2022 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Bailey Gross

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

When choosing work to submit I tried to balance the experimental and narrative sides of my practice. I really enjoy experimenting with format and medium, so I tried to include some of my most successful experimental works. Two of the comics I submitted were rendered with charcoal, which is something I want to continue playing around with, and several have experimental formats. I am also starting to focus on developing better storytelling skills and I wanted to include work that focused on that side of my practice as well.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

The facilities are impressive and I was interested in the Comic Art major, which most art schools don't have. Minneapolis was also just an appealing location because the Twin Cities are a cool place to live and I have family nearby.

What are your plans for senior year? And beyond?

I hope to continue developing my storytelling and artistic skill and start creating more long-form works. After graduation, I would like to work towards becoming a published graphic novelist!

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

My friends!

What's the best thing you've gotten from MCAD's free shelf?

A full bottle of Olaplex hair bonding oil (worth like $40!!)

What inspires you?

Other artists, beer cans with cool labels, and taking the bus alone.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made? Describe it!

I'm very proud of Ghost Story! It was my first serious attempt at making a solid multi-page narrative. It's about the ghost of a 7-year-old girl who haunts the side of a highway and makes friends with the ghosts of roadkill. I had a lot of fun experimenting with charcoal for the backgrounds.