Becky Tyler

Personal Pronouns

She/her

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

I've been working in the print industry since my MCAD days doing graphic design, prepress, and running printers. It pays the bills while I run my Etsy business selling art and photography prints and the occasional commission. In between, I take my Nikon around the world and blog about it along with book and movie reviews on my website. The creative journey never ends.

How did you get your job?

Moved up through various positions within Xerox before moving on to Loffler. The print industry is always changing. Always adapting.

How long ago did you graduate from MCAD?

10+ years

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

I'm from a small town in Michigan you've never heard of. My high school art teacher gave me a brochure my junior year and I applied.

What was your major and how did you choose it?

Animation, but spent time in a lot of illustration and drawing as well. My interests after MCAD shifted to drawing, photography, and design.

Who was your favorite faculty member and why?

Holly Swift. I still use techniques I learned in her classes, and whenever I see, say, a tree that's shaped like a leaf, I think of her because I know she would have noticed it too.

Describe your internship(s).

At a company that made animated polls for a machine that went into shopping malls and other public areas. It was a fun internship and I learned a lot about the business end of things.

Best thing you ever found on the free shelf?

A pair of winter gloves with bones painted on them.

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

Yes. It laid the groundwork to work on multiple projects at once, both at work and when doing Etsy projects. MCAD helped me see the world from new perspectives, and broadened my interests in art, books, and movies.

Your biggest takeaway from MCAD?

Life takes you in directions you won't be expecting. MCAD did the same, just on a smaller scale. And the community that comes with it is something I don't want to live without.

What inspires you/your work?

Traveling, nature, and all things pop culture.

How do you network yourself and your art?

I'm on IG, Bluesky, and Threads under the handle @beckytylerart. Also my website and I occasionally try to get my work into galleries, but haven't done so since 2020.

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

I love the lakes, the music and art scene, Nico's Taco Bar, Pizzeria Lola, Twins games, and razzing all the Vikings fans with my Packer gear.