Laura Farahzad Mayer selected as Communication Design full-time faculty
Laura Farahzad Mayer
The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) welcomes Laura Farahzad Mayer as the new full-time assistant professor of Communication Design. An accomplished instructor and designer, Farahzad Mayer has a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, as well as an M.A. and an M.F.A. with an emphasis on Graphic Design and secondary in Printmaking from the University of Iowa, where she taught Graphic Design courses for the past four years.
“My teaching philosophy centers around teaching my students to be lifelong learners and encouraging curiosity,” says Farahzad Mayer. “The way I approach my classroom is influenced by Sister Corita Kent’s rules, placing focus on community, trust, experimentation and happiness. I plan to support my students by providing them an atmosphere that fosters creativity and a community where they feel comfortable to make mistakes and continue to grow as creative practitioners.”
LFM
“Bastani,” Laura Farahzad Mayer. Image courtesy of the artist.
LFM1
“Father & Son #3,” Laura Farahzad Mayer. Image courtesy of the artist.
LFM4
“Rasht,” Laura Farahzad Mayer. Image courtesy of the artist.
LauraFarahzadMayer_Home-News
“Cold Brew Identity Design,” Laura Farahzad Mayer. Image courtesy of the artist.
Prior to teaching, Farahzad Mayer worked as a designer and hand letterer for Whole Foods Inc., as well as creating design materials for Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 presidential campaign. Her personal practice focuses on making work that questions and explores her connections with her family, past and Iranian-American upbringing in rural Wisconsin. A lover of typography, specifically hand rendered typography, Farahzad Mayer contributes her unique skill set to a thriving Communication Design department.
“I am excited to work with MIAD’s high level creative students as well as the talented and dedicated peers,” she continues. “I look forward to teaching in an environment that is so student centered and focused on encouraging students to reach their highest potential.”
Learn more about MIAD’s Communication Design program and explore Laura’s work!
News
Pallas Textiles competition provides real-world experience
First-place winner Sophia Simonson ’28 created Refractions as part of her MIAD studies in Interior Architecture and Design. She is one of 20 students studying at MIAD through a cross-registration program with Concordia University. MIAD students Kaitlyn Powers ’26 (Illustration) and Natalie Spetell ’27 (Product Design), both of whom have minors in Communication Design, received Honorable Mentions.
2026 First-Year Exhibition showcases professional growth
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.
Meet Carmen Briones and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Echo
Carmen Briones ‘26 (Product Design) is a President’s (Honor) List student from Cambria, Wis., president of the MIAD IDSA student chapter and an intern at SI Jacobson Manufacturing. Briones designed a device called “Echo” that removes ovarian cysts without surgery.
Meet Eeshaan Dutt and 2026 Senior Exhibition Project Indra Supreme
Eeshan Dutt ‘26 (Illustration) is a President’s (Honor) List student from India and a recipient of a 2026 Alumni Thesis Award. Dutt’s work centers on visual storytelling through sequential art, where he explores how narratives can engage and connect with audiences.
Poster designs boost professional skillsets, children’s nonprofit
Continuing an annual tradition begun in 2010 at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD), Illustration juniors worked with Cramer-Krasselt and Penfield Children’s Center to design posters for the center’s Annual Croquet Ball fundraiser.