NATIONAL PORTFOLIO DAY

IN MY OWN WORDS

Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD):

JAMIE KUBAT

How did you discover your passion for creating?

My passion for creating started out when I was pretty young with a drive to make things, to know how the world works, and to tell stories. I didn’t understand why I wanted any of these things at the time but I knew I had to follow that instinct. I’m thankful that I’ve been supported in doing that.

Since being at MCAD, I’ve been able to understand the why better–art and making enable me to reach others, create space for healing, and effect change–all things I felt powerless to do as a kid. Understanding the complex histories that inform our contemporary world gives me a framework and context for my work, and provides me with tools to make work that is rich and life-giving for me and for others. I still follow that instinct to pursue what I love and what brings me joy–and what I want to know more about. It’s what keeps me going.

What’s your favorite part about creating?

My favorite part of creating is the process of making and the way art connects me to other people. When I’m focused on process rather than the outcome, I’m less afraid to take risks and play around with materials. Connecting with people over art is a sacred thing to me because it helps me understand those people better. Process and connection are both about being open to change, about giving and receiving, communication and exchange. Those things have led to me being braver and more open as a human as well as a maker.

What’s the hardest part for you about creating?

The hardest part is working through the fear and imposter syndrome. Sometimes it stops me before I’ve started; but that’s why I rely so much on process, because that allows me to create without worrying about whether my work will be ‘good enough.’ Because it always is good! And it will always get better. I have to tell myself to shut up a lot when I’m being overlycritical towards my work.

Why did you pick the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)?

When I first toured MCAD, I was really attracted to the college’s student-first attitude and the quality of student work I saw up on the walls (looking back, it was probably junior review time). MCAD has a really strong community of people, from staff and faculty to both full-time and non-traditional students, to alumni and people from the greater Twin Cities area. That’s what brought me here and what is keeping me here after I graduate.

What has been your favorite part of MCAD?

The growth I’ve experienced and the community I’ve gained. Am I starting to sound like a broken record? There are so many cool people I’ve met both here and other places because of my time at MCAD. The visiting artist talks we have every semester are one of my all-time favs. They’re hugely inspiring and have helped me see myself doing things I previously never would have dreamed of, but now want to–which leads me to the next question.

How do you think MCAD will help in what you want to do next?

One of the ways MCAD has already helped me is by showing me just how much is possible. My mentors and friends, and faculty and staff, have all pushed me forward and held me up and given me the courage to pursue things that I previously thought impossible, like community organizing, leadership, and teaching.

THE NATIONAL PORTFOLIO DAY

What to know for 2021

he National Portfolio Day Association (NPDA) is a non-profit organization whose members are 100+ accredited international colleges and universities of art and design (USA, Canada, Europe). The NPDA’s purpose is to assist students in embarking upon their post-secondary or post-graduate educational journey through the coordination of "National Portfolio Days.”

WHAT ARE NATIONAL PORTFOLIO DAYS?

These unique events are hosted by member institutions for the purpose of assisting artists and designers in their pursuit of higher education in the fields of visual art, design, and media. These events provide an opportunity for students to meet one-onone with trained professionals. who provide reviews and feedback on student » portfolios. Schools typically require a portfolio for entry into art or design programs, and these one on one feedback sessions are invaluable for students’ successful applications.

HOW WILL COVID-19 AFFECT THE NPDA 2021/21 SEASON?

As a response to the challenges future artists and designers are facing this year with a global pandemic, the NPDA Board has met regularly to assess how best to move forward in this coming season. Recognizing that safety for students, faculty, and the general public is paramount, and that situations are changing on a daily basis, the NPDA assessed that the most prudent way forward is to develop a new platform that would enable the organization to provide students with the Portfolio Day virtual experience. In addition, for 2021/22, 16 events will be hosted live, in person, in selected cities.

WILL THE NPDA GO VIRTUAL?

For the 2021/22 cycle, the NPDA will be hosting 9 virtual portfolio days beginning in September and running to May, 2022. The NEW, robust virtual platform, (http://nationalportfolioday. live/) will enable students to visit and meet with representatives from any of the 105 member schools through a custom interactive booth, one-on-one video portfolio reviews, as well as digital access to art and design school viewbooks, videos, and other supporting materials. The 2021/22 event cycle will retain the positive components from our first online event series, and will be updated to further meet the needs and accessibility students need. •

Cornish College of Arts has been offering degrees in the Visual and Performing arts for over 100 years.

Areas of study include Art, Design, Animation, Illustration, Film, Interior Architecture, as well as Dance, Music, Theater and Technical Theater. Opportunities to be part of on-campus events as well as intern, exhibit and perform outside of the College.