2025/26 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Kallie Rollenhagen

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

I chose projects I completed in typography, web design, programming for the web, and design studio. Most of the projects have a strong branding component, which is a focus I'm interested in exploring further, both from a print and digital perspective. Many of these projects also focus on rural audiences and places. As a rural dweller and explorer, I'd like to continue to apply my design work in smaller places that often lack in-person access to branding agencies, or who don't have as deep a bench of design professionals.

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

Living in a rural area, the fact that MCAD's MAGWD was entirely online was a big draw. It was also a chance to get exposure to design peers from across the country and beyond the U.S. who work in different industries and bring different skill sets. Plus, being from Minnesota, I've long been familiar with MCAD's reputation.

Favorite thing about the program (so far)?

I feel I've learned just as much from my peers as I have my professors. Seeing the work of others, practicing giving generative design critique, and picking up new hard skills (e.g., Figma, Adobe After Effects, HTML, CSS, an intro to programming) have all been great.

What is the MCAD online learning experience like?

It's been a nice mix of synchronous and asynchronous learning. I've gotten to meet some classmates in-person at design events in the Twin Cities, which has been nice, and even took a continuing ed course watercolor on-campus over the summer, so it's nice to have some on-campus and in-person connections, even though I'm taking classes entirely online. Like all higher eduction, what you put in is what you get it; it's nice to have the flexibility to take 1 or 2 classes depending on other life things are going on.

What inspires you?

Pro-color people, quilters, textiles and pattern designers, vintage packaging and signage.

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

I really loved working on the magazine branding and design project. I designed a template for a magazine called Wayside, which is a travel mag for under-explore, less-traveled places.

Anything you're obsessed with at the moment?

Karel Martens, Papeterie St-Armand paper, and everything FP&CF Publishing puts out!