We recently connected with McKenna Kreiling and have shared our conversation below.

McKenna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One of the biggest risks I’ve taken was leaving the familiar comfort of Illinois to pursue my graduate studies in Savannah at SCAD. It wasn’t just a change of scenery—it was a leap into the unknown, with all the uncertainties that come with starting over in a new city and climate. Living with arthritis, I knew the humid environment in Savannah could be unpredictable for my condition, and I was stepping away from a well-established support network. This decision forced me to confront both physical and emotional challenges head-on, but it was also a pivotal moment that underscored my commitment to growth and self-discovery.

The move wasn’t without its struggles. Balancing the rigorous demands of grad school with managing my arthritis meant constantly finding creative solutions to maintain my health while staying on top of my academic work. The challenges pushed me to dig deep, drawing on my background in philosophy to find meaning in the difficulties I faced. I learned to embrace vulnerability and transform obstacles into opportunities for learning, resilience, and personal evolution. This mindset not only helped me navigate the practical aspects of daily life in a new city but also enriched my approach to experiential design by deepening my empathy and commitment to accessibility.

Looking back, that decision was a defining risk that reshaped my entire journey. It taught me the importance of taking bold steps even when the outcomes are uncertain, and it instilled in me a relentless drive to create inclusive, accessible experiences that resonate on a human level. The experience of reinventing my life in a new place, while managing the realities of a chronic condition, has profoundly influenced how I lead my teams and approach design challenges. It’s a constant reminder that growth often comes from stepping outside our comfort zones and that every risk taken can pave the way for transformative, lasting change.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m McKenna Kreiling—an experiential designer whose journey began in the non-stop world of theater and evolved into a mission to create immersive, accessible experiences. My roots in theatrical design and directing sparked an early fascination with storytelling and the emotional power of space, setting me on a path that would eventually lead me from Illinois to the creative hub of Savannah, Georgia, where I now pursue my M.F.A. in Themed Entertainment Design at SCAD. Living with arthritis has taught me resilience and deepened my commitment to inclusivity, as I continually strive to design environments that everyone can enjoy, regardless of physical limitations.

In my work, I blend the narrative depth of my theatrical background with a pragmatic, user-focused approach. Currently, I serve as the Project Manager and Executive Assistant at Plague Productions, where I help bring immersive attractions to life across the U.S. and Canada. I specialize in crafting experiences that are both visually captivating and inherently accessible—ensuring that every design not only tells a story but also caters to diverse audiences. My dedication to accessibility is rooted in my personal experiences, and it informs every creative decision I make, setting my work apart in an industry that is constantly evolving.

What truly distinguishes my approach is my holistic vision that fuses art, philosophy, and advocacy into every project. I believe that great design transcends aesthetics—it should engage the senses, evoke genuine emotion, and be welcoming to all. I’m incredibly proud of the transformative power of my work, and I lead my teams with empathy, clear communication, and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity. My brand is built on the belief that every space has a story to tell, and every experience should be accessible, meaningful, and deeply human.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is knowing that my work has the potential to do so much more than capture a single moment—it can transform lives and even shift worldviews. Every project is an opportunity to craft immersive experiences that resonate on a deep emotional level, inviting people to see the world differently. My background in philosophy has taught me that art isn’t confined to aesthetics; it’s a language of meaning, a way to connect disparate ideas and foster empathy across diverse audiences.

When I design, I see it as an invitation for people to engage with new perspectives—challenging assumptions, inspiring introspection, and ultimately encouraging personal growth. Whether it’s through the dynamic interplay of light, sound, and space, or the thoughtful incorporation of accessibility features born from my own experiences with arthritis, every creative decision is made with the intention of leaving a lasting impact. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the environments I help bring to life can change how someone feels, think, or even approach their own challenges, long after they’ve experienced it.

In essence, being a creative means being part of a continual ripple effect—where one idea sparks another, and a single immersive experience can alter a person’s perception of the world. That enduring influence, that ability to transform a fleeting moment into lifelong inspiration, is what makes this journey so profoundly rewarding.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

​Supporting artists and fostering a thriving creative ecosystem can be effectively achieved by actively employing them, particularly recent graduates eager to apply their skills and fresh perspectives. Transitioning from academic settings to professional environments can be challenging for many emerging artists. By offering employment opportunities to these individuals, organizations not only facilitate their professional growth but also infuse their teams with innovative ideas and contemporary techniques. This approach not only benefits the artists but also enriches the creative landscape with diverse and dynamic contributions.​

At Plague Productions, we are committed to this philosophy. We recognize the immense potential that young talent brings to the table and have made it a priority to integrate recent graduates into our projects. This strategy has enabled us to build a robust and versatile team capable of delivering immersive experiences that resonate with a wide audience. By investing in emerging artists, we not only support their career development but also ensure that our work remains at the forefront of innovation and creativity.​

In essence, by providing employment opportunities to young artists, organizations can cultivate a vibrant creative community where both individuals and the collective thrive. This investment in fresh talent is a cornerstone for sustaining an innovative and dynamic artistic environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mckennakreiling.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckennakreiling/