MIAD ranked #1 Graphic Design School in Wisconsin by Animation Career Review
In its 2023 rankings, Animation Career Review named MIAD the #1 Graphic Design School in Wisconsin and in the top 7% of design schools in the Midwest. The college’s Animation and Illustration programs also received top rankings.
Animation Career Review evaluates the academic reputation, employment data, depth and breadth of program faculty, tuition value, and graduation and retention rates both of independent colleges like MIAD and of public universities.
Catherine Currie, Communication Design ’23, illuminates the program’s and MIAD’s student excellence. She will join Nike for a summer internship, winning over 1,500 graphic design candidates from across the country to be the only graphic design intern at the company. She was previously awarded the prestigious Type Directors Club National Scholarship and has gained national recognition for her typography.
“[MIAD] does a really nice job of prioritizing their students and creating a relationship with their students,” says Currie. “Being here I really built a foundation of trust and a network of professionals that I can rely on for the rest of my life.” Click here to hear about Currie’s internship and projects.
MIAD’s Communication Design program prepares students for print and digital work that informs and educates in new ways, always through the lens of the end user, and through partnerships and internships in Milwaukee and beyond. In today’s global economy, alumni fill important positions at established advertising agencies, design firms and major corporations, with many leading their own creative businesses.
In addition to the rankings in Animation Career Review, MIAD has been named a previous Top Design School by Graphic Design USA.
Learn more about MIAD’s Communication Design program and alumni success.
News
Fashion students design adaptive clothing for Independence First
For the second year in a row, Fashion and Apparel Design students at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) worked with Independence First to design adaptive clothing tailor-made for two people who use wheelchairs. The project is part of a junior-level Patternmaking & Construction course.
MIAD Values Recognition Award: Nichole Uecker
Nichole Uecker, Student Accessibility Coordinator, received the October 2025 MIAD Values Recognition Award at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Nichole’s nominations highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Community, Inclusion and Kindness.
Personal and professional passion inspire Product Design student
When senior Carmen Briones’ mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during Briones’ sophomore year at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), finding a bra that was comfortable with a medical port became an additional challenge. Briones ’26 (Product Design) answered that challenge in her Design for Human Interface class by designing a product that reduces pain while increasing mobility.
Toy design at Squishmallows: MIAD student develops confidence
When she first got the internship offer from Squishmallows at Jazwares, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior Melody Frias ’26 (Communication Design and Illustration) thought she was in shock. Months after the internship concluded, Frias still reads that email when she needs a boost.
Collections Spotlight: Helen Hoppin
Not only is the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) home to two formal gallery spaces hosting numerous external exhibitions, the college also boasts its own large collection focusing on work produced by founders and early students.