'How Bazaar' Brings MDS Creatives Together
Media Design School at Strayer (MDS) transformed into a marketplace of art, craft and creativity for 'How Bazaar', bringing students, alumni and visitors together to celebrate creativity within the MDS community.
Across two sessions, around 15 stalls set up shop at MDS, with creators selling everything from original prints and stickers to jewellery, keychains and handmade crochet creations.
More than simply an opportunity to pick up something new, How Bazaar gave students a space to put their creativity in front of a real audience, meet other makers and get a taste of selling their work at a creative market.
We spoke to Kei, also known online as 7Yukei, who is currently in her third year of the Bachelor of Media Design. She spoke a little about her plans for her upcoming final capstone assignment, her inspiration for her cyberpunk art that she had on display and what it was like running a stall for the event.
“It’s so lowkey and you don’t really have to worry about having big expectations. It’s always good to have conversations with like-minded people, and it’s a great way to get your foot in the door for other markets as well,” says Kei.
Today has been really fun and I’ve made a few sales. I love the conversations, the people and the vibes. It’s super fun.
Among the stalls were artists sharing original illustrations and fan art, alongside makers working across jewellery, crochet and other handmade goods. The variety on display reflected the creative interests and talent that existed beyond their classroom disciplines at MDS, giving visitors plenty to explore throughout the day.
The market was open to everyone, welcoming not only the current MDS community but friends, whānau and members of the public.
It also brought some familiar faces back to campus, with MDS alumni returning to take part as stallholders. Seeing current students and graduates sharing the same marketplace was a fitting reminder that the creative community built at MDS doesn't end at graduation.
“I finished two years ago, but it’s great to be back. Everyone’s still so lively. It’s really cool to see,” says Ezekial, also known as EazyRadGuy.
“I’m always drawing. Getting art block is really rough, but I’ve got an event coming up in November, so I’ve got about three months to prepare. It’s great to have this event as a warm-up.”
Events like How Bazaar offer another way for students to connect through the things they create. Whether visitors left with a new print, a crochet companion or a handful of stickers, the market provided a space to discover what MDS creatives are making, both inside and outside their studies.
