Communication Design: Success
MIAD graduates are individuals whose lifelong passions have become lifelong careers. Many MIAD alumni have pursued directly related to their academic program, while others have taken their culmination of skills in many areas and them to interdisciplinary projects and professional opportunities. For many of our graduates, their degree has led them to places they never expected, and they have redefined the role of artist or designer to contemporary society.
Explore this small sampling of the many paths our graduates have followed.
Alumni Profile: Lauren Cook ’16
Wahl Beard Battle – Wahl Canada. Social media design. 2016. Digital.
Lauren Cook
BFA Communication Design | 2016
Illustration Minor
Designer, Bader Rutter
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
“The biggest thing that MIAD gave me was the confidence to believe in both myself and my work. The faculty really pushed me to discover what made me unique as an artist and to develop my style to where it is now.”
Hoffman York Holiday Card. 2016. Print.
See more of Lauren’s work at:
Alumni Profile: Xavier Ruffin ’10
Atlanta Day N Night Campaign – Social Media. FX Networks. 2016. Art direction and sound design.
BFA Communication Design | 2010
Business Minor
Creative Director, Cynosure Creative Agency
Los Angeles, CA
“MIAD gave me far more than the valuable gifts of fundamental art theory and design language needed to succeed as an artist and designer. It gave me work ethic, perspective, empathy and the desire to forever remain a student at heart, which allows me to excel.”
See more of Xavier’s work at:
Alumni Profile: Chelsea Goldwell ’10
Hillary for America – State Hearts. 2016. Digital.
Chelsea Goldwell
BFA Communication Design | 2010
Partner and Creative Director, Zero Studios
Former Lead Designer for Digital Advertising and Video, Hillary for America Campaign
New York, NY
“While at MIAD I found my purpose through design. My thoughtful, dedicated instructors gave me the foundational knowledge and skills I needed to become a working professional and opened my mind to the possibilities of what design can do. The connections I made at MIAD have been invaluable in moving me forward in my career. My education helped me build a creative and fulfilling life.”
See more of Chelsea’s work at:
Alumni Success: Barb Paulini Nelson ’88
From Print to Products: How One Designer Communicates.
Barb Paulini Nelson
BFA Graphic Design (now Communication Design) | 1988
Art Director, Studio Paulini
Milwaukee, WI
Barb Paulini Nelson
“An internship at a local ad agency proved extremely beneficial; not only was I able to gain valuable experience, I was able to network and engage socially with others in my field.”
From billboards to catalogues to websites and packaging, thousands of messages are directed at us each day. We are surrounded by communication, and no one knows it better then Barb Paulini Nelson. Serving as an Art Director for over a decade, Paulini Nelson was a fountain for new ideas, creating design work for a large number of clients and various specifications, overseeing a team of designers, and building strong relationships with businesses. Later, she took the knowledge she had gained and opened her own design business. Paulini Nelson says “Interdisciplinary Design” best describes the work her firm is doing which includes crafting interiors, identities, and impressions, and soon, product design.
Q. What was the most valuable thing that you learned at MIAD, and how has your MIAD education affected where you are today?
A. The awareness and discovery of purpose, the celebration of different perspectives, and the acceptance of the gift that is inherent in each of us–I believe are the guides that have forged my path as a designer. And I know, for certain, that my education at MIAD celebrated and encouraged the investigation of these ideas.
Q. What’s the one thing you would tell a high school student who is considering attending MIAD now that you’ve experienced life after graduation?
A. One of the beneficial things about MIAD is the location. Milwaukee is a non-intimidating city environment. It’s easily accessible, and relatively inexpensive during those first few years away from home.
Q. Are there any parts of your résumé or career experience that you’d like to share?
A. In my career I have accomplished most of what I dreamed of as a student — having been published in national design periodicals, journals, and award publications; yet, my greatest successes are the client relationships I’ve been a part of, and the growth of their businesses due to our shared vision, our working together to determine and execute the best design plans to help them meet their goals.
My view of myself as a designer shifted drastically eight years ago when, after serving agencies as an Art Director for twelve years, I opened my own business. “Interdisciplinary design” are the words that best capture the scope of my firm’s work. I now craft interiors, identities, and impressions, incorporating my aesthetic vision into all aspects of a business, life, or space. Soon, I hope to continue this growth by branching out further into product design.
Q. Can you define how you’ve seen your major change since leaving school?
A. The industry has changed significantly over the years — however, one steadfast rule from my educational experience continues to resound — even in our current technologically sophisticated society; idea and execution are everything, and when that can take center stage is when you’ll shine through as a designer.
various identity work
kohler showroom brochure designs
Alumni Success: Jason Herkert ’95
Design Dreams
Jason Herkert
BFA Communication Design | 1995
Chief Creative Officer, InGood Taste
Portland, OR
nike lunarlon advertisement
Jason Herkert
“MIAD taught me how to think for myself and not rely on others to make things happen.”
“I thought growing up I was going to be the next Michael Jordan, or maybe it was Pele; no, it was definitely Robin Yount,” says Herkert. While early dreams of sports legend may have escaped him, Jason Herkert has found another way to live the dream. Currently, he’s a senior graphic designer at Nike in Beaverton, Oregon, working on the Nike Golf image design group. “I moved to Portland to work at Nike and be closer to the mountains. I have the best of both worlds. Mount Hood is only one hour east and the Pacific coast is an hour west.”
As a Communication Design graduate, “MIAD taught me to think for myself and not rely on others to make things happen. I don’t necessarily believe in luck when it comes to success. Luck happens when you have a vision and are determined to make it a reality.”
And when asked about his future plans, Herkert said, “Ideally, I’d like to open up a surf shop in Hawaii or take photographs for a living. I try not to limit my possibilities. Right now, I’m happy with what I’m doing.”
nikegolf advertisements
nike lunarlon advertisements
Alumni Profile: David Nelson ’02
Visual Experiences
David Nelson
BFA Communication Design | 2002
Vice President, Head of Design, Sustain.Life
Milwaukee, WI
Windows 8 interactive design
“MIAD was one of the best experiences I ever had.”
Q. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A. I always knew I wanted to do something with art. I started doing design work in high school and fell in love with it from the get-go. MIAD was the obvious next step to get me where I wanted to be.
David Nelson
Q. What was your first memorable experience with art or design?
A. I won an advertising competition when I was 9 or so when a teacher persuaded me to enter. The contest was to draw something to help convince kids that wearing a bike helmet was cool. Seeing my drawing on all the buses in town was the coolest thing that had ever happened to me.
Q. How did your MIAD education affect where you are today?
A. Honestly, MIAD was one of the best experiences I ever had. It really gave me a constructive place to focus my energy and I got the chance to meet some of the most talented people I know.
Q. What was the most valuable thing you learned at MIAD?
A. Problem-solving; it’s the key to being a great designer.
Q. If you had to sum up your job in a single sentence, what would it be?
A. I design the user experiences that define the future of ideas and communications, including designing and developing strategy directions and advanced interactive media for clients such as Autodesk, Microsoft, HP and Yahoo!
Q. Define how you saw your major while in school and how that definition has changed over the years.
A. Technology aside, design is design. It’s always been about solving problems and communicating ideas. Print, web, environmental design, they’re all, in essence, the same conceptually. You just need to focus on the work that interests you.
Prior clients include Adobe and Microsoft, where Nelson developed design, typography, art direction and interface design.
Alumni Profile: Manuja Waldia ’14
Pelican Shakespeare Book Cover Design – Romeo & Juliet. 2016. Print
Manuja Waldia
BFA Communication Design | 2014
Visual Designer, Genesys
Freelance Designer & Illustrator
Portland, OR
“MIAD provided me a myriad of classes to experiment and realize where my true passion lies. I worked with Career Services to find an amazing internship in my junior year, which translated to my first job upon graduation. I am indebted to MIAD for equipping me with great tools, skills and professional ethics to strive to be the best artist I can be.”
Pelican Shakespeare Book Cover Design – Macbeth. 2016. Print. Client: Penguin Random House
Pelican Shakespeare Book Cover Design – King Lear. 2016. Print. Client: Penguin Random House
See more of Manuja’s work at:
Alumni Profile: Debbie Sajnani ’16
k/lab Landing Page – Brand Launch. 2017. Digital Design
Debbie Sajnani
BFA Communication Design | 2016
Owner, Ramie and Co.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
“The most important skill I developed as a Communication Designer at MIAD was learning how to ask the right questions. Working with clients and brands requires not just listening to what they want, but also understanding what they need. More often than not, those two things can be very different, so asking the right questions can help you develop meaningful designs that exceed expectations.”
Madden NYC Email. 2017. Digital Design.
See more of Debbie’s work at:
Alumni Profile: DeChazier Stokes-Johnson ’04
Communication Design, 2004
Director of Social Media, Nonbox, Hales Corners, Wisconsin
A Sucker for Pumps | album cover, digital, 2011
DeChazier Stokes-Johnson
DeChazier Stokes-Johnson is currently the Director of Social Media at Nonbox, an advertising agency located in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. While Stokes-Johnson works diligently at perfecting his craft as an art director, he simultaneously works just as hard to learn and understand what makes a great social media campaign successful. By night, Stokes-Johnson rolls his sleeves up and lets his mind go as his freelance alter ego Black-Marmalade. In that capacity, working with a large variety of clients, he acts as creative director and art director.
“My MIAD education helped tremendously by teaching me how I learn, how to think, research, and explore, and how to apply it all to the goals I’ve set for myself. MIAD gave me the direction, discipline, and focus I needed to make my mark in the world the way I saw fit.”
Talib Kweli Gutter Rainbows | album cover, mixed media, 2010
Various logos | digital, 2008-2013
Alumni Profile: Max Estes ’99
A Passion for Creating that’s “no joke.”
Max Estes
BFA Communication Design | 1999
Children’s book and graphic novel author and illustrator
Fredrikstad, Viken, Norway
maxestes.com
“Don’t be afraid to run full force toward what you want to do most with your art.”
Writer. Illustrator. Teacher.
Max Estes
Max Estes does it all. Growing up, Estes was surrounded by art and creativity (Max’s mom wrote choose-your-own-adventure books that were mostly medieval fantasy novels, and Max’s stepdad created sci-fi board games like “Snit’s Revenge” and “The Awful Green Things From Outer Space”). Now, on his own creative journey, Estes just published his first graphic novel, with the second following this Spring. He works in his studio as much as possible conceptualizing, writing, and illustrating graphic novels, children’s books, and comics. Estes is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree so that he can teach illustration and sequential art courses in the future.
Estes’ first graphic novel
Q. What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up?
A. I didn’t really think about it much. I just knew I’d go to art school.
Q. What was the most valuable thing you learned at MIAD?
A. You don’t stop learning when you leave the campus. It’s not just classrooms and assignments; your college experience spans far beyond the campus walls. You take your lessons with you onto the streets, into your life.
Q. What’s the one thing you would tell a high school student who is considering attending MIAD now that you’ve experienced life after graduation?
A. Don’t be afraid to run full force toward what you want to do most with your art. You can make a living doing most anything with enough passion put forth.
Q. Please define how you saw your major while you were in school, and how that definition has changed over the years.
A. I graduated with a Bachelors in Communication Design, but upon graduation, I found that I was more interested in design theory as opposed to the graphic design industry (i.e. a 9 to 5 design job). I learned to take what I wanted from my background in graphic design and apply it to my illustration/cartooning career.
Estes’ new book, Nattman
Alumni Success: Sabine Beaupre ’88
Visual Communication: Graphic Design + Publication.
Sabine Beaupre
BFA Graphic Design | 1988
Owner and Freelance Designer, Hulahoop Design
Milwaukee, WI
Sabine Beaupre
Sabine (Huschke) Beaupre has taken her Graphic Design degree from MIAD and transformed it into a career which focuses on proving information through various publications. At MIAD, “I learned that creativity and discipline go hand in hand. As a successful designer, you can’t have one without the other.”
Beaupre’s art teacher proved to be a huge influence on her decision to attend an art school.
“Mrs. Stoddard was amazing in guiding me to pursue my dream of going to an art college. After my education at MIAD, I felt prepared and confident to make my way into the design world.”
What’s next for Beaupre? “As a freelance designer specializing in publishing, I plan to continue growing my own business and take on new challenges.”
examples of Beaupe’s published designs, which include
magazines, periodicals, pamphlets, brochures and advertisements.
Alumni Success: Michael DelGaudio ‘011
Technology, made tangible.
Michael DelGaudio
2001 BFA Communication Design, MIAD | 2007 Master of Professional Studies, Interactive Telecommunications, New York University
Head of Design in Television Experiences, Google
Mountain View, CA
michaeldelgaudio.com
Typographic Drawing
Michael DelGaudio
“…in the second grade, I won first prize in the science fair for building a really kick-ass volcano.”
Michael DelGaudio is motivated to learn about how people exist with, adapt to, and reinvent technology. By creating work which engages users aesthetically and conceptually, his aim is to rethink people’s everyday experiences with technologically inspired products. As a post-medium designer, Michael’s work ranges from mobile software to highly conceptual interactive installations.
Recently, he has taken an interest in tangible information visualization systems, ubiquitous technologies, and ambient informatics. He has presented work at BAP Labs, Conflux (New York’s annual contemporary psycho-geography conference) and has spoken at Google and Yahoo! Research. Additionally, Michael won first prize in the Fishkill Elementary second grade science fair for building a ‘really kick-ass’ volcano.
Alphabet Machine, 2006
wooden type blocks, solenoids, custom circuitry
Alphabet Machine is a kinetic sculpture that allows viewers to see and hear the rhythm and pentameter of text. Digital text is the primary communication vehicle of the 21st century. Whether it comes in the form of email or hypertext, digital information has no physical presence. This is an obvious difference from printed communication that not so long ago was our primary communication vehicle. The Alphabet Machine attempts to recover this loss of physicality. The text orchestrated through the device, Gutenberg’s bible, remind us of the loss of physicality in communication in the digital era.
MutherBoard, 2007
lucite, custom electronics and software
MutherBoard examines how embedded computation can record and display information generated while snowboarding. Specifically, the system uses sensors to collect motion characteristics about how snowboarders are riding. Unique graphics on the board change color based on the ability level of the rider. The customized board graphics raise awareness of personal accomplishment and opens the door for dialog between riders.
World Oil Clock, 2006
java, information visualization
World Oil Clock is a series of line drawings generated using oil consumption data based on each country’s daily consumption rate. In this example, the top ten consumers of oil are used to create the composition. The predatory nature of consuming at a higher rate becomes obvious as countries which consumer more oil dominate the screen and search out new areas in which they can consume.
Alumni Profile: Kelsey Barnowsky ’11
Maine Office of Tourism Adventure Brochure Poster Foldout. Art direction and design. Print.
Kelsey Barnowsky
BFA Communication Design | 2011
Freelance Designer
Former Senior Art Director, BVK
Sebastopol, CA
“MIAD provided invaluable one-on-one mentoring and guidance by my faculty. They not only pushed me to create standout design work but also taught me how to give meaning to it through conceptual thinking. This has led me to be a versatile leader in my field, attract fun clients and I can proudly say that I love what I do!”
Carmex | Social. Social media art direction and design. Digital.
Alumni Profile: Kyle James ’15
The Death Drive. Still from short film. Digital. Watch at VIMEO.COM/124107920
Kyle V. James
BFA Time-Based Media | 2015
Communication Design Minor
Independent Filmmaker
Assistant Director, MIAD Innovation Center
Adjunct Instructor, MIAD Digital Media Production Lab Technician
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
“My education at MIAD gave me both the confidence to create projects on a massive scale, and the technical skills to pull off whatever I can imagine. I am now working with other MIAD graduates to create a feature film. Being a part of the MIAD community and having connections to hundreds of extremely talented and passionate individuals is the most valuable tool an artist can have.”
The Alligator Hunter. Still from short film. Digital.
1000 Photos. Still from short film. Digital.
See more of Kyle’s work at:
Alumni Profile: Kimberly Swiderski-Murphy ’01
Kimberly Swiderski-Murpy with her husband and MIAD alumn Matt
Kimberly Swiderski-Murphy
BFA Communication Design | 2001
Senior Package Designer, Hallmark Cards
Kansas City, MO
“Those four years were the building blocks of my adult professional life, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of faculty in a more inspirational setting…”
Kimberly Swiderski-Murphy is currently a Senior Package Designer for Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. She works exclusively on packaging for the Gold Crown store, which includes designing for a range of fun products – from children’s’ toys and games to Keepsake ornaments to consumables, like candy and gourmet snacks. Day-to-day work can include art directing a photo shoot for in-use photography, collaborating with an illustrator on a children’s’ game, or designing packaging for the Star Wars gift collection.
Swiderski-Murphy has designed some products, like photo albums and pop-up autograph books and has acted as her own package engineer at times. She’s even had the chance to do voice recording for some children’s’ games and plush items. The scope of her design work at Hallmark keeps Swiderski-Murphy on her toes, always giving her the chance to learn about a new set of parameters or brainstorm with a different group of artists and writers. Swiderski-Murphy said, “I feel so lucky to have found my dream job working for a brand with so much heart and soul.”
“My time at MIAD was positively magical … Those four years were the building blocks of my adult professional life, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of faculty in a more inspirational setting. Between the Communication Design major, the intense writing classes, and studio electives, I found out exactly who I was at my core. But, the most important thing I learned was that critical balance between being passionate about your work, and maintaining an objective eye. My Art Director always says that as designers, we play at the very dangerous intersection of Art and Commerce. To be the best designers, we have to fully pour our hearts into everything we touch… but we have to accept critique and learn from it, since our creations are about so much more than our own voices. We all share that inspired passion, but the real growth comes when we share that passion with the world and listen to what it says in return.”
Images © 2008, 2011 Hallmark Cards, Inc. All rights reserved
Alumni Profile: Justin Thomas Kay ’04
MKE to NYC.
Justin Thomas Kay
BFA Communication Design | 2004
Independent Creative Director & Brand Consultant
part of the team that redesigned new Milwaukee Buck’s logo
Brooklyn, NY
Milwaukee Bucks new logo design | design ideations
Justin Thomas Kay
“MIAD kept me focused and disciplined, and gave me the building blocks to help push me to where I am today.”
Passion could be Justin Kay’s middle name. Initially starting out as an Illustration major at MIAD, Kay later decided to change his major to Communication Design. That change proved to be just the one he needed to pave a successful path after graduation that took him from Milwaukee to Brooklyn.
FADER magazine covers
Justin is a New York City-based creative director and graphic designer with a strong focus in creating work based on basic explorations of shape, color and typography. Currently Justin is an art director with Brooklyn-based agency Doubleday and Cartwright and acts as a visiting artist, teaching an experimental typography class at the Cooper Union in NYC. He was chosen as one of the 50 Young Guns for 2008 by the Art Directors Club of New York City.
Woolrich Illustrations
“Through helpful and ample guidance by a teaching staff that gets great satisfaction from seeing their students succeed, I was able to find my own path and vision in the field of design and art direction. I had always thought about design, but never understood it – MIAD gave me the help I needed to understand what design truly means and who it affects – everyone. Without that guidance, I would have always felt creative but never understood the power of harnessing creative energy and understanding the life you can build from it for yourself.”
Ten Years of Type | Poster Design, 2011
Alumni Success: Rhiannon Zivin ’03
Real-life Design.
Rhiannon Zivin
BFA Communication Design | 2003
UX Research Manager, Lyft
San Francisco, CA
Rhiannon (Sterling) Zivin
“MIAD laid the foundation for my design career. I learned design fundamentals through the guidance of the school’s exceptional and respected design faculty.”
Q. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A. As a child I dreamed of becoming an astronaut like Sally Ride. While I didn’t actually end up becoming an astronaut, I certainly make it to outer space every once in a while.
Q. What was your first memorable experience with art and design?
A. When I was very young, I made a Father’s Day card titled, “Top Ten Reasons I’m Glad You’re My Dad.” It was a multi-paged array of magazine cutouts and bubble letters. I consider it one of my best works, based entirely on the impact it had on the targeted audience.
Q. How did your MIAD education affect where you are today?
A. MIAD laid the foundation for my design career. I learned design fundamentals through the guidance of the school’s exceptional and respected design faculty. The intimacy of the MIAD community serves as a catalyst to my career development. I received the hands-on attention that large schools can’t provide and I was exposed to international perspectives through the exchange programs MIAD maintains with schools worldwide. I spent a semester in Milan, which was invaluable in my development as a design practitioner.
Frut, an MP3 player for mothers.
Q. What was the most valuable thing you learned at MIAD?
A. I learned to use the resources that you have around you. Ask questions, experiment, test and challenge anything.
Q. If you had to sum up your job in a single sentence, what would it be?
A. I am currently working towards a Master’s degree in Interaction Design at Carnegie Mellon University, and after I graduate I will be designing mobile device interfaces at Motorola in Chicago.
goPlay, activity-based social networking concept
![goPlay concept team, Sterling [center]](https://miadwordpress.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/image_archive/stories/static_content/small/sterling_r_5.jpg)
goPlay concept team, Sterling [center]
Q. What are your goals for the future, in art/design and in life?
A. Over the past semester, my thesis work has focused on how mobile phones are used to support religious and spiritual practices. Although this particular union may seem strange, mobile devices are taking on new roles in people’s lives. I’m one of a small group of designers trying to define this nascent space in the market.
Q. Please define how you saw your major while in school, and how that definition has changed over the years.
A. My background is in Communication Design, but I’ve learned that my knowledge and experience are applicable to solving more than just publication or artifact problems. Now more than ever, design governs how we live and interact with one another. It can be used to mold organizations or provide better customer experiences. Top-tier companies have only recently discovered the cusp of what is possible with good design. I think now is an exciting time for design practitioners because our contributions are becoming more and more relevant.
Alumni Profiles: Sean O’Leary & Mary Diaz ’04
Yisheng Organic Brand Strategy
Sean O’Leary & Mary Diaz ’04
Co-Founders at Babel Lab LLC, babellab.com
We started Babel Lab in 2010 out of our home office in Minneapolis. Since then, our work has evolved to incorporate brand design, marketing, photojournalism, business strategy, and product development. Our aim was to build a creative business that would grow and change with our family. Over the past few years we’ve taken our work around the world, most recently to Hong Kong where we helped develop and launch an Organic & Fair Trade certified tea company. We had an adventurous two years abroad, and recently resettled our business and home in the San Francisco Bay Area with our children.
We’re currently working on some exciting new projects including building a brand for a sustainable seafood restaurant & fish market, product development and marketing for the leading day spa in San Francisco, and creating a new, spiritually inspired lifestyle brand.
Alumni Profile: Lauren Cook ’16
Wahl Beard Battle – Wahl Canada. Social media design. 2016. Digital.
Lauren Cook
BFA Communication Design | 2016
Illustration Minor
Designer, Bader Rutter
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
“The biggest thing that MIAD gave me was the confidence to believe in both myself and my work. The faculty really pushed me to discover what made me unique as an artist and to develop my style to where it is now.”
Hoffman York Holiday Card. 2016. Print.
See more of Lauren’s work at:
Alumni Profile: Xavier Ruffin ’10
Atlanta Day N Night Campaign – Social Media. FX Networks. 2016. Art direction and sound design.
BFA Communication Design | 2010
Business Minor
Creative Director, Cynosure Creative Agency
Los Angeles, CA
“MIAD gave me far more than the valuable gifts of fundamental art theory and design language needed to succeed as an artist and designer. It gave me work ethic, perspective, empathy and the desire to forever remain a student at heart, which allows me to excel.”
See more of Xavier’s work at:
Alumni Profile: Chelsea Goldwell ’10
Hillary for America – State Hearts. 2016. Digital.
Chelsea Goldwell
BFA Communication Design | 2010
Partner and Creative Director, Zero Studios
Former Lead Designer for Digital Advertising and Video, Hillary for America Campaign
New York, NY
“While at MIAD I found my purpose through design. My thoughtful, dedicated instructors gave me the foundational knowledge and skills I needed to become a working professional and opened my mind to the possibilities of what design can do. The connections I made at MIAD have been invaluable in moving me forward in my career. My education helped me build a creative and fulfilling life.”
See more of Chelsea’s work at:
Alumni Success: Barb Paulini Nelson ’88
From Print to Products: How One Designer Communicates.
Barb Paulini Nelson
BFA Graphic Design (now Communication Design) | 1988
Art Director, Studio Paulini
Milwaukee, WI
Barb Paulini Nelson
“An internship at a local ad agency proved extremely beneficial; not only was I able to gain valuable experience, I was able to network and engage socially with others in my field.”
From billboards to catalogues to websites and packaging, thousands of messages are directed at us each day. We are surrounded by communication, and no one knows it better then Barb Paulini Nelson. Serving as an Art Director for over a decade, Paulini Nelson was a fountain for new ideas, creating design work for a large number of clients and various specifications, overseeing a team of designers, and building strong relationships with businesses. Later, she took the knowledge she had gained and opened her own design business. Paulini Nelson says “Interdisciplinary Design” best describes the work her firm is doing which includes crafting interiors, identities, and impressions, and soon, product design.
Q. What was the most valuable thing that you learned at MIAD, and how has your MIAD education affected where you are today?
A. The awareness and discovery of purpose, the celebration of different perspectives, and the acceptance of the gift that is inherent in each of us–I believe are the guides that have forged my path as a designer. And I know, for certain, that my education at MIAD celebrated and encouraged the investigation of these ideas.
Q. What’s the one thing you would tell a high school student who is considering attending MIAD now that you’ve experienced life after graduation?
A. One of the beneficial things about MIAD is the location. Milwaukee is a non-intimidating city environment. It’s easily accessible, and relatively inexpensive during those first few years away from home.
Q. Are there any parts of your résumé or career experience that you’d like to share?
A. In my career I have accomplished most of what I dreamed of as a student — having been published in national design periodicals, journals, and award publications; yet, my greatest successes are the client relationships I’ve been a part of, and the growth of their businesses due to our shared vision, our working together to determine and execute the best design plans to help them meet their goals.
My view of myself as a designer shifted drastically eight years ago when, after serving agencies as an Art Director for twelve years, I opened my own business. “Interdisciplinary design” are the words that best capture the scope of my firm’s work. I now craft interiors, identities, and impressions, incorporating my aesthetic vision into all aspects of a business, life, or space. Soon, I hope to continue this growth by branching out further into product design.
Q. Can you define how you’ve seen your major change since leaving school?
A. The industry has changed significantly over the years — however, one steadfast rule from my educational experience continues to resound — even in our current technologically sophisticated society; idea and execution are everything, and when that can take center stage is when you’ll shine through as a designer.
various identity work
kohler showroom brochure designs
Alumni Success: Jason Herkert ’95
Design Dreams
Jason Herkert
BFA Communication Design | 1995
Chief Creative Officer, InGood Taste
Portland, OR
nike lunarlon advertisement
Jason Herkert
“MIAD taught me how to think for myself and not rely on others to make things happen.”
“I thought growing up I was going to be the next Michael Jordan, or maybe it was Pele; no, it was definitely Robin Yount,” says Herkert. While early dreams of sports legend may have escaped him, Jason Herkert has found another way to live the dream. Currently, he’s a senior graphic designer at Nike in Beaverton, Oregon, working on the Nike Golf image design group. “I moved to Portland to work at Nike and be closer to the mountains. I have the best of both worlds. Mount Hood is only one hour east and the Pacific coast is an hour west.”
As a Communication Design graduate, “MIAD taught me to think for myself and not rely on others to make things happen. I don’t necessarily believe in luck when it comes to success. Luck happens when you have a vision and are determined to make it a reality.”
And when asked about his future plans, Herkert said, “Ideally, I’d like to open up a surf shop in Hawaii or take photographs for a living. I try not to limit my possibilities. Right now, I’m happy with what I’m doing.”
nikegolf advertisements
nike lunarlon advertisements
Alumni Profile: David Nelson ’02
Visual Experiences
David Nelson
BFA Communication Design | 2002
Vice President, Head of Design, Sustain.Life
Milwaukee, WI
Windows 8 interactive design
“MIAD was one of the best experiences I ever had.”
Q. As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A. I always knew I wanted to do something with art. I started doing design work in high school and fell in love with it from the get-go. MIAD was the obvious next step to get me where I wanted to be.
David Nelson
Q. What was your first memorable experience with art or design?
A. I won an advertising competition when I was 9 or so when a teacher persuaded me to enter. The contest was to draw something to help convince kids that wearing a bike helmet was cool. Seeing my drawing on all the buses in town was the coolest thing that had ever happened to me.
Q. How did your MIAD education affect where you are today?
A. Honestly, MIAD was one of the best experiences I ever had. It really gave me a constructive place to focus my energy and I got the chance to meet some of the most talented people I know.
Q. What was the most valuable thing you learned at MIAD?
A. Problem-solving; it’s the key to being a great designer.
Q. If you had to sum up your job in a single sentence, what would it be?
A. I design the user experiences that define the future of ideas and communications, including designing and developing strategy directions and advanced interactive media for clients such as Autodesk, Microsoft, HP and Yahoo!
Q. Define how you saw your major while in school and how that definition has changed over the years.
A. Technology aside, design is design. It’s always been about solving problems and communicating ideas. Print, web, environmental design, they’re all, in essence, the same conceptually. You just need to focus on the work that interests you.
Prior clients include Adobe and Microsoft, where Nelson developed design, typography, art direction and interface design.
Alumni Profile: Manuja Waldia ’14
Pelican Shakespeare Book Cover Design – Romeo & Juliet. 2016. Print
Manuja Waldia
BFA Communication Design | 2014
Visual Designer, Genesys
Freelance Designer & Illustrator
Portland, OR
“MIAD provided me a myriad of classes to experiment and realize where my true passion lies. I worked with Career Services to find an amazing internship in my junior year, which translated to my first job upon graduation. I am indebted to MIAD for equipping me with great tools, skills and professional ethics to strive to be the best artist I can be.”
Pelican Shakespeare Book Cover Design – Macbeth. 2016. Print. Client: Penguin Random House
Pelican Shakespeare Book Cover Design – King Lear. 2016. Print. Client: Penguin Random House
See more of Manuja’s work at:
Alumni Profile: Debbie Sajnani ’16
k/lab Landing Page – Brand Launch. 2017. Digital Design
Debbie Sajnani
BFA Communication Design | 2016
Owner, Ramie and Co.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
“The most important skill I developed as a Communication Designer at MIAD was learning how to ask the right questions. Working with clients and brands requires not just listening to what they want, but also understanding what they need. More often than not, those two things can be very different, so asking the right questions can help you develop meaningful designs that exceed expectations.”
Madden NYC Email. 2017. Digital Design.
See more of Debbie’s work at:
Alumni Profile: Max Estes ’99
A Passion for Creating that’s “no joke.”
Max Estes
BFA Communication Design | 1999
Children’s book and graphic novel author and illustrator
Fredrikstad, Viken, Norway
maxestes.com
“Don’t be afraid to run full force toward what you want to do most with your art.”
Writer. Illustrator. Teacher.
Max Estes
Max Estes does it all. Growing up, Estes was surrounded by art and creativity (Max’s mom wrote choose-your-own-adventure books that were mostly medieval fantasy novels, and Max’s stepdad created sci-fi board games like “Snit’s Revenge” and “The Awful Green Things From Outer Space”). Now, on his own creative journey, Estes just published his first graphic novel, with the second following this Spring. He works in his studio as much as possible conceptualizing, writing, and illustrating graphic novels, children’s books, and comics. Estes is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree so that he can teach illustration and sequential art courses in the future.
Estes’ first graphic novel
Q. What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up?
A. I didn’t really think about it much. I just knew I’d go to art school.
Q. What was the most valuable thing you learned at MIAD?
A. You don’t stop learning when you leave the campus. It’s not just classrooms and assignments; your college experience spans far beyond the campus walls. You take your lessons with you onto the streets, into your life.
Q. What’s the one thing you would tell a high school student who is considering attending MIAD now that you’ve experienced life after graduation?
A. Don’t be afraid to run full force toward what you want to do most with your art. You can make a living doing most anything with enough passion put forth.
Q. Please define how you saw your major while you were in school, and how that definition has changed over the years.
A. I graduated with a Bachelors in Communication Design, but upon graduation, I found that I was more interested in design theory as opposed to the graphic design industry (i.e. a 9 to 5 design job). I learned to take what I wanted from my background in graphic design and apply it to my illustration/cartooning career.
Estes’ new book, Nattman
Alumni Profile: DeChazier Stokes-Johnson ’04
Communication Design, 2004
Director of Social Media, Nonbox, Hales Corners, Wisconsin
A Sucker for Pumps | album cover, digital, 2011
DeChazier Stokes-Johnson
DeChazier Stokes-Johnson is currently the Director of Social Media at Nonbox, an advertising agency located in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. While Stokes-Johnson works diligently at perfecting his craft as an art director, he simultaneously works just as hard to learn and understand what makes a great social media campaign successful. By night, Stokes-Johnson rolls his sleeves up and lets his mind go as his freelance alter ego Black-Marmalade. In that capacity, working with a large variety of clients, he acts as creative director and art director.
“My MIAD education helped tremendously by teaching me how I learn, how to think, research, and explore, and how to apply it all to the goals I’ve set for myself. MIAD gave me the direction, discipline, and focus I needed to make my mark in the world the way I saw fit.”
Talib Kweli Gutter Rainbows | album cover, mixed media, 2010
Various logos | digital, 2008-2013
Alumni Success: Sabine Beaupre ’88
Visual Communication: Graphic Design + Publication.
Sabine Beaupre
BFA Graphic Design | 1988
Owner and Freelance Designer, Hulahoop Design
Milwaukee, WI
Sabine Beaupre
Sabine (Huschke) Beaupre has taken her Graphic Design degree from MIAD and transformed it into a career which focuses on proving information through various publications. At MIAD, “I learned that creativity and discipline go hand in hand. As a successful designer, you can’t have one without the other.”
Beaupre’s art teacher proved to be a huge influence on her decision to attend an art school.
“Mrs. Stoddard was amazing in guiding me to pursue my dream of going to an art college. After my education at MIAD, I felt prepared and confident to make my way into the design world.”
What’s next for Beaupre? “As a freelance designer specializing in publishing, I plan to continue growing my own business and take on new challenges.”
examples of Beaupe’s published designs, which include
magazines, periodicals, pamphlets, brochures and advertisements.
Alumni Success: Michael DelGaudio ‘011
Technology, made tangible.
Michael DelGaudio
2001 BFA Communication Design, MIAD | 2007 Master of Professional Studies, Interactive Telecommunications, New York University
Head of Design in Television Experiences, Google
Mountain View, CA
michaeldelgaudio.com
Typographic Drawing
Michael DelGaudio
“…in the second grade, I won first prize in the science fair for building a really kick-ass volcano.”
Michael DelGaudio is motivated to learn about how people exist with, adapt to, and reinvent technology. By creating work which engages users aesthetically and conceptually, his aim is to rethink people’s everyday experiences with technologically inspired products. As a post-medium designer, Michael’s work ranges from mobile software to highly conceptual interactive installations.
Recently, he has taken an interest in tangible information visualization systems, ubiquitous technologies, and ambient informatics. He has presented work at BAP Labs, Conflux (New York’s annual contemporary psycho-geography conference) and has spoken at Google and Yahoo! Research. Additionally, Michael won first prize in the Fishkill Elementary second grade science fair for building a ‘really kick-ass’ volcano.
Alphabet Machine, 2006
wooden type blocks, solenoids, custom circuitry
Alphabet Machine is a kinetic sculpture that allows viewers to see and hear the rhythm and pentameter of text. Digital text is the primary communication vehicle of the 21st century. Whether it comes in the form of email or hypertext, digital information has no physical presence. This is an obvious difference from printed communication that not so long ago was our primary communication vehicle. The Alphabet Machine attempts to recover this loss of physicality. The text orchestrated through the device, Gutenberg’s bible, remind us of the loss of physicality in communication in the digital era.
MutherBoard, 2007
lucite, custom electronics and software
MutherBoard examines how embedded computation can record and display information generated while snowboarding. Specifically, the system uses sensors to collect motion characteristics about how snowboarders are riding. Unique graphics on the board change color based on the ability level of the rider. The customized board graphics raise awareness of personal accomplishment and opens the door for dialog between riders.
World Oil Clock, 2006
java, information visualization
World Oil Clock is a series of line drawings generated using oil consumption data based on each country’s daily consumption rate. In this example, the top ten consumers of oil are used to create the composition. The predatory nature of consuming at a higher rate becomes obvious as countries which consumer more oil dominate the screen and search out new areas in which they can consume.
Alumni Profile: Kelsey Barnowsky ’11
Maine Office of Tourism Adventure Brochure Poster Foldout. Art direction and design. Print.
Kelsey Barnowsky
BFA Communication Design | 2011
Freelance Designer
Former Senior Art Director, BVK
Sebastopol, CA
“MIAD provided invaluable one-on-one mentoring and guidance by my faculty. They not only pushed me to create standout design work but also taught me how to give meaning to it through conceptual thinking. This has led me to be a versatile leader in my field, attract fun clients and I can proudly say that I love what I do!”
Carmex | Social. Social media art direction and design. Digital.
Alumni Profile: Kyle James ’15
The Death Drive. Still from short film. Digital. Watch at VIMEO.COM/124107920
Kyle V. James
BFA Time-Based Media | 2015
Communication Design Minor
Independent Filmmaker
Assistant Director, MIAD Innovation Center
Adjunct Instructor, MIAD Digital Media Production Lab Technician
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
“My education at MIAD gave me both the confidence to create projects on a massive scale, and the technical skills to pull off whatever I can imagine. I am now working with other MIAD graduates to create a feature film. Being a part of the MIAD community and having connections to hundreds of extremely talented and passionate individuals is the most valuable tool an artist can have.”
The Alligator Hunter. Still from short film. Digital.
1000 Photos. Still from short film. Digital.
See more of Kyle’s work at:
Alumni Profile: Kimberly Swiderski-Murphy ’01
Kimberly Swiderski-Murpy with her husband and MIAD alumn Matt
Kimberly Swiderski-Murphy
BFA Communication Design | 2001
Senior Package Designer, Hallmark Cards
Kansas City, MO
“Those four years were the building blocks of my adult professional life, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of faculty in a more inspirational setting…”
Kimberly Swiderski-Murphy is currently a Senior Package Designer for Hallmark Cards, Inc. in Kansas City, Missouri. She works exclusively on packaging for the Gold Crown store, which includes designing for a range of fun products – from children’s’ toys and games to Keepsake ornaments to consumables, like candy and gourmet snacks. Day-to-day work can include art directing a photo shoot for in-use photography, collaborating with an illustrator on a children’s’ game, or designing packaging for the Star Wars gift collection.
Swiderski-Murphy has designed some products, like photo albums and pop-up autograph books and has acted as her own package engineer at times. She’s even had the chance to do voice recording for some children’s’ games and plush items. The scope of her design work at Hallmark keeps Swiderski-Murphy on her toes, always giving her the chance to learn about a new set of parameters or brainstorm with a different group of artists and writers. Swiderski-Murphy said, “I feel so lucky to have found my dream job working for a brand with so much heart and soul.”
“My time at MIAD was positively magical … Those four years were the building blocks of my adult professional life, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of faculty in a more inspirational setting. Between the Communication Design major, the intense writing classes, and studio electives, I found out exactly who I was at my core. But, the most important thing I learned was that critical balance between being passionate about your work, and maintaining an objective eye. My Art Director always says that as designers, we play at the very dangerous intersection of Art and Commerce. To be the best designers, we have to fully pour our hearts into everything we touch… but we have to accept critique and learn from it, since our creations are about so much more than our own voices. We all share that inspired passion, but the real growth comes when we share that passion with the world and listen to what it says in return.”
Images © 2008, 2011 Hallmark Cards, Inc. All rights reserved
Alumni Profile: Justin Thomas Kay ’04
MKE to NYC.
Justin Thomas Kay
BFA Communication Design | 2004
Independent Creative Director & Brand Consultant
part of the team that redesigned new Milwaukee Buck’s logo
Brooklyn, NY
Milwaukee Bucks new logo design | design ideations
Justin Thomas Kay
“MIAD kept me focused and disciplined, and gave me the building blocks to help push me to where I am today.”
Passion could be Justin Kay’s middle name. Initially starting out as an Illustration major at MIAD, Kay later decided to change his major to Communication Design. That change proved to be just the one he needed to pave a successful path after graduation that took him from Milwaukee to Brooklyn.
FADER magazine covers
Justin is a New York City-based creative director and graphic designer with a strong focus in creating work based on basic explorations of shape, color and typography. Currently Justin is an art director with Brooklyn-based agency Doubleday and Cartwright and acts as a visiting artist, teaching an experimental typography class at the Cooper Union in NYC. He was chosen as one of the 50 Young Guns for 2008 by the Art Directors Club of New York City.
Woolrich Illustrations
“Through helpful and ample guidance by a teaching staff that gets great satisfaction from seeing their students succeed, I was able to find my own path and vision in the field of design and art direction. I had always thought about design, but never understood it – MIAD gave me the help I needed to understand what design truly means and who it affects – everyone. Without that guidance, I would have always felt creative but never understood the power of harnessing creative energy and understanding the life you can build from it for yourself.”
Ten Years of Type | Poster Design, 2011
Alumni Success: Rhiannon Zivin ’03
Real-life Design.
Rhiannon Zivin
BFA Communication Design | 2003
UX Research Manager, Lyft
San Francisco, CA
Rhiannon (Sterling) Zivin
“MIAD laid the foundation for my design career. I learned design fundamentals through the guidance of the school’s exceptional and respected design faculty.”
Q. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A. As a child I dreamed of becoming an astronaut like Sally Ride. While I didn’t actually end up becoming an astronaut, I certainly make it to outer space every once in a while.
Q. What was your first memorable experience with art and design?
A. When I was very young, I made a Father’s Day card titled, “Top Ten Reasons I’m Glad You’re My Dad.” It was a multi-paged array of magazine cutouts and bubble letters. I consider it one of my best works, based entirely on the impact it had on the targeted audience.
Q. How did your MIAD education affect where you are today?
A. MIAD laid the foundation for my design career. I learned design fundamentals through the guidance of the school’s exceptional and respected design faculty. The intimacy of the MIAD community serves as a catalyst to my career development. I received the hands-on attention that large schools can’t provide and I was exposed to international perspectives through the exchange programs MIAD maintains with schools worldwide. I spent a semester in Milan, which was invaluable in my development as a design practitioner.
Frut, an MP3 player for mothers.
Q. What was the most valuable thing you learned at MIAD?
A. I learned to use the resources that you have around you. Ask questions, experiment, test and challenge anything.
Q. If you had to sum up your job in a single sentence, what would it be?
A. I am currently working towards a Master’s degree in Interaction Design at Carnegie Mellon University, and after I graduate I will be designing mobile device interfaces at Motorola in Chicago.
goPlay, activity-based social networking concept
goPlay concept team, Sterling [center]
Q. What are your goals for the future, in art/design and in life?
A. Over the past semester, my thesis work has focused on how mobile phones are used to support religious and spiritual practices. Although this particular union may seem strange, mobile devices are taking on new roles in people’s lives. I’m one of a small group of designers trying to define this nascent space in the market.
Q. Please define how you saw your major while in school, and how that definition has changed over the years.
A. My background is in Communication Design, but I’ve learned that my knowledge and experience are applicable to solving more than just publication or artifact problems. Now more than ever, design governs how we live and interact with one another. It can be used to mold organizations or provide better customer experiences. Top-tier companies have only recently discovered the cusp of what is possible with good design. I think now is an exciting time for design practitioners because our contributions are becoming more and more relevant.
Alumni Profiles: Sean O’Leary & Mary Diaz ’04
Yisheng Organic Brand Strategy
Sean O’Leary & Mary Diaz ’04
Co-Founders at Babel Lab LLC, babellab.com
We started Babel Lab in 2010 out of our home office in Minneapolis. Since then, our work has evolved to incorporate brand design, marketing, photojournalism, business strategy, and product development. Our aim was to build a creative business that would grow and change with our family. Over the past few years we’ve taken our work around the world, most recently to Hong Kong where we helped develop and launch an Organic & Fair Trade certified tea company. We had an adventurous two years abroad, and recently resettled our business and home in the San Francisco Bay Area with our children.
We’re currently working on some exciting new projects including building a brand for a sustainable seafood restaurant & fish market, product development and marketing for the leading day spa in San Francisco, and creating a new, spiritually inspired lifestyle brand.
Common Job Titles
- Graphic Designer
- Art Director
- Advertising Designer
- Creative Director
- Package Designer
- Web Designer
- Animator
- Film Artist
- Game Designer
- Multimedia Artist
- Storyboard Illustrator
Types of Projects and Work
- Advertisements
- Brochures
- Business cards
- Clothing graphics
- Greeting cards
- Letterhead
- Logos
- Outdoor advertising
- Packaging
- Posters
- Signage
- Typography
- Animation
- CD-ROMs
- Games
- Multimedia
- Special effects
- Storyboards
- Television commercials
- Videos
- Web sites
Types of Businesses Hiring
- Advertising agencies
- Apparel design
- Audio/visual services
- Corporations
- Graphic design firms/studios
- Manufacturers
- Marketing firms
- Package design firms
- Audio/visual service
- Design firm
- Digital effects
- Film
- Gaming
- Internet
- Television
- Software
- Special effects
- Video production
Examples of Businesses that MIAD graduates are employed at or own
Boelter + Lincoln
advertising agency; marketing
BVK/McDonald
advertising agency
Celtic Advertising
advertising agency
Core Creative, Inc.
advertising, marketing, public relations
Cramer-Krasselt Company
advertising agency
Estee Lauder; New York City
manufacturer, cosmetic
Fermi Accelerator Laboratory; Batavia, Illinois
government, high energy physics laboratory
H2D Inc.
design studio, graphic
Hanson Dodge Creative
graphic design firm
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
manufacturer, motorcycles
Hoffman York
advertising agency
Holoubek Inc.
apparel design and printing / silk screening
Huffy Sports
manufacturer, sporting goods
Integre’ Advertising By Design
advertising
Jacobson Rost
advertising agency
Johnson Wax Professional
manufacturer
Kimberly Clark Corporation
manufacturer; consumer paper products
Kohl’s Corporation
corporation, retail
Kohnke Hanneken Advertising, Inc.
advertising agency
Laughlin/Constable Inc.
advertising & public relations agency
Leo Burnett; Chicago
broadcast television, advertising
Marshall & Ilsley Corporation
financial institution, bank
Metavante Corporation
financial data processing and software
Nike Inc.; Beaverton, Oregon
manufacturer; athletic apparel
Nonbox/Eisner
advertising agency
Northwestern Mutual Life
insurance corporation
Pleasant Company
manufacturer; toys, doll specialty
Potawatomi Bingo Casino
casino, entertainment
Purple Onion
audio/visual services, visual effects
Rockwell Automation
electronic automation solutions and products
Sargento Foods, Inc.
food manufacturer and marketer
The Mark Travel Corporation
tour operator of travel
The West Bend Company
manufacturing; small electric appliances
Sony Interactive Studios; Boulder, Colorado
Interactive / video game design
Strive Media Institute
nonprofit organization, teaching youth
Triad Communications
marketing communications firm
Versant
advertising agency
Young & Rubicam; Chicago
advertising agency
Zentropy; New York City
corporation; equity benefits
Zizzo Group Advertising
advertising agency; print and broadcast
