Whitney Weir

In a couple sentences, describe what you do for work and how you feel about it.

I'm currently freelance editing full-time for Complex. At Complex I work on a lot of short documentary-style pieces. I'm burning the candle at both ends as I also have a freelance job editing and animating a new cooking show for one of my favorite musical artists, so that has been really fun!

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

Filmmaking. I was thinking about being an advertising major during my first semester, but after taking Intro to Film, I knew where my passion was.

Who was your favorite teacher and why?

David Goldes. I had great teachers all around. I learned a lot of technical skills. David Goldes gave me a lot of confidence, which is still so important to me.

Tell us about your internship.

I found a great internship editing for a film studio that worked out of the Northrup King Building. I worked with two directors and they were very helpful giving me advice for filmmaking—feedback on my edits and insight into what working with a studio meant.

Best thing you ever got/saw on the free shelf?

I loved eavesdropping on conversations from the studios while standing at the free shelf. Good acoustics.

Name your one biggest takeaway from MCAD?

I don't think I needed to go to MCAD to do what I do, but I think it helped make me who I am.

What advice do you have for current MCAD students?

Try classes far away from your major. You will most likely be doing a lot of the same thing later in your life.

How do you network yourself and your art?

I don't know, I think I'm bad at it. That's probably where I need to improve the most.

Do the Twin Cities offer many opportunities for creatives?

I moved to Los Angeles after graduating. It was hard for me to find something in Minneapolis.

Current obsession?

Taking baths.

In your own words, what is a self-portrait?

A piece of work that shows your own interpretation of yourself.