Product Design juniors collaborate with local tattoo shop

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design students in a junior-level Product Design class recently visited Walker’s Point Tattoo Company to learn about tattoo equipment. Larry “Murf” Murphy, the instructor for Human Factors: Designing for Capabilities and Limitations, asked students to design a prosthetic arm with a tattoo gun attachment. He coordinated a visit to a local tattoo shop so students could get hands-on experience with the equipment. Tattoo artists talked to students about the latest advances in tattoo technology. “I want it on record that no one is allowed to get tattooed during this trip!” laughs Murf.

The visit to Walker’s Point Tattoo Company was not the first field trip this particular Product Design class has taken. Earlier in the semester, they visited a local hat-making shop to learn about millinery. Murf, who has instructed this group of students for three consecutive semesters, admires how well they all work together. “They are raising each other’s level of accomplishment,” says Murf. “They are challenging each other in the best way. I see all ships rising in the tide, if you will.”

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