Noah Lawrence Holder

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

Right now I am a full-time freelance artist. I mostly do illustration work but take on animated work from time to time as well. I do a lot of stuff for non-profits or organizations that have a socially conscious goal in mind, but my work has appeared on cans, skateboard decks, t-shirts, billboards, and more.

How did you get your job?

I was working full-time as a motion graphics artist for some years until I decided to take a leap of faith. I was at a point where I was having to turn down work offers because my full-time job was taking up so much time, and I just kind of reached a breaking point with that.

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

I grew up in Madison, WI. I think I heard about MCAD during a portfolio day.

What was your major and how did you choose it?

I majored in animation. I had played around with stop motion a lot growing up and was really inspired by cartoons so it felt like a good fit.

Who was your favorite faculty member and why?

Tom Schroeder!! He's MCAD's animation GOAT. His experimental animation class encouraged me to explore and grow in such a fun way.

Best thing you ever found on the free shelf?

I had a reputation at being really good at the free shelf. I found a lot of treasures. My favorite was a full office water cooler. It leaked all over my floor but the 24 hours of cold, filtered water was worth it.

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

Yes and no... I was so scared of not being employed that my only concern was getting a job in my field. MCAD helped me do that, but there's so many other things I had to learn on my own. I very much still am learning, too.

Your biggest takeaway from MCAD?

Prioritize the work that nourishes you. And if you want something, reach out and take it.

What inspires you/your work?

Growing up it was a lot of skate art and cartoons. Storytelling for sure. I still am inspired by these things, but I try to do more with my work now. I think what inspires me now is the idea that I could lift up and empower someone who needs it, but that's often very difficult. I'm not sure if art can be a substitute for action. But if my work can reach someone who is really alone or down or marginalized and make them feel like their story is worth being told, then I think my work has meaning.

How do you network yourself and your art?

I don't nearly as much as I should... the occasional press and my very inconsistent social media.

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

I love and hate it here... I've certainly stuck around for better or for worse. Harry Sign's is the best (not sure if it's still open.) Hunt and Gather is pretty fun for oddities, same with Ax-Man. MiSant is always worth the trip to Roseville.