2025/26 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Emily Morrison Weeks

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

To provide a full picture of what I've learned throughout my time in the MAGWD program, I provided examples of projects in the categories of environmental design, publication design, web design, experimental interaction, programming for web, and motion design.

What made you choose to come to MCAD for your MA?

MCAD stood out from the other programs I'd been looking at for a number of reasons. As a working adult, I appreciate the flexibility of a remote program. As a learner, I appreciate that students are still able to form strong connections with each other and with professors through video interactions and other opportunities to connect and provide support and feedback/critique. The balance of graphic and web design coursework made the MAGWD program stand out to me, as many other programs I had looked at were focused primarily on one or the other. I am thankful to have found a program that I believe has helped me learn and grow into a well-rounded designer with an understanding of the various roles others I will work with in the future may hold. I also believe having an education combining graphic and web design will open more career pathways than might be available to me if I had chosen a program with a more narrow focus.

Favorite thing about the program (so far)?

My favorite thing about the program, apart from all the learning, has been the connections I've made with other students in my cohort as well as professors in the program.

What is the MCAD online learning experience like?

I love the online learning experience I've had at MCAD. I'm able to have lectures, discussions, and critique sessions face-to-face with classmates and professors on Google Meets, and the assignments and online discussions work well in combination with those class meetings. Occasionally, I have had asynchronous courses, and when I have there have typically been very active discussion boards where students can share their work and get to know each other as well. Having online learning also makes it possible for students and professors to live in a wide variety of places which often means they bring different experiences or perspectives to the classroom than if we were all living in the same city.

What inspires you?

Seeing the work of other artists inspires me.

Do you have a favorite piece you've made or project you've worked on? Describe it!

In Typography class, I was able to work on an environmental design project, which tasked me with creating the branding, signage, and additional assets for a fictional restaurant.
I took my inspiration from a book bar in Madison, WI called Leopold’s Cafe. From there, I deepened my research, looking at the branding and business models of other book bars in cities such as New York and Minneapolis.
I loved the idea of creating a space where introverts and extroverts alike could find a cozy reading nook or meet up with friends. My restaurant would serve brunch and espresso beverages earlier in the day, moving to cocktails and other food in the evenings. There would be a small performance space for live acoustic music, staged readings of plays, and other arts and literature-focused events.
I decided on a jewel-toned, cozy color palette inspired by vintage book covers and ambient low lit spaces. I wanted the restaurant to have a hidden gem vibe - something that feels cool and alluring yet well-worn and comfortable. By the time I was finished creating the branding, signage, menu, and other assets, I had created a space that I wished I could physically visit.
I had a wonderful time working on this project, and it's still one of my favorites to look back on when I review portfolio materials.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

I'm about to start working on some mixed media pieces to enter in an annual eco-friendly, upcycled art show at a gallery near me. I participated in the same show last year, and loved it. Currently, I'm brainstorming what found materials I can put together to create upcycled assemblage-style pieces!