MIAD alum designs ‘beautiful’ horror posters
Creating “something that’s beautiful and terrifying at the same time” is not only possible, it’s a “fun and favorite challenge” for Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) alum and staff member Kyle V. James ’15. James’ latest horror movie poster, “Forgive Me,” is front and center as the film premieres at the 55th Stiges – International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, Spain, October 3 – 10.
“I’ve been designing cover art for movies and games for a couple of years now,” James says. “I started by redesigning movie posters of my favorite films just for fun and posting the artwork online. Soon after I shared my first poster for Annihilation – a film that balances the line between the beautiful and the grotesque perfectly – indie filmmakers started reaching out to see if I was available to design artwork for their films.”
KyleJames_Home-News
Kyle James, “Forgive Me,” 2024, official movie poster.
Annihilation_Kyle-James_FanPoster
Kyle James, “Annihilation,” 2018, fan poster.
Dune_Kyle-James_FanPoster
Kyle James, “Dune,” 2023, fan poster.
TheBatman_Kyle-James_FanPoster
Kyle James, “The Batman,” 2023, fan poster.
“Designing cover art for feature films, documentaries, indie games, children books, short films, album covers and even a poster triptych for the Bucks has helped me with my role as assistant director of the MIAD Lubar Innovation Center,” James says. “My job is often to be the conduit between the students and the client, making sure the client is happy with the artwork that’s produced, and the students have a positive experience working on a paid client project.”
James says he also “occasionally does freelance video and animation work for clients through Moonflower Productions, a small media company a few artists and I formed years back.”
With long-time collaborator Michael Bourne and fellow MIAD alum Mallori Taylor ’15, James says, “We have been working on an animated feature film for several years – this is a passion project that we can funnel our creative energy into when we are between client projects.”
James’ award-winning senior thesis short film, “The Death Drive,” was featured at the Milwaukee Film Festival. He has also received two Brico Forward Fund grants. View his work, including some in progress, on Instagram and on his website.
Learn more about how MIAD students and clients work in MIAD’s Lubar Innovation Center.
News
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.
Author and artist Faythe Levine presents MIAD Foremothers
Visiting author and artist Faythe Levine is motivated by reimagining archives and collections through a queer feminist lens. She presents “Queer Investigation & Storytelling in the Archive: MIAD Foremothers Charlotte Partridge and Miriam Frink,” based on her many-year research process for her fourth book, “As Ever, Miriam” (2024).