McKenna Long (@hellomckennalong ), a @michiganstateu senior majoring in Graphic Design, spent a semester abroad studying at the @pariscollegeofart , an opportunity available exclusively to MSU College of Arts & Letters students.
She used the experience to expand her academic and creative focus, exploring interior design, architecture, and spatial design — areas of study that align with her long-term goal of becoming a creative director in the hospitality industry.
“The program was a culmination of all the things that I loved in the current moment and all the things that I wanted to grow into,” Long said.
She documented her travels across six countries that semester on analog 35mm film, resulting in a collection of photographs that was recently exhibited at Kresge Art Center.
“Living in Paris unto itself was so inspirational,” Long said. “Every single time I stepped outside my door, I’d be going to a new café, a new market, a new museum. Being immersed in such a lively and creative-driven city was beautiful.”
After that semester ended, she traveled to Greece to assist with architectural renderings of an ancient Roman bath through MSU Excavations at Isthmia program.
“Paris was a catalyst to that,” Long said. “It was special to do something so far outside my comfort zone and open new doors that I never thought would be possible.”
As she prepares to graduate this May with her BFA in Graphic Design, Long is applying to multidisciplinary design studios in Chicago, Detroit, and London while continuing to freelance brand content for multiple clients.
