McKenna Long: Michigan State Graphic Design Student Expands Creative Vision in Paris
McKenna Long, a Michigan State University student majoring in Graphic Design, spent a semester abroad studying at the Paris College of Art (PCA), 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 — all while living and studying in the City of Light.
Academic Exploration Beyond Graphic Design
During her semester abroad, Long took a mix of graphic design and design-focused courses. In her branding class, she worked on hospitality-based projects. She also took a CAD course, a lighting design class, and an alternative methods in design course, for which she created a bas-relief architectural model.
Professional Aspirations and Recognition
Long-term, my goal is to become a creative director within the hospitality industry — contributing to a studio alongside interior designers, brand designers, photographers, and artists to create spaces with function and story.” When Long first learned about the Paris College of Art program, it immediately stood out. PCA offered coursework that complemented her graphic design background while allowing her to build new technical and conceptual skills in design fields she had not yet formally studied. “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 term, short term, it met all my goals,” she said. “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.”
Award-Winning Work from Paris
McKenna Long, senior Graphic Design major, also received a Gold ADDY in the Brand Identity Campaign category for her “Maison” entry. The project originated during a semester abroad at Paris College of Art, where Long developed a comprehensive visual identity for a bistro café.
Personal Background and Current Work
McKenna Long is an American designer and film photographer specializing in a blend of documentary editorial weddings. Shooting with both film and digital mediums, her approach is grounded in observation, curiosity, and storytelling. She is currently based in Detroit, and has expanded to Europe coverage after living in Paris.
For inquiries, contact hello@mckennalongphoto.com.
McKenna Long: Michigan State Graphic Design Student Expands Creative Vision in Paris
McKenna Long, a Michigan State University student majoring in Graphic Design, spent a semester abroad studying at the Paris College of Art (PCA), 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 — all while living and studying in the City of Light.
Academic Exploration Beyond Graphic Design
During her semester abroad, Long took a mix of graphic design and design-focused courses. In her branding class, she worked on hospitality-based projects. She also took a CAD course, a lighting design class, and an alternative methods in design course, for which she created a bas-relief architectural model.
Professional Aspirations and Recognition
Long-term, my goal is to become a creative director within the hospitality industry — contributing to a studio alongside interior designers, brand designers, photographers, and artists to create spaces with function and story.” When Long first learned about the Paris College of Art program, it immediately stood out. PCA offered coursework that complemented her graphic design background while allowing her to build new technical and conceptual skills in design fields she had not yet formally studied. “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 term, short term, it met all my goals,” she said. “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.”
Award-Winning Work from Paris
McKenna Long, senior Graphic Design major, also received a Gold ADDY in the Brand Identity Campaign category for her “Maison” entry. The project originated during a semester abroad at Paris College of Art, where Long developed a comprehensive visual identity for a bistro café.
Personal Background and Current Work
McKenna Long is an American designer and film photographer specializing in a blend of documentary editorial weddings. Shooting with both film and digital mediums, her approach is grounded in observation, curiosity, and storytelling. She is currently based in Detroit, and has expanded to Europe coverage after living in Paris.
For inquiries, contact hello@mckennalongphoto.com.