Claire McKevitt

Personal Pronouns

She/her

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

Currently, I work as a traditional sign painter within the Twin Cities alongside professional sign painter Forrest Wozniak, for the past year and a half. Within this area of work, I have connected in multitudes of ways in outreach with the community, and feeling apart of the luscious twin cities!

How did you get your job?

Through completing an internship, I found myself. But was structured through the college.

How long ago did you graduate from MCAD?

Less than one year ago

What was your major and how did you choose it?

Fine arts, the classes I was interested in aligned with this degree.

Who was your favorite faculty member and why?

Brad Jirka, he saw me for who I was and my art, and aided me in all my endeavors.

Describe your internship(s).

Already stated.

What have you learned since graduating from MCAD?

Networking and how to push myself and my goals as an artist!

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

I would love to say yes, but even within the past months of being an alum, I have felt not. The only reasons MCAD prepared students was on how to be a “professional artists” vs being faced with the reality of lack of jobs, student loans, and resources!

Is there anything you wish you knew when you were an MCAD student?

Truly how expensive the school would be.

Your biggest takeaway from MCAD?

You have to do all the work yourself and to strive for your goals.

What inspires you/your work?

Being alive in America/cultural influences.

How do you network yourself and your art?

Going to gallery openings/keeping friends close.

What do you miss about being a student at MCAD?

All the resources and structure of school.

What advice do you have for current MCAD students and/or artists at the beginning of their creative careers?

Do not let other people persuade your ideas or your art.