Meet Kas Cook and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Mcallaster’s Special

This is one in a series of online interviews with MIAD seniors, who share their thoughts about their 2026 Senior Exhibition project and their MIAD education.

Kas Cook ’26 (Animation Track in Illustration) is a Dean’s List student from the Greater Chicago area and a recipient of a 2026 Alumni Thesis Award.

What is your “elevator pitch” for your senior exhibition project?

Calvin Sazerac, a seasoned barkeep, creates new cocktails for his favorite regulars. When he is challenged to meet the demands of a picky saloon patron, he creates something life changing.

Kas Cook, “Project Calvin Sazerac,” 2026.

​What is your “elevator pitch” for your senior exhibition project?

Calvin Sazerac, a seasoned barkeep, creates new cocktails for his favorite regulars. When he is challenged to meet the demands of a picky saloon patron, he creates something life changing.

Anything you’d like to share about yourself or MIAD? 

While studying at MIAD I have gotten the chance to bring my artistic passions into my time spent as a server in the city. The beginning of my senior year I had the opportunity to launch a beer can design with Kokoro Cafe, and after graduation I am excited to continue my work with them as the Lead Designer as well as advertising and creating merchandise for Holey Mackerel!

During my time working on my thesis film, I’ve found the littlest of ways to make my progress fun, and in a way that helped me grow with my art. But by contrast, I’ve learned to push and challenge myself whenever possible, which has also majorly helped my art improve. I hope to take with me all that I’ve learned through my thesis and these last four years. I hope to have fun wherever I may go and continue to challenge myself in the professional world. 

Read more about the 2026 MIAD Senior Exhibition, on view April 17 – May 9. Join us at the Animation Track screening at The Oriental Theatre – Abele Cinema on May 8!

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