Product Design juniors collaborate with local tattoo shop
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design students in a junior-level Product Design class recently visited Walker’s Point Tattoo Company to learn about tattoo equipment. Larry “Murf” Murphy, the instructor for Human Factors: Designing for Capabilities and Limitations, asked students to design a prosthetic arm with a tattoo gun attachment. He coordinated a visit to a local tattoo shop so students could get hands-on experience with the equipment. Tattoo artists talked to students about the latest advances in tattoo technology. “I want it on record that no one is allowed to get tattooed during this trip!” laughs Murf.
The visit to Walker’s Point Tattoo Company was not the first field trip this particular Product Design class has taken. Earlier in the semester, they visited a local hat-making shop to learn about millinery. Murf, who has instructed this group of students for three consecutive semesters, admires how well they all work together. “They are raising each other’s level of accomplishment,” says Murf. “They are challenging each other in the best way. I see all ships rising in the tide, if you will.”
Learn more about Product Design at MIAD!
News
MIAD Values Recognition Award: Arma Zeqiri
Arma Zeqiri, Lead Housekeeper, received the September 2025 MIAD Values Recognition Award at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD). Arma’s nominations highlighted her embodiment of MIAD’s Core Values, especially Kindness and Community.
MIAD Design Internship supports career of first-year student
First-year Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) student Jonas Haggith ’29 found MIAD’s Design Internship program so beneficial as a high schooler he participated in it two years in a row.
Paris study abroad illuminates creative practice for students
Madison Boeder ’25 found that study abroad trips through the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) resonated so strongly with their practice that the Fine Art + New Studio Practice major (Art History minor) went on two: Florence in 2024 and, this year, Paris.
Illustration & Animation rank top in state, highly in Midwest and U.S.
In Animation Career Review’s 2025 college rankings, the Illustration and Animation programs at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design were once again ranked number 1 in the state.
Art direction and alumni connection: Design student interns at Nike
This past summer, Olivia Nava ’26 (Communication Design) landed a fiercely competitive internship at athletic footwear and apparel brand Nike. Now that she’s back, the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) senior reflects on the experience, and the MIAD classes and connections that prepared her for this opportunity.