Select Page

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

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.