Image Alumni '25, MA Education BA, Portland State University MA, Minneapolis College of Art and Design Website github.com/morgenruff Social Media @morgenruff Current Career Operations Manager, Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association Location Minneapolis, MN Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.I run operations for the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association & Art-A-Whirl, the largest open artist studio event in the US. This has been a great experience so far (I started in September 2024). I enjoy organizing large events and helping artists better get themselves out into the world. The job allows me to be creative on a daily basis and wear different hats most days, which I highly value as I like variety and challenge in my work. I also freelance in the web design & development field. This has been excellent, I really enjoying working with clients and with web technologies, so doing this work allows me to use my collaborative, design, troubleshooting, and organizational skills to the fullest.How did you get your job?I've worked as lead operations manager at various arts events for over a decade, so getting a job at NEMAA was as simple as applying and showing my skills.What inspires you/your work?The world.How do you network yourself and your art?I don't do much online, I prefer to speak with people directly, in person. So I try to build meaningful relationships that way, that will allow me to work in this field.What was your experience living in the Twin Cities? Any hidden treasures?I live here permanently, and really like it overall. I'm an avid cyclist and the area is great for that — underrated! There are too many hidden treasures to list, frankly.Where did you earn your undergraduate degree, and what was it in?Portland State University, BA in Film Studies (major) & Philosophy (minor), University Honors CollegeHow did you hear about MCAD?Through the grapevineWhy did you choose to earn an MA at MCAD?At a kind of career crossroads, I was interested in gaining more experience and education with web design & development specifically, but have also long had an interest in graphic design. So I wanted to hit all those points in a program. I felt I needed a master's program for structure and breadth, rather than cobbling together an education in the field from disparate sources. MCAD had always come highly recommended during my time living in the Twin Cities, I know a bunch of graduates and they all suggested I go for it. After looking over materials, I found the MAGWD program to be very thorough in scope and quite interesting in that it's all online — unique in the US! I'm a busy professional so that was enticing.What was your biggest takeaway from the program?The overall quality of the instructors and classes. All very strong with unique perspectives.Where were you located when you completed the program?Minneapolis, MNWhat was the online education like?Good, Canvas is a nice platform, and since we're all so used to video meetings nowadays, that element was seamless. Really no problems!How has the MA impacted your career/your life?Time will tell as I just finished two days ago! But so far, I've met a ton of great people in the program that might be future collaborators. And everyone I tell about the MA is very impressed and seems to think highly of MCAD.Personal Pronounshe/himWhat would you tell students considering pursuing an MA degree in Graphic and Web Design?Do it. Make the most of your time by not only completing all the coursework, but also seek outside resources (there are tons of interesting things that offer free or discounted student access). Get ready to meet some amazing designers who are your peers, and will push you as a creative.