MIAD named Top Design School for sixth year; two students receive top honors
For the sixth consecutive year, Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) magazine has named MIAD a Top Graphic Design School. This distinction recognizes colleges across the country that excel in preparing students to work in graphic design careers after graduation.

Erin Gray ’22 (Communication Design)
GDUSA also recognized MIAD Communication Design students Erin Gray ’22 and Carli Jordan ’21 as 2021 Students to Watch.
“Communication Design is something that I consume daily and that I have a connection with, consciously and subconsciously. For me, it’s about expression and the transmission of important messages,” Erin said.
GDUSA’s Students to Watch list recognizes top students rising in the design field and growing within their programs.

Carli Jordan ’21 (Communication Design)
“During my time at MIAD, I have learned the importance of process, presentation and failure. All of which have rounded my skills and readied me for real-world design jobs, as well as the work experiences and industry knowledge I have gained from my professors,” Carli said.
News
Students celebrate professional growth at 2024 First-Year Exhibition
An annual tradition at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design from late March through September, the juried First-Year Experience Exhibition celebrates students’ yearlong personal and professional growth.
Ice cream social meets fine art networking at Cone-ections
Through the Intro to Arts Management course at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), five students collaborated to plan a successful artist networking event via ice cream social. Milwaukee-area artists and MIAD alumni visited campus to connect with students and enjoy a cone!
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.