Taylor James Snyder

What do you do for work?

I'm a senior art director in advertising at Colle McVoy.

How did you get your job?

I learned about it through networking and reached out to the recruiter with my portfolio and resume.

What was your major and how did you choose it? Was it the right choice?

Advertising design. I chose it because it was the perfect marriage of business-minded thinking and creativity that I loved. It was the right choice for me.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

Jan Jancourt for making typography cool. Kindra Murphy for her unrelenting focus on the details of graphic design work. Natasha Pestich for keeping me experimenting and teaching me to never stop exploring new creative processes and work. Nancy Rice for encouraging me to go into advertising and fully supporting me on my journey through school.

Name your one biggest takeaway from MCAD?

Making great creative/art is a ton of work, takes a lot of perseverance, and, in spite of your best efforts, it often goes awry. It is not for the faint of heart and it must be your passion to be successful at it.

What inspires you/your work?

Making work that I haven't seen before, shaking up a category or work that has remained the same for years, and helping brands reinvent themselves as a newer, better version of themselves.

Has your work evolved since leaving MCAD? How so?

It has continued to refine itself and become more honed in on what I love most through hands-on experience. MCAD was a great base and starting point; it, mixed with my career, is what helped me grow into what I am today.

What advice do you have for current MCAD students?

Work yourself to the bone, drink a coffee, and push yourself even further. School is the four years of time that you can explore most and find out what truly moves you creatively so don't squander it. Also, you will work with your classmates in the real world (even ones you wouldn't expect) so don't burn bridges. It's just as important to network with your peers as it is with working professionals.

How do you network yourself and your art?

Networking events. Sending out my work to prospective shops. Working with recruiters.

Do the Twin Cities offer many opportunities for creatives?

It depends on what area of focus you are in; but, by in large yes. After living/working in Denver and New York City by comparison it's shocking how many opportunities are available to creative people in our small city.

Current obsession?

Mirrors and pattern in fashion photography.