"The fact that you would rather preach to the masses about how brilliant you think you are instead of holding yourself accountable and improving yourself based on the criticism others give your work has had a negative impact on the quality your output. Trust me, it shows in the fact that, despite the fact you went to art school for four years and majored in an illustration-related major, your comic art still comes out looking worse than fucking Connor Davidson’s does."

Going to keep this person anonymous because they're not important, what is is this sentiment juxtaposed with the reality of my journey at MCAD. I've been steadily posting my work I've backlogged for years over the last few months and really reflecting on my time spent at the college, my alumni, professors, and decisions I've made over the course of 2010-2020.

Some context: Juniors at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) have to undergo a committee meeting called "Junior Review" where you must meet with your professors to showcase the work you've done and tell them your goals, and they'll give you honest feedback and advice. If you pass, you can proceed with the MCAD cirriculum, if you fail, you are not allowed to take further classes in the major until you pass. I passed....with reservations.

To understand really why Junior Review shaped me as a creator, you have to understand my background. I'm an African-American Male from the Midwest, I got my start in art after being inspired by my cousin Animator Christopher Wilcots https://www.deviantart.com/wilcots-off-model
And Ladre back in 2009 https://www.deviantart.com/ladre/gallery/48675279/fan-art

Originally I got into drawing because I loved telling stories (namely anime and fantasy) but my illustration skills were very beginner https://www.deviantart.com/kzmaster/art/Roland-colored-147309924
(Pre-Alpha Zach Cooner right there XD) My mentality was off from the get-go too, though I had a passion for storytelling and fantasy, it was my goal to find success in creating it and be rich and famous (cringe). Regardless, I illustrated things because I enjoyed it and found a community who liked my work.

I knew Digital Art was what I wanted to do so I started with MS Paint in 2009, moved to Paint.Net, then to GIMP in 2010, and finally Photoshop CS3 that Summer. I always did TF work because that's what I had a passion for, but my mentality was pretty toxic. Yeah, I worked hard and improved to make better work and to express myself, but I really wanted the views- to be noticed.

Let me just say, High School SUCKED (Aside from Track and Field and the Art program) and I wouldn't go back, so really my only escape was doing artwork.
It was during 2010 I learned about MCAD when a College Enrollment Specialist mischeduled a meeting with my High School and I just happened to be there working as a Student Helper. So that's what led me to dreaming about the wonders of the school to help me achieve my dream of being a succesful comic artist.

I did improve from 2009 https://www.deviantart.com/kzmaster/art/He-s-a-true-Saint-now-151375797

to my Senior year of 2013
https://www.deviantart.com/kzmaster/art/A-Halloween-Alien-338438694



When I actually got to MCAD well...things went from a Honeymoon period to disillusionment pretty quickly.

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