Alumni Spotlight: Shawn Sprockett
Where and what are you working on right now?
Last May I decided to pursue my own design practice: SSPROCKETT. I’ve been able to take on more strategic product work, more academic research, and exchange more design services with local queer businesses and non-profits–rather than focusing on profits! My projects range from research and development of new digital products to brand identity system development to AI experiments to queer history walking tours in San Francisco.
What impact has SVA MFA Design had on your career?
SVA MFA Design opened countless doors for me. My internship for Scott Dadich led to working at his agency, Godfrey Dadich Partners for several years. Another former professor, Andy Pratt, was a coworker at Google for a time. I still work extensively with my thesis advisor, Anthony D’Avella, who now heads up Runyon Design. Even ten years later, I’m enjoying the many connections the program helped me make.
If you could choose a thesis topic today, what would you pick?
Honestly, I feel like I am pursuing several theses. I’ve been partnering with the psychology department at Duke on several research papers regarding artificial intelligence and design, which connects with the course I developed at California College of the Arts on future-proof problem-solving skills, which I’d also like to turn into a book soon! I think pursuing an ambitious project like the MFA thesis really shows you the joys and rewards of putting your passion into projects.
Anything else you would like to share?
If you’re a student entering or currently in the program, please give every project your all. My only regrets are projects where I didn’t explore enough or didn’t put enough time into editing and refining the final product. You won’t likely have two years off to focus on your skills again (you’ll always be juggling a career and/or family afterward) so appreciate every second of it!
Instagram: @ssprockett
Portfolio: www.ssprockett.com