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
La Mère Brazier: Phoebe Nelson Senior Exhibition 2025
Phoebe Nelson ’25 (Illustration) came to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) to study children’s book illustration. Now at the end of her senior year, she is writing and illustrating a children’s book about Eugénie Brazier, the first person to get six Michelin stars, for her Senior Exhibition project.
MIAD Independent Inquiry Program launches with three student grants
Galilea Cerda ’26, Tina Voith ’26 and Madi Weglarz ’25 are the first three Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design students selected to receive Independent Inquiry Program stipends to investigate new technologies and their applicability to art and design education. As first-time applicants, each receives a stipend of $1,200 for a six-week Mini Inquiry this summer.
Grilled Cheese grants propel MIAD seniors
Funds from the annual Grilled Cheese Grant helped Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) awardees Siren Harris, Yo Yo collective and Madi Weglarz complete their 2025 Senior Exhibition projects and future work. All the MIAD awardees are Fine Art + New Studio Practice seniors.
Sebastian Penn: Senior Exhibition 2025
Sebastian Penn ’25 (Animation Track in Illustration), “From Home to Legacy: Black and Queer Bars in Milwaukee.” Sebastian is a President’s (Honor) List student from Holman, Wis.
McKenna Martin: Senior Exhibition 2025
McKenna Martin ’25 (Product Design), “Hyacinth.” McKenna received first place for her design for the 2023 Delta design project/competition at MIAD, is on the Dean’s List and is from Fond du Lac, Wis.