Image Alumni '22 Degree Bachelor of Fine Arts Areas of Study Fine Arts Studio Website multiplydistro.bigcartel.com Social Media @threads_and_pixels Current Career Self Employed Location Minneapolis, MN Personal Pronounsthey/themDescribe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.I worked in an office as a project manager for an Art Consultancy for 2 years. I now run a publishing project called Better Homes and Dykes, and am starting my own zine distro for the twin cities. I learned a lot about the arts working that office job, but have learned just as much by starting and running my own projects.How did you get your job?I got my first job out of school as a project manager because of my internship experience. In school, I ran social media for a smaller art consultancy and slowly took on more responsibility in that position. That background made me a competitive candidate for a full-time role at a larger company.I now co-run Better Homes and Dykes with my friend Elli; we met while working on a smaller dyke publishing project called the Dyke Times. That was a volunteer position essentially, and when the Dyke Times faded out Elli and I worked together to start our own newsletter. I did not study publishing or zine-making in school; all those skills were learned as I went. In running this project I learned how to work with bookstores and distribute publications. Now I am launching my own distro. How long ago did you graduate from MCAD?1–4 yearsWhat was your major and how did you choose it?Fine Arts Studio- with a concentration in Sculpture & Installation. I loved creating 3D installations, and that major allowed me to explore sculpture and space. I transferred to MCAD in 2020 originally to study product design, but switched into the fine art department within a semester. Taking classes outside of my major allowed me to see what interests I actually had, outside of what I already knew. Describe your internship(s).I worked as a social media manager for an art consultant in Minneapolis. I shot, edited, posted, and managed the social media presence of the brand. After a position opened up to help with showroom management and project management, I grew into that role.Best thing you ever found on the free shelf?My best free shelf finds were things in the right place at the right time- like an anti-slip rug mat I needed when I moved in, or collage materials I could use for a project!What have you learned since graduating from MCAD?I've learned my passion lies in collaborative/public artwork. Whether that is a collaboration with other artists or folks I know, or community members I'm just meeting. I'm at my happiest when I'm connecting with others through creating artwork. I also found purpose and confidence via DIY publishing. After graduation I felt like I was waiting for someone to exhibit my work, offer me an opportunity, or accept my residency app to get experience. Now I make, publish, and sell my work on my terms. It's incredibly empowering, which is why I'm turning right around to help others learn about publishing. What accomplishment are you most proud of?The accomplishment I am most proud of is the Van Derlip award I received at graduation. Not only were the funds helpful after graduation, but it was really validating for my artistic practice. I had only been a fine arts major for two years and was only at MCAD for 2.5. It made me feel like I had really connected with the community, and proven myself as an artist. A close second is the Loring Award Better Homes and Dykes won- just 6 months into the project! It was so validating to be voted 'best physical queer media' by our community. It makes me want to keep going!How do you network yourself and your art?I go to workshops, and art openings, and connect with people on social media. I also just started a newsletter. What was your experience living in the Twin Cities? Any hidden treasures?Quang's vegan noodle soups were my winter blues cure :)What do you miss about being a student at MCAD?The resources! Take advantage of all the tools you can check out and the professors you can ask for advice from.What advice do you have for current MCAD students and/or artists at the beginning of their creative careers?Get off campus! Get involved with folks IRL and not just online. Getting first-hand experience in the real world will help you build skills and connections and will let you know if you're on the right track. It's also ok to try a bunch of things—to see what sticks! After graduation, my artwork changed completely, which was hard to accept. Once I got past that shame and confusion, I could work on creating artwork that was meaningful to me.