Frank Savage grew up as an artist and maker, with an early passion for all things design that led to his first introduction to the field at Brooks Stevens, a Milwaukee-based industrial design firm, while still in high school. He went on to earn his B.F.A. in Product Design from the University of Wisconsin–Stout and later his master’s degree in Product Design and Development Management from Northwestern University.
Frank advanced his career working with Dan Matre at Matre Design in downtown Milwaukee, where he contributed to a wide range of projects—from computer enclosures to the interiors of Case construction vehicles, as well as Harley-Davidson accessories. He then joined the Willie G. Davidson Design Studio, where he served as Design Director, leading teams in the design and development of motorcycles, and parts and accessories that balance enhanced functionality with emotionally charged aesthetics. As Harley-Davidson was a fledgling design department at the time, Frank helped craft and build the enterprise-wide product design process and championed its integration into the broader design and development process. While at Harley-Davidson, Frank was the lead designer on such iconic motorcycles as the V-Rod and the XR1200X, and his final major contribution was serving as design lead for the Milwaukee-Eight powertrain, which continues to power Harley-Davidson’s big-bore motorcycles today.
In 2020, he founded Savage Design LLC, where his work spans across industries—from advanced medical equipment to high-end furniture and even race car bodies, reflecting both his versatility and commitment to excellence in design.
At MIAD, Frank brings his diverse background, passion for making, and focus on innovation to the classroom, where he is dedicated to mentoring and empowering students to explore, experiment, and lead in shaping the future of Product Design…