When did you realize you wanted to be a visual media specialist?

In 1984, when The Last Starfighter came out. I was obsessed with the graphics and the innovative CG sequences from that movie.

What is your favorite part about working in the design field?

My favorite part about working in this field is all of the trust and freedom I get from MSA and our clients to portray their design goals.

What are your hobbies?

Exercise and building models of aircrafts and tanks. I started when I was a kid but picking it back up with an adult’s budget is a whole different ballgame. The model I’m working on now will take me at least a year to finish. I love to read and usually alternate between fiction and historical books about World War 2 or the Korean War.

Describe what it was like majoring in Fine Arts at UC?

Being a Fine Arts major at DAAP was very different than majoring in architecture. While we have similar critiques, each artist has their own processes when creating art. I had classmates who would wear their white painting jackets and jeans perfectly clean without any smudges, while I was the student who would wipe paint off my brushes on my jean pockets.

Who are some of your favorite teachers and artists?

Wylie Ferguson, an art teacher I had at Walnut Hills High School, was incredibly influential in my deciding to pursue a career in the arts. He was such a formative teacher not only for me, but lots of other Walnut students. Jim Dine is probably my favorite artist. I also really appreciate Mark Rothko’s style. I think people miss the meaning and story that the blocky structures and distinct colors are telling.

Any favorite Cincinnati traditions or events?

My dad and I have gone to every Reds Opening Day for the past 40 years. We started when I was about seven years old, and he would even pull me out of school to make sure I never missed.

Any advice you would give to someone hoping to work in your field or co-oping at MSA?

Put yourself out there, you shouldn’t be afraid to tread water. There’s this fear that it’s sink or swim in architecture and similar fields like it, but I’ve found at MSA there’s always a Chris Bujnak, Brian Baker, or Amy Benetti to help when you need it most. Take the risks and lean on the resources you have when you need to.

Wiethe fun fact:

Before drones existed, Wiethe would fly in a helicopter from Lunken airport to photograph aerial shots of MSA’s projects.