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
MIAD Students Connect Science and Design Through Natural Science Minor
Two MIAD students are demonstrating how scientific research can strengthen creative practice through the college’s Natural Science minor.
Seniors Ella Strzempa ’27 (Communication Design) and Keira Batzel ’27 (Fashion and Apparel Design) explored environmental issues through independent research projects in their science minor while developing skills that complement their studio work.
MIAD Makes Its Mark at MAPC 2026
A group of MIAD students, faculty and staff attended the 2026 Mid America Print Council (MAPC) Conference, “Printelligence,” in Baton Rouge, where they participated in demonstrations, panel discussions, exhibitions and professional networking opportunities.
Independent Inquiry Program students explore AI through research and creative practice
As emerging technologies continue to reshape creative industries, MIAD’s Independent Inquiry Program (IIP) gives students the opportunity to investigate their impact firsthand. Through philanthropically funded support, the optional, by application program allows students to pursue self-directed research projects that explore how new technologies can influence art, design and education.
MIAD Alum Kelly Alexander Wendorf Brings Stories of Travel to Life Through Paper Cutting
For Kelly Alexander Wendorf, paper cutting is more than an artistic medium. It's a way to explore memory, movement and human connection through intricately layered works of art. A MIAD alum who studied printmaking, Wendorf recently created a series of large-scale...
Behind In a State of IF: A Collaborative Curatorial Journey
“In a State of IF”, on view in MIAD’s Frederick Layton Gallery through November 21, is the result of a years-long collaboration between co-curators Maria Novotny and Katherine Gressel.