2026/27 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Kaia Carter

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I wanted to stay near the cities, and loved how close the community at MCAD was.

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

Everything I submitted ties together my love for the physicality of typography and design. I wanted to show the range of what I do through posters, publications, and interactive elements.

How/why did you choose your area of study?

For the longest time, I was actually planning on going into illustration. I took my first design class as a senior in high school, and my professor at the time really pushed for me to pursue it further. Luckily, I ended up loving it.

What are your plans for your senior year? And beyond?

My senior year is really about uncovering more of what I love and exploring graphic design as a fine art. I have big plans that involve more plants and posters than could ever fit in my studio.

What inspires your creative self?

All things botanical, and all things print.

What's the best thing you've found on the Free Shelf?

An absolutely massive spider plant. He’s very dramatic.