Grace Deck

Personal Pronouns

she/her

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

I’m a UX/UI product designer focused on creating digital experiences that are not just prettier, but genuinely better. I’m usually working in-house with large, enterprise-level organizations, helping shape design standards like brand guidelines, design systems, and style guides.
Much of my work centers around designing complex websites or software products, often in industries like consumer goods, legal, healthcare, and financial services. Over the years, I’ve developed expertise in navigating highly regulated environments, balancing creativity with the practical realities of compliance and user trust.
I’d describe myself as a systems thinker, a visual nerd, and a social impact enthusiast. I love the challenge of designing elegant solutions for complex problems, collaborating across disciplines, and ensuring the user remains at the heart of every decision. My career so far has been incredibly rewarding, offering me the chance to keep learning, adapt to new challenges, and to contribute to meaningful, human-centered work.

What inspires you/your work?

I’m inspired by the idea that design can make things genuinely better, not just more beautiful, but clearer, fairer, and more human. I love the challenge of untangling complexity and creating systems that help people navigate the world more easily.

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree, and what was it in?

I always knew I wanted to be a designer, but it took me some time to figure out the right educational path. I started out studying design at the University of Minnesota, but realized I wanted a stronger technical foundation, so I transferred to Minneapolis College, where I earned an A.A.S. in Graphic Design. After that, I completed my bachelor’s degree at Metropolitan State University with a B.A. in Individualized Studies.

How did you hear about MCAD?

I grew up in the Twin Cities and spent a lot of time at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, so MCAD was always on my radar. In high school, I took photography and graphic design classes there, which made it feel like a natural part of my creative path

Why did you choose to earn an MA at MCAD?

MCAD had always been my dream school, but I took a more technical path for my bachelor’s degree and jumped quickly into the working world. When I started thinking about a master’s, I knew I wanted something more theory-driven and project-based, a chance to go deeper and play more with design than I’d been able to in undergrad or my career. Thanks to getting that technical training first and a few years of work experience, I was finally able to afford pursuing my dream at MCAD.

What was your biggest takeaway from the program?

My biggest takeaway from the program was how much it expanded my toolbox as a designer, not just with new methods and resources, but with a deeper understanding of how design can help tackle complex, ‘wicked’ problems. There was a strong underlying theme of equity, justice, and designing for social impact, which really reshaped how I think about the role of design in the world.

How has the MA impacted your career/your life?

The MAGWD has had a big impact on both my career and life. It gave me more confidence, credibility, and stronger presentation skills, and it also helped me become better at giving and receiving feedback. Professionally, it’s opened up new opportunities for influence and leadership, allowing me to contribute at a higher level and advocate more effectively for meaningful, human-centered design.

What would you tell students considering pursuing an MA degree in Graphic and Web Design?

Be prepared to challenge yourself, explore new methods, and look at design through a bigger lens. It’s not just about sharpening your skills, it's about transforming how you see your role as a designer. If you’re craving more depth, growth, and the chance to shape your own creative path, it’s absolutely worth it.