Select Page

MIAD named Top Graphic Design school for fifth consecutive year; senior receives top honor

Student photo

Mallory Kubenik ’20 (Communication Design)

March 24, 2020 … For the fifth consecutive year, Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) magazine has named MIAD a Top Graphic Design School. GDUSA also recognized MIAD senior Mallory Kubenik ’20 (Communication Design) on the 2020 Students to Watch list.

GDUSA offers the Top Design School distinction to colleges across the country that excel in preparing students to work in the field of graphic design after graduation.

“Design has so much potential to help the world, especially when it comes to addressing social issues, bringing together communities and even helping a brand define its identity by telling their story,” says Mallory Kubenik, who is from Waukesha, Wis.

While at MIAD, Mallory has interned at Cramer-Krasselt and worked through the MIAD Innovation Center on projects for local organizations such as the Marcus Performing Arts Center and Solar Bag. 

“Not only does MIAD allow students to experiment, fail and learn from what does not work, but it also provides students with real-world, client-facing opportunities,” says Mallory. 

News

Sabbatical journey: Revelations and a new course for students

A sabbatical year immersed in Japanese culture, language and the study of Ukiyo-e – images of Japan’s “floating world” – led Professor Chelsea Holton to two main “aha” moments and development of a new course for students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD).

Fashion students design adaptive clothing for Independence First

For the second year in a row, Fashion and Apparel Design students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) worked with Independence First to design adaptive clothing tailor-made for two people who use wheelchairs. The project is part of a junior-level Patternmaking & Construction course.

MIAD Values Recognition Award: Nichole Uecker

Nichole Uecker, Student Accessibility Coordinator, received the October 2025 MIAD Values Recognition Award at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Nichole’s nominations highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Community, Inclusion and Kindness.

Personal and professional passion inspire Product Design student

When senior Carmen Briones’ mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during Briones’ sophomore year at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), finding a bra that was comfortable with a medical port became an additional challenge. Briones ’26 (Product Design) answered that challenge in her Design for Human Interface class by designing a product that reduces pain while increasing mobility.

Toy design at Squishmallows: MIAD student develops confidence

When she first got the internship offer from Squishmallows at Jazwares, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Melody Frias ’26 (Communication Design and Illustration) thought she was in shock. Months after the internship concluded, Frias still reads that email when she needs a boost.