Nathan Riebel

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

The work that I submitted for the merit had an emphasis on brand identity, systems thinking, and layout design. In my work I find myself working through the idea of making connections. Whether that is with type and image, certain messages, or colors. The exploration of how I can make every aspect work with each other is something that really interests me in my process of creating the work.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

It was actually the only school I applied for. I didn't know what I wanted to go to college for, but I always was into art and was considered that "art kid" in my high school. I was torn between leaving for out of state and staying here in Minnesota. But one day I just looked up "art school in Minnesota," saw MCAD, and applied. I was accepted for the following semester and everything just seemed to fall right into place after that.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

To create deeper meanings in my projects. I plan to develop work that not only exists on the screen but also can be utilized or appreciated in the real world.

I plan to take all my knowledge and experience with design that I have learned at MCAD to hopefully find a studio or company to work for. A position where I can be side-by-side with other like-minded creatives to come up with new solutions for problems would be ideal.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

Learning new skills and ideas from the various classes I have taken so far.

What's the best thing you've got from MCAD's free shelf?

A stand up lamp for my living room in my dorm.

What inspires you?

Discovering new ideas or ways of thinking about certain problems is something that really inspires me. Finding interesting out-of-the-box solutions for the task at hand is something that drives me as a designer.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

It would definitely have to be a poster design tilted Belonging. In this design, I combined the ideas of physical space and the word belonging. After elaborating on that connection I began to assess how I could create a visual form to represent the two. The end result was a poster design that serves as a reflection/resource that can help remind the viewer of the definition and or differences between the words belong, longing, and belonging.