Alumni Interviews
March 5, 2020 • Written by Adrian Troung
As students aspiring to work in a creative field with an immense ambition and drive to find success in our individual careers, we are often faced with the questions “Is this the right decision? Will I be able to find a career supporting my passion? Am I wasting my time?” In this dialogue, we interviewed MassArt alumni and uncovered the answers to some of those questions based on their own experiences.
Image source: https://www.jaggerperusse.com/
Jagger Perusse,
Film/Video Major, Class of 2017
Jagger Perusse is a MassArt alumni, class of 2017, and graduated as a Film/Video major. He currently works as a freelance filmmaker in Boston, and uploads his self-directed short films on his Youtube page (Jagger Perusse). You can find more about him and his work on his website (jaggerperusse.com) and on his personal Instagram page (jaggernaut00).
Q: What made you choose your major?
A: “I had originally come to MassArt hoping to go into Graphic Design, but kind of knew early on that I wouldn't enjoy working in that field. Film and Video have always been a part of my life. In high school, any time a teacher had us working on a project, I always jumped at the chance to make a video instead of doing a poster board or the usual thing. So when I was thinking about what I would really enjoy doing, Film/Video was an obvious choice for me.”
Q: What was the highlight of your college experience?
A: “I got involved with the Orientation Program as soon as I could, as a Primer for 2 years and then as a Lead Primer in my senior year. Being able to help welcome in the new class of MassArt students each year, in a way that was hopefully fun and exciting for them was so rewarding. Along with all the fellow Primers I got to know and become friends with, these are some of the times I look back on most fondly from my time at MassArt.”
Q: What has been your proudest moment at MassArt?
A: “Film/Video is a very collaborative medium, and I did my best to help out anyone and everyone I could. It was really hard for me to say no to people, honestly. With that in mind, our senior thesis shows were an incredible experience because I not only got to feel pride in the hard work I had poured into my own film, but in all the work of my peers who I got to help on their projects. Everyone worked so hard not only for themselves, but for each other, and seeing all that come together in these last few screenings was something I won't forget.”
Q: As of now, what is your proudest moment since graduating from MassArt?
A: “This is a hard one, I've been lucky to get to work on some really cool projects and have had some great opportunities. To pick one, I was lucky enough to work on the full run of a feature film this past year by fellow MassArt alumnus, Nick Valaskatgis. I think like 90% of the crew on that film were MassArt grads, and we were all happy to be working and helping
another one of our own bring his vision to life. The film is called Uncanny Harbor, and should be in the final stages of
post-production. Hopefully people will be able to see it soon, but working on it was a great experience for sure.”
Q: What did you take from your time at MassArt?
A: “The people and connections I met and made at MassArt are easily at the top of that list. I still work closely with and am great friends with a number of the people I went to school with, and most of the work I pick up as a freelancer comes either directly from a contact I made at MassArt or through people I originally worked with via a MassArt contact.”
Q: What advice would you give to upcoming/current students?
A: “The advice I gave a lot while actually in school was to be sure to take breaks. As creatives, we often are so focused on driving ourselves towards our goals and finishing our projects, that we don't notice how much we are killing ourselves to get there. Whether this is walking away from something for 20 minutes, or exploring other interests and practices and mediums when you aren't directly working on something, it is important to step back every now and again. Right out of college, I was working so much and so hard that I burnt myself out creatively because I couldn't see what I was doing to myself at the time. It's been years since then, and I truthfully have never fully recovered. Pushing your limits is very important for growth, but knowing the difference between pushing yourself and damaging yourself is something I wish I had been more aware of earlier in my life.”
Image Source: http://phernegize.us/index.html
Phernegize Manigat,
Industrial Design & Sculpture Double Major
Phernegize Manigat is a MassArt alumni, class of 2016, and graduated as an Industrial Design and Sculpture double major. She currently works as a designer, and STEAM Educator based in Boston. She attended the Harvard GSD for their design discovery program during the summer of 2019. Phernegize is currently a dual major on the path towards getting her Masters degree in Architecture and a MFA in Architectural Lighting at Parsons in New York. You can find out more about her and her work on her website (phernegize.com).
Q: What made you choose your major?
A: “I initially thought I was going to pursue painting, but the Foundation's program exposed me to so many other courses and mediums that I realized painting was limiting. I love tinkering, and making so Industrial Design seemed to be the right fit for me along with Sculpture. It seemed like I could do a little of everything in school and also after I graduated, I could apply my skills to any field.”
Q: What was the highlight of your college experience?
A: “The Highlight of my experience would have to be the people/connections I made. I was able to meet folks from all walks of life, and we all had the same interests.”
Q: What has been your proudest moment at MassArt?
A: “My proudest moment is hard to say! I would say at MassArt, winning an All School Show award or just making it through my final reviews as they were tough.”
Q: As of now, what is your proudest moment since graduating from MassArt?
A: “Honestly, it would be seeing some of the high school students I used to mentor becoming such talented MassArt students now. Some are graduating so I feel old, but it's heartwarming to see them succeed.”
Q: What did you take from you from your time at MassArt?
A: “WORK ETHIC! As I mentioned, I am fortunate enough to have majored in a field that can be used in multiple disciplines, but a lot of students at MassArt work non stop, to perfect their craft, create stellar work, teach themselves new skills. It's really not the only talent that gets you there, it is the work ethic. I am so happy I was able to graduate knowing that I could take on anything if I set my mind to it.”
Q: What advice would you give to upcoming/current students?
A: “Be true to yourself. If you have a vision for what you want for your future, WORK HARD AT IT, and make it happen, no matter what your peers, family or even sometimes what reviewers say. Lastly, PLEASE get out of your comfort zone and have fun!!”
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Edit as of April 25, 2023: Details regarding Phernegize’s graduate school program were updated for accuracy.
