Carmex partners with MIAD Illustration students to design social media campaign

Kate Kruk ’22, Liz Geoffrey ’21, Jordon Polk ’20, Irene Balasoiu ’21 and Amira Humes ’21 (left to right)

MILWAUKEE (February 12, 2020) … During a course project, Wisconsin-based Carmex worked with MIAD Illustration students to create digital artwork for a new social media campaign. The artwork featured students’ personal versions of comfort and living as their authentic selves while using Carmex lip balm.

“This was a unique project and the process was really fun to be a part of,” said Carmex third-generation co-owner Paul Woelbing. “The wide range of artwork created by the students was really incredible! As a former art teacher, I continue to have a passion for helping bolster young artists.”

The project involved 120 students. The Carmex team briefed students on the CarmART project and selected five winners to showcase on its website and social media. In addition, Carmex hired students through the MIAD Innovation Center to create videos for the campaign.

“While we do projects like this with other companies, this is by far the largest one we have ever done,” said Dale Shidler, MIAD chair of 2D/4D Design. “It involves so many of our students and it gives them an unparalleled experience of what they will go through in the real world when they start their career.”

Jordon Polk ’20 (Illustration). Watch the CBS 58 interview.

In addition to gaining experience and exposure with a nationally known client, each of the 20 CarmART finalists received a monetary award up to $500 for their exemplary accomplishments. 

“The students found so many different ways to show how our products make them feel revived and comfortable. We received a lot of great artwork from this project and are excited to showcase it on our brand’s social media and website,” said Kristen Gourlie, assistant brand manager of Carmex. 

View the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article on this project.
Watch the CBS 58 interview on this project.