GDUSA names MIAD Communication Design a top program
Solution-oriented, hands-on visual literacy: this is a core quality of the Communication Design program at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). In 2024, Graphic Design USA Magazine recognized MIAD’s Communication Design major as one of the top programs in the nation.
According to their website, GDUSA compiled its annual list of graphic design programs based on schools “that excel in teaching the hard and soft skills necessary for success, in nurturing talent and expanding minds, and in preparing the next generation of creatives for a dream career in the real world.”
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Johanna Yim, “Swapt,” Senior Exhibition 2024.
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Jerald Aguilar presents “Kaleidoscope” at Senior Exhibition opening night.
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Communication Design, Packaging Design class, 2024.
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Suleika Ruiz, “Mother Nurture: A Community for Postpartum Depression,” Senior Exhibition 2024.
MIAD students and alumni are regularly recognized by GDUSA. Communication Design students Brady VanderHart ’24 and Emma Jenkins ’25 were named among GDUSA’s Students to Watch. In the magazine’s 60th anniversary American Graphic Design Awards in 2023, three MIAD students were selected from over 8,000 entries. Their work was judged alongside professional design work.
In addition to producing award-winning professional-quality work, Communication Design students at MIAD are exploring a wide range of careers. This year’s graduates are starting careers locally and nationally, working in graphic design positions for employers including Wizards of the Coast, Maker LLC, Great Wolf Lodge Headquarters, Anthropologie and the Milwaukee Bucks.
Work by Communication Design juniors will be on view June 3 – July 20, 2024 in Don’t Call Me Junior! The exhibition showcases junior student work across all six of MIAD’s majors.
Learn more about MIAD’s Communication Design program!
News
Product Design class uses virtual reality for shoe design
Product Design students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) are keeping up to date with the emerging technologies that are becoming industry standard. In the junior Advanced Digital Modeling course, instructor Frank Savage has incorporated Gravity Sketch, a virtual reality platform, into a shoe design assignment.
Senior Communication Design project wins national GDUSA award
Cultivata, the 2025 Senior Exhibition project by Frankie Mallerdino ’25 (Communication Design) at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), was named a Gold Foil winner in Graphic Design USA’s 2025 Digital Design Awards. Only 10 percent of the more than 3,000 entries earn this national distinction.
Meet Desharr Saddler and 2025 Senior Exhibition project ClubHaus
Meet Desharr Saddler and 2025 Senior Exhibition project ClubHaus. Desharr Saddler ’25 (Product Design) is from Milwaukee.
Yale Norfolk Summer Program accepts Fine Art junior
Greta Berens ’26 (Fine Art + New Studio Practice) was accepted to participate in the summer Yale Norfolk program in Norfolk, Connecticut. The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) junior is one of 25 students who will attend the six-week program.
MIAD alum is state fair Grand Champion Fairtastic Artist
Wisconsin State Fair has named Lauren Marvell ’16 (Integrated Studio Arts) the 2025 Grand Champion Fairtastic Artist for her hand-painted poster featuring this year’s theme, “youth enjoying the state fair.”