2022 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Vivian Walters | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

2022 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Vivian Walters

April 23, 2022
Image
The Rapture comic by Vivian Walters

She/Her
Senior, Comic Art
Will Eisner Sequential Art Scholarship $2,000
Online Portfolio
Lyons, Michigan

Describe the work you submitted for merits

I like making introspective, quiet work that is thoughtful and kind. My comics with the cat and the fox were made originally as a tribute to Arnold Lobel, whose work greatly enriched my childhood. Much of my comics these days are made with my fellow homosexual men and women in mind. I enjoy capturing people's personalities and lives in my stories. The outlier to this in my merit presentation was the comic about the human-faced cat running around my hometown. I just had a lot of fun with that one.

Comic of two men on a date reminiscing

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

My aunt is an alum, and she set up a tour of the campus for me. I decided to come here for the school's Comic Art program, which wasn't an option at many of the schools I was looking into at the time.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

I would love to make new friends and go on more adventures. It would be nice to publish some comics, too.

Comic by Vivian Walters

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

I like playing the piano in the College Center. I've enjoyed the social clubs, and the chance to network with and meet other artists.

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

I once got a pair of men's jeans that fit like they were made for me and I have been thoroughly disappointed in every other pair of men's jeans I've tried on since then.

What inspires you?

People's lives.

Comic by Vivian Walters

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

I have a soft spot for my comics about animals in fancy clothes.

Comic by Vivian Walters

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

I'm absolutely obsessed with Japanese fried chicken. The Kewpie mayo and rooster sauce combo that goes on top just ties it all together so well. Outstanding.