2026/27 Merit Scholarship Recipient: Cadence Caddell

How/why did you choose your area of study?

I've always enjoyed combining art with stories, so comic art seemed like the obvious choice for me!

Describe the work you submitted for merits.

I submitted multiple comics I've created at my time here at MCAD, but my biggest work I submitted was a 16 pages mini comic book called Hoshi, a legend about a forsaken world brought to it's knees by all powerful beings!

Why did you decide to come to MCAD?

I found out about MCAD in Freshman year of High School, and once looking through the majors I discovered comic art as a degree. After finding comic arts, I knew exactly what I wanted to do, and exactly where I wanted to pursue that goal.

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

I plan to create a 162 page comic book called Weeping Willow focusing on a young girl dealing with and accepting the death of her mother. Beyond that, I dream of creating graphic novels as well as working full time as a concept artist for video games, the dream company would be Riot.

Favorite thing about college life (so far)?

My favourite thing about college life so far, and especially art college, is all of the space to just make art, and all of the opportunities to showcase that art to the school community and the wider world.

What inspires your creative self?

I think what inspires me the most is anime and manga, such as Soul Eater and Fullmetal Alchemist. As well as video games, such as Genshin Impact, League of Legends and Cult of The Lamb.

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

I think the best thing I've found on the free shelf was a pair of perfectly fitted jeans. But the coolest thing I've seen someone find was a fully functional lock pick practice set.

Lastly, do you have a favorite question we didn't ask? Tell us and answer it!

Do you have any pets? Yes! I have an awesome mutt dog named Sugar that I can't wait to go home and see!