Rosie Colacino

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

The work I submitted for merits includes 3D models rendered in SolidWorks and KeyShot, along with a laptop bag, bar cart, and automatic humidifier I designed. Each physical work includes a handmade book that shows process and final photos.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I knew that MCAD could provide me with opportunities that would be important to my time as a student and in my career after college.

What's next for your practice? Anything you're really excited to make?

I am really excited to get further into the dining ware set I am designing right now. I also am happy to be getting back into printmaking and improving my skills in non-product-design-related art during quarantine.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

My favorite thing about college life so far is having the opportunity to show my work and get critique on it from people who come from all different design backgrounds.

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

Cardboard! Nearly all of my models and prototypes this year were made from cardboard found at the free shelf and recycling bins at MCAD.

What inspires you?

I get a lot of inspiration from other artists on Instagram. Being able to see how hard people are working outside of school really inspires me to push myself to make art that is not related to my major. Design accounts on Instagram and Pinterest are also great places that I learn and find new techniques to make new things.

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

Right now, the laptop bag I made in my Models and Prototypes class is my favorite piece for product design. I think it really helped me find my style when it comes to working with textiles, and it also ties in with other work I have made since then. I improved my craft when making the first and second prototypes for the bag so that my final piece would be rigid, yet light and polished, which is something I strive for all of my designs to be.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

This isn't really design-related, but podcasts! Podcasts are the only reason I can get anything done because I can feel entertained without having to watch something. Right now, my favorite podcasts are The Honeydew with Ryan Sickler, The H3 Podcast, and My Favorite Murder.