Tracy Yang

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

I grew up in Saint Paul, MN and I currently live in Minneapolis, MN now. I heard about MCAD through high school mentors when I expressed my interest in the arts.

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

I've lived here majority of my life so my experience is half/half. I would definitely say that my favorite place to eat after a long studio day at MCAD would be Quangs on eat street!

Why did you choose the bachelor of science program?

I've always had the passion for the arts but I knew that I would be a better fit on the business side of the arts. Through the bachelor of science program, I got to explore my creative side and learned how to use it strategically as well. I wanted the best of both worlds!

What inspires you/your work?

Myself. As a young girl, I've always had this vision for myself so that motivates me to work harder to achieve that goal.

Briefly describe at least one of your internships.

I did my last internship at BBDO Minneapolis as their summer account executive intern in May 2018. I was able to work on Skippy Peanut Butter and Hormel Chili projects and got to learn more about the accounts world. I found that account managing wasn't for me but the downtown scenery was definitely great for a summer internship!

Favorite project you worked on for a client?

My favorite project would be Action4Water. My team and I was able to create a booklet filled with research and beautiful imagery for our client to give to her potential donors to help spread awareness about the water crisis in Ethiopia.

How do you network yourself and your art?

Through LinkedIn or past job/job interviews. If I didn't get a job, I would ask to see if the interviewer knew anyone looking to hire or even speak with similar to the position I was interviewing for. I also reached out to The Brand Lab and was able to do some networking there as well.

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

MCAD did! MCAD definitely helped me network and helped me understand the advertising industry more. Although the real world is a bit different from the classroom, I found my working style and where my comfort level was in terms of working in teams. Through MCAD, I was able to learn my strengths and weaknesses and found ways to challenge myself more. And because completing internships was apart of the program, it pushed me to put myself out there to find more opportunities for myself.

Is there anything you wish you knew when you were an MCAD student?

I wish that I got to know the MCAD community a little more, in terms of their clubs and activities. I think as a MCAD student, I found that everyone was so focused on their art and goals so it made it a little harder to meet other students from different departments.

What have you learned since graduating from MCAD?

I learned how important it is to seek opportunities for yourself. Any chance you get, put yourself out there and network! Don't be afraid to reach out first even if you feel like you don't really know what you're doing or going. It's better to ask because you'll never know what's behind the door.

What do you miss about being a student at MCAD?

I miss being surrounded by so many creative people! You get to hear their stories and learn more about the artist and their passions. And when you finally see their art, you feel so inspired!

Name your biggest takeaway from the program?

Don't be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone and there will always be opportunities for you. You just have to keep putting yourself out there and continue striving so one day, you'll find yourself doing whatever you love.

What have you learned since graduating from MCAD?

I learned how important it is to seek opportunities for yourself. Any chance you get, put yourself out there and network! Don't be afraid to reach out first even if you feel like you don't really know what you're doing or going. It's better to ask because you'll never know what's behind the door.

What do you miss about being a student at MCAD?

I miss being surrounded by so many creative people! You get to hear their stories and learn more about the artist and their passions. And when you finally see their art, you feel so inspired!

Name your biggest takeaway from the program?

Don't be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone and there will always be opportunities for you. You just have to keep putting yourself out there and continue striving so one day, you'll find yourself doing whatever you love.

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

I currently work at KNOCK, Inc as a contract production designer. I build and help finalize design files/art work before it reaches the client. My experience has been great! I love my job and helping my team achieve our goals. I also really like how I don't necessarily have to come up with concepts and design art work myself. I just help make it "perfect" to satisfy our clients.

How did you get your job?

After teaching English in Korea for a year, I started sending out informational interview requests to ad agencies in Minneapolis to learn more about production in March of 2020. So right before the stay at home orders began, KNOCK, Inc reached out and gave me the opportunity to interview the VP of Production, Creighton King. We had a great discussion about possibly creating a producing internship for me to learn more about the role. But due to the pandemic, the internship was put off for a year and thankfully, Creighton reached out to me in February of 2021 to see if I was still interested in the internship! I accepted it immediately and started doing work for Sephora. After three months of completing the internship, I received a promotion and now I am a Production Designer at KNOCK, Inc!

What is your most proud accomplishment?

I am first generation Hmong-American and the first college graduate in my family. I worked really hard to make something out of my college experience so I'm proud that my efforts landed me at KNOCK, Inc. I'm also proud that before graduating, I completed 4 internships which gave me insight of which career direction I wanted to pursue. And lastly, I wanted to graduate early so I took 18 credits for three semesters and took summer classes to achieve that goal!

Current obsession?

Interior decorating, moscow mules, weight lifting, and BTS! (iykyk)

Best thing you ever found on the free shelf?

I never really found anything I liked on the free shelf. Maybe because all of the good things were taken already!