Florentine Opera partners with MIAD Lubar Innovation Center

The first project Taylor Leinstock ’26 (Illustration) did through the Lubar Innovation Center at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) will come to life as the Florentine Opera brings its touring production to schools and community centers around southeast Wisconsin in 2026.

Leinstock, a President’s List student, was hired by the Innovation Center to create illustrated panels to be used as backdrops during the opera’s productions.

“Working with the Innovation Center and the Florentine Opera was an incredible experience,” Leinstock says. “I enjoyed … to help bring the opera’s vision and overall aesthetic to life. I was especially proud of the final color palette and how each background flowed seamlessly together in the finished piece.”

“We began with a group meeting to discuss key requirements, design inspiration and the overall look they wanted to achieve,” Leinstock explains. “From there, I shared updates and received feedback throughout the process until the final design was complete. Since this was my first freelance project, I learned how important clear communication is, especially with phrasing design-related questions when you can’t visually reference things over email. I found the client interaction and feedback process to be very positive.”

“We had a wonderful experience partnering with the MIAD Lubar Innovation Center and working with Taylor Leinstock,” says Renata Herrera, Florentine Opera Education & Community Engagement Manager. “I loved seeing Taylor’s illustrations bring our director’s vision to life. Her designs helped ensure that this children’s opera feels friendly and inviting for elementary school students.”

“This project with the Florentine Opera was not only my first, but the longest-running project I have done with the Innovation Center so far,” Leinstock says. “Now I have designed many projects with the Innovation Center, and I … am grateful for all of the opportunities the center has given me.”

Learn more about working with the MIAD Lubar Innovation Center as a client or student.