This article was written in partnership with The Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD).
There’s an outdated notion that getting an art degree is a waste of money and will lead to an unfulfilling job. However, that misconception has changed as the need for creative, solution-based people are needed – and sought after – more than ever in the workforce.
“I had the ‘broke artist’ mentality before I came to MIAD. I thought I would never make money as an artist,” says MIAD senior Isabel Enders, who will show her illustrated cookbook, “More Than Just Soup!” at the exhibition. “But MIAD makes it very clear how I can make a career from art.”
Every year, The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design graduates groups of talented, passionate people who go on to contribute to their communities and their professions in fresh, new ways. And, every year, before these young adults make a splash in the “real world,” MIAD showcases their final and year-long accomplishment.
The MIAD Senior Exhibition celebrates MIAD’s graduating class of emerging creative professionals representing all of MIAD’s Bachelor of Fine Arts majors, programs and minors. The exhibition runs from Friday, April 11 through Saturday, May 10 in the MIAD Galleries, 273 E. Erie St.
Preview night for this event is Wednesday, April 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Business and gallery representatives, VIPs and family and friends of exhibiting seniors are invited to view the exhibition and discuss the work.
All are welcome to view the exhibit for free during Gallery Night on April 11 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Gallery Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"Attending MIAD's Senior Exhibition gives patrons an opportunity to experience 180+ one-person exhibitions. Each space is unique, showcasing a fully developed creative project that often addresses a societal need, solves a problem or expresses individual identity," says Stacey Steinberg, MIAD's executive director of marketing and communication. "There is truly something for everyone."
For Sebastian Penn, creating his senior project was as personally empowering as it was skill-and-process enhancing. Penn created an animated short about Black and LGBTQIA bars in Milwaukee called “From Home to Legacy: Black and Queer Bars in Milwaukee.” Through the film, Penn explores the history, importance and community connection of these safe social spaces.
“Celebrating my community has always been something I have loved to do in my work, and I am proud that my thesis is a testament to that,” says Penn. “I learned more about my voice as an animator and designer. This project helped me develop those skills even further.”
After graduation, Penn will start an internship at Brandlab, an organization that uplifts BIPOC talent in the marketing and advertising industry. “It is an experience I am really looking forward to, and I can't wait to get started,” he says. “MIAD made me more confident about transitioning into the professional world.”
Professional confidence was a trait that Lauren Blood gained during her senior thesis process as well.
"MIAD, more than anything, taught me to have confidence in my creative choices and always trust my judgment," says Blood.
Blood's senior project, Raða, is an interactive application for readers tired of the current cultural framework that defines reading as a solitary activity. The purpose is to promote conversation, curiosity, and connection through reading.
"This was a wonderful and rare opportunity within my schooling to have a full academic year dedicated to researching, designing, and building a professional product, and to have the chance to share it with others in the creative community," says Blood.
With previous experience in hospitality, interior design and real estate, MIAD senior Chelsea Mody was able to combine her skills both old and new through her senior project.
Mody designed a resort cabin/retreat center on Beaver Island, which is in Lake Michigan and a part of Michigan state that’s known for its natural beauty and tranquility. The cabin is a sustainable, eco-friendly get-away that provides an immersive, organic and luxurious experience for guests.
“It’s a culmination of my academic and professional experiences, bringing together my passion for hospitality, sustainable design and commercial real estate development,” says Mody. “Additionally, my research explores the economic and environmental impact of eco-tourism and how thoughtful design can contribute to the longevity and preservation of natural spaces.”
Currently, Mody is interviewing for commercial hospitality positions and plans to design and “flip” hotels and motels within 10 years.
MIAD, she says, was integral in bringing her professional dreams to fruition. At times, that meant having accessible and empathetic mental health resources.
“MIAD has such amazing classes and professors and labs and helped me improve my skills in so many ways,” says Mody. “But there were times I was overwhelmed and wanted to give up, but there was always someone I could talk to and it was really nice.”
Senior Phoebe Nelson had a similar experience with MIAD faculty, students and creative professionals she met along the way. “We are all here to help each other and make each other better. Being kind and helpful is one of the main things that has helped me achieve anything outside of school so far,” she says.
For her senior project, Nelson wrote and illustrated a picture book for kids about Eugenie Brazier, known as “la Mére Brazier,” a French chef who became the first person to be awarded six Michelin stars in 1933.
For Nelson, time management was one of the most valuable skills attained through her senior project.
“Most of the other projects we undertake during our time at MIAD last about a month at most. It was a great experience to learn how to keep track of a larger-scale project,” says Nelson.
After graduation, Nelson plans to scout publishers and literary agents.
“I'm proud that I was able to create work I can take into the professional world, and it will hopefully get me one step closer to achieving my goal of becoming a children's book illustrator,” Nelson says.
Senior Trent Stuefen is employed part-time by a Third Ward creative agency, ADX Creative. He accepted a full-time job with the agency after he graduates.
For his project, Stuefen created an app called Terratus that motivates people to pick up litter within their communities and cities.
“Through gamification, people are able to earn points based on how long they volunteer, the area that they were in, and the challenges they encountered,” says Stuefen.
Feeling prepared for the “real world” after graduation is common among all of the MIAD students interviewed, including Keergan Olynick.
“Aside from getting eyes on my work, I’ve also been equipped with business and economic wisdom regarding the illustration industry which is essential for anyone going into freelance work,” says Olynick.
Olynick created “Built Fur Battle,” a pet gear product line designed for Dungeons & Dragons lovers and their pets. Products include dog bandanas, harnesses, collars and more.
“My professors have heavily emphasized the importance of advertising myself in a concise, professional manner through several means,” says Olynick. “As a senior, I’ve developed multiple web platforms, as well as physical pieces, in order to reach as many people as possible with my work.”
MIAD alumni are Caldecott Award winners, international studio artists, material developers and more. They work for Adidas, Dyson, Fiskars, Ford Motor Company, GE Healthcare, General Motors, Google, Hallmark, Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Jockey International, Johnson Controls, Kimberly-Clark, Milwaukee Tool, Nestle, Nike, Northwestern Mutual, PokeÌmon, Target Corporation and more.
"The Senior Exhibition is a moment of transition from passionate to professional. After four years of undergraduate work in creativity coupled with extensive Critical Studies, capstone projects represent a pivotal milestone in the career trajectory of our graduates," says Steinberg. "MIAD graduates are prepared to enter creative industries with exceptional portfolios, problem-solving skills, and collaboration and leadership abilities that allow them to stand apart."
MIAD Galleries are open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Molly Snyder started writing and publishing her work at the age 10, when her community newspaper printed her poem, "The Unicorn.” Since then, she's expanded beyond the subject of mythical creatures and written in many different mediums but, nearest and dearest to her heart, thousands of articles for OnMilwaukee.
Molly is a regular contributor to FOX6 News and numerous radio stations as well as the co-host of "Dandelions: A Podcast For Women.” She's received five Milwaukee Press Club Awards, served as the Pfister Narrator and is the Wisconsin State Fair’s Celebrity Cream Puff Eating Champion of 2019.
