2024 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Julian Deyo

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

For my merit installation I focused on 4 pieces for the wall installation, and the other 4 were the printed comics, anthologies, zines ect. For the wall pieces I went with my comics that we're really illustrative and painterly. I actually went a step above what was asked of me for the decoration of the wall. I really enjoy drawing botanical scenes and just nature themed work, so I lucked out when I found a giant box of fake ivy vines in my apartment building. I made a large vinyl sticker of my logo at the top of the wall. From there I just kept running with the idea of the installation being a preview to my professional practice.

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

It was the most financially achievable for me when I was 17. Due to the pandemic it was the only school I was physically able to tour since it was close by. Which made a huge difference in seeing myself at MCAD. When I was applying to art schools I was looking at fine art, which seems so far back now. By the end of my intro to comic class freshman year it had really clicked that I could take my love of writing and drawing and merge them and that could be my career!

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

Working at the SB and on my senior project! I can't say for certain what's going to happen post-grad but I'm really hoping to work in comic publishing.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

I've really enjoyed the community here, especially in the comic department. Everyone's so excited and passionate about what they do, and there's so many amazing opportunities like artist alley, zine fest, art sale ect. Also all of the food options on eat street! If you haven't yet, check out pho hoa on 25th St.

What inspires you?

Big question. I suppose my inspiration for making comics is knowing that they really have a way of connecting with people, especially young people like myself. Graphic novels like Tillie Waldens 'Spinning' or Tamaki/Valero-O'Connells 'Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me' really made an impact on me in early high school that led me to making comics and feeling like confident in my abilities. I think of my favorite things about comics is that it's a writing and drawing medium. So when something feels too big for words, wether it's something intense for the reader or the character, there's also beautiful artwork that captures everything in between.

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

My favorite is a little big comic I made last semester called "Are We Still Friends?" It's a short little 4-pager I made for a comic risograph assignment, it's a really delicate lilac purple with fine black ink. It was the first comic assignment that I made switching between digital and traditional media, like i didn't have to choose between the two. It was also the first comic I made flipping through it, I kinda stood at the service bureau and thought "wow, I made this and it's actually good"

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

My fluffy son, Salty, he's an 8 year old norwegian looking barn cat and I love him so much.

Do you have a favorite question we didn't ask? Tell us and answer it!

What's your favorite thing you've gotten from the free shelf? that's always my favorite since I have a really funny answer.