Rheagan King '19 (Graphic Design BFA, Book Arts minor) merges strategy consultation and design by leveraging a company's unique brand story and goals for their business. They have helped trailblazing creatives and path-forging small businesses transform how people interact with their brands.

Q: What advice would you give future MICA students?

A: The MICA experience will reward you tenfold if you find ways to get out of your bubble and make connections. Your biggest opportunity to grow is through the people. Some of the most unlikely connections will come from just attending an event, taking a class in a different major, or saying hi to someone on campus. Networking doesn't have to feel formalized and rigid—it can really be just asking more questions in class or talking more candidly about your work.

Q: What are you up to now?

A: I'm running an independent design studio in Baltimore, MD, which was born in response to an overwhelmingly homogenous design industry. I help trailblazing creatives and path-forging small businesses transform how people interact with their brands through branding, community-focused design, and experimental artbooks. Our clients have won Emmys, exhibited art in the MoMa, and created strong communities for Black women, amongst other achievements. I'm really proud to have raised over $30k in funding to start my business and land over 30 clients without any website during my first few years.