Select Page

MIAD named Top Design School for sixth year; two students receive top honors

For the sixth consecutive year, Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) magazine has named MIAD a Top Graphic Design School. This distinction recognizes colleges across the country that excel in preparing students to work in graphic design careers after graduation.

Erin Gray ’22 (Communication Design)

GDUSA also recognized MIAD Communication Design students Erin Gray ’22 and Carli Jordan ’21 as 2021 Students to Watch.

“Communication Design is something that I consume daily and that I have a connection with, consciously and subconsciously. For me, it’s about expression and the transmission of important messages,” Erin said. 

GDUSA’s Students to Watch list recognizes top students rising in the design field and growing within their programs.

Carli Jordan ’21 (Communication Design)

“During my time at MIAD, I have learned the importance of process, presentation and failure. All of which have rounded my skills and readied me for real-world design jobs, as well as the work experiences and industry knowledge I have gained from my professors,” Carli said.

News

La Mère Brazier: Phoebe Nelson Senior Exhibition 2025

Phoebe Nelson ’25 (Illustration) came to the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) to study children’s book illustration. Now at the end of her senior year, she is writing and illustrating a children’s book about Eugénie Brazier, the first person to get six Michelin stars, for her Senior Exhibition project.

MIAD Independent Inquiry Program launches with three student grants

Galilea Cerdea ’26, Tina Voith ’26 and Madi Weglarz ’25 are the first three Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design students selected to receive Independent Inquiry Program stipends to investigate new technologies and their applicability to art and design education. As first-time applicants, each receives a stipend of $1,200 for a six-week Mini Inquiry this summer.

Grilled Cheese grants propel MIAD seniors

Funds from the annual Grilled Cheese Grant helped Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design (MIAD) awardees Siren Harris, Yo Yo collective and Madi Weglarz complete their 2025 Senior Exhibition projects and future work. All the MIAD awardees are Fine Art + New Studio Practice seniors.

Sebastian Penn: Senior Exhibition 2025

Sebastian Penn ’25 (Animation Track in Illustration), “From Home to Legacy: Black and Queer Bars in Milwaukee.” Sebastian is a President’s (Honor) List student from Holman, Wis.

McKenna Martin: Senior Exhibition 2025

McKenna Martin ’25 (Product Design), “Hyacinth.” McKenna received first place for her design for the 2023 Delta design project/competition at MIAD, is on the Dean’s List and is from Fond du Lac, Wis.