Jonathan Rodriguez.

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

MCAD and the BSc degree gave me an incredible head-start in my industry and the tools to succeed right away. From working with real clients in the first week of the program to thinking in systems, visual-storytelling, presentation as experience, and being generally fearless to pick-up a new tool and try something. I don't think there's a program like it in the world that's more interdisciplinary, forward thinking, and yet grounded in beautiful design and good taste. MCAD is a bubble. :)

Name your biggest takeaway from the program?

In my first MCAD class, the then head of the BSc program and instructor, Jerry Allan, warned us, "there is no such thing as excuses" and this has always stuck with me. Whenever I've felt like procrastinating or trying to weasel myself out of a complicated or scary task (taxes! karaoke!), I keep this in mind. The only limit is you. MCAD is a playground for students to become comfortable with going beyond what is comfortable.

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

Catching the sunrise at Sky Pesher, 2005 by James Turrell. Minneapolis is incredibly lucky to have that one. :)

Best thing you ever found on the free shelf?

A HUUUGE collection of 35MM slide negatives from the MCAD library. I still have them. They'll be a good set of party visuals if I ever find a projector. :)

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

As an independent designer, I've worked with global clients through my agency collective (no_____thanks®) on digital projects—web and app design. It's been challenging and rewarding! I work with creatives and agencies throughout the US and Europe and have a ton of autonomy and responsibility. Most recently, I've joined Perry Street Software—an LGBT-owned NYC software development company. I'm THRILLED to be leading UX/UI design for their dating apps Scruff and Jack'd: collectively used in 180 countries by 20+ million people. It's incredibly rewarding to focus my talents on my own community and create work that impacts so many lives.

How did you get your job?

Surprisingly, I cold-applied with a cover letter note to the recruiter. The rest is history.

How do you network yourself and your art?

I network professionally at Factory, my co-working space in Berlin. It's a tech-/art-focused innovation lab with a really solid network and event line-up. There's also such a huge power in just socializing—clubs, parties, galleries, and events. The people you meet and vibe with without any business motive are the ones you'll truly want to keep in your network.

Current obsession?

eike könig and togo sofas

App design concept by Jonathan Rodriguez.