From Studio to Madison Square Garden: Q+A with Olivia Vella '26

Image

Olivia Vella

Class of 2026
Art, BA
Communication and Media Studies, BA

How did you become interested in pursuing a dual major in Art and Communication and Media Studies?

I was always interested in exploring the intersection between creation and technology, often drawing inspiration from growing up in a digital age. Exploring different mediums has allowed me to create projects that combine various elements like video, photography, graphic design, and animation. My studies of communication have assisted me in creating a language within my art that is all my own. Through visual storytelling, I have been able to create worlds that blend artistic skills and storytelling with the increasingly endless possibilities of technology.

Why did you choose to attend Pace?

I grew up in Brooklyn and knew that I wanted to stay local for college. Pace gave me flexibility in that I could be a commuter student while still being supported as a member of the community, whether through the many student organizations or all the amazing student-led events. Being a student at Pace has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and set goals for myself beyond what I thought I could achieve.

Tell us more about your internship at Madison Square Garden. What is your role and how has your work been meaningful to you?

Image

I am a motion graphics student associate at Madison Square Garden Sports. In this role, I help support the Motion Graphics team by making graphics for all MSG sporting events including the Rangers, Knicks, and Westchester Knicks. I got into graphic production through coursework at Pace and working with Professor Jillian McDonald, MFA. With motion graphics, I've combined my passions for graphic design, animation, and storytelling into a single role.

My favorite part of being a motion graphic designer at Madison Square Garden is seeing how much our graphics enhance the game's energy and atmosphere, especially during moments when our teams face challenges. It's incredible to see something you created on a Jumbotron played for 20,000 people. The graphics are just as vital to the game as the game itself!

What other internships have you been engaged in as a student?

This past summer, I worked as a Pace community impact intern at the Downtown Community Television Center (DCTV) in Chinatown, a non-profit media art center helping aspiring filmmakers create and learn about documentary filmmaking. Working at a non-profit was such a rewarding experience and informed me a lot about the kind of work I want to continue to do and the career I hope to have.

I credit my classes with helping me build my artistic style and create projects for my portfolio that helped me land my internship at Madison Square Garden.

What faculty members have been instrumental in your academic journey?

My experience with the Art Department at Pace, both students and faculty, has been truly inspiring and impactful to my creative and professional journey. Through my classes, I have been able to explore many different artistic mediums through the wide variety of subjects offered. I certainly credit these classes with helping me build my artistic style and create projects for my portfolio that helped me land my internship at Madison Square Garden.

In my junior year at Pace, I had the opportunity to work closely with Professor Jillian McDonald, MFA through the Amelia A. Gould Undergraduate Research Assistantship. Through the assistantship, I helped Professor McDonald create animation and video elements for her video artworks, including Total Eclipse and the Heart, which is about a solar eclipse that gets stuck in a glitch, and characters dissolve into the landscape while the natural world looks on. The assistantship helped me explore 2D and 3D animation and artificial intelligence. Working with Professor McDonald has been one of the highlights of my academic career; not only has she been an amazing instructor, but a mentor in both my academic and professional journey. Her guidance and encouragement are something I will always be grateful for.

What would you like to do upon graduation/what are your career goals?

Upon graduation, I hope to find a job within the entertainment industry that allows me to continue to combine my love of creating art with storytelling.

What advice, if any, would you like to give to our current students?

Everyone is on their own journey and path. It's so easy to compare yourself to others but it's important to never stop believing in yourself. Small wins are still wins, so celebrate every achievement and don’t be afraid to reach out when things get challenging. Trust yourself and your abilities as a student and professional.