Animation Career Review names MIAD’s Communication Design program #1 in state
The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) is the top graphic design school program in the state of Wisconsin, according to Animation Career Review.
Animation Career Review’s rankings evaluate academic reputation, admission selectivity, depth and breadth of the graphic design program, and the program’s value as it relates to school tuition.
Dale Shidler, MIAD’s Chair of 2D/4D Design, said, “Being ranked as the top graphic design school in the state of Wisconsin by the Animation Career Review is a great honor! We’ve worked hard to develop a great professionally-focused program that helps lead our graduates to successful careers.
He added that “the great thing is that many of our grads stay right here in the state, adding to Wisconsin’s strong creative community.”
The news comes after MIAD also received the distinction of being named a 2019 Top Design School by Graphic Design USA magazine. This was the fourth consecutive year MIAD received the GDUSA honor.
MIAD’s Illustration program was also ranked in the top 10 Illustration programs in the midwest.
About MIAD: As an accredited, nonprofit college, MIAD provides a transformative Bachelor of Fine Arts education that prepares students of diverse backgrounds for fulfilling and financially rewarding careers. MIAD fosters innovative, entrepreneurial and disruptive thinking that benefits our students and our corporate and nonprofit partners. MIAD also brings robust career pathways and college-readiness experiences to high school youth and provides cultural experiences and programming to the Greater Milwaukee community.
News
Social Choreography: A practice of dancing toward liberation
Kim Miller, professor of Fine Art + New Studio Practice, returned to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) following her sabbatical year with a Ph.D. and an innovative presentation and practice for students, faculty and staff.
Fine Art senior selected for Wisconsin Artists Biennial 2026
Marta Tereziya ’26, a Fine Art + New Studio Practice senior at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), is one of 50 Wisconsin artists selected for the 2026 Wisconsin Artists Biennial. The Wisconsin Artists Biennial is co-sponsored and organized by Wisconsin Visual Artists and the Museum of Wisconsin Art.
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.