Mercedes Joy Knapp

Personal Pronouns

she/her

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

I sell my paintings and drawings internationally as well as create pieces in front of audiences at music festivals and perform body painting at various events.

How did you get your job?

I get my name out there where I can!

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

I'm from a small town in Michigan, and I heard during my search for colleges about MCAD's great reputation, top-of-the-line facilities, and its relatively close proximity to my home state.

What was your major and how did you choose it?

Illustration! I originally came to MCAD intending to major in Photography, but Instagram came out the same year I started my studies, the transition from darkroom to digital was amping up, and it was overall just a chaotic time so I stuck to my bread and butter, which was always colored pencil drawing.

Best thing you ever found on the free shelf?

A 6-foot blank canvas! Thank you, random painting student from heaven!

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

MCAD was good for getting me to stay in the habit of creating work on a consistent basis.

What city do you live in?

I lived in Perth, Western Australia since before COVID but was starting to miss family, so I came back to Michigan where I now travel selling my work at art fairs.

What inspires you/your work?

Growing up rurally made me appreciate nature and constantly reading Greek mythology and Harry Potter kept me believing in magic way beyond childhood. My work always contains a mystical element.

How do you network yourself and your art?

Social media, although now fluctuating in effectiveness, has been a great way to get work out there. However, the absolute best way is boots on the ground. Gallery shows, pop-up events, anywhere I can get as many people physically in front of my work have been the most fulfilling, both professionally and personally.

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

I loved the Twin Cities and have fond memories of cycling around the lakes and down the greenway. If you like music festivals, Shangri-La is a really feel-good one (think reggae and funky EDM) just an hour south of the cities over Labor Day weekend!