Photography Archives - ר /category/photography/ Tue, 01 Sep 2026 14:19:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1 “Got Something to Say?” – Changemaking Alumni in Politics /changemaking-alumni-in-politics/ Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 +0000 https://ccsdetroitstg.wpenginepowered.com/changemaking-alumni-in-politics/ These alumni use their skills to serve others, share important information, and affect change in their local and state governments The stories and artistic expressions presented here are a testament […]

The post “Got Something to Say?” – Changemaking Alumni in Politics appeared first on ר.

]]> These alumni use their skills to serve others, share important information, and affect change in their local and state governments

The stories and artistic expressions presented here are a testament to the diverse and independent careers of our alumni. They do not constitute an endorsement, reflection, or representation of the institutional opinions or principles held by the ר.

Leading by Example

As a State Representative for Michigan’s 13th House District, Mai Xiong, ’07 Communication Design & Strategy, still uses the skills she learned at ר nearly 20 years later in her role as an elected official. “ר taught me how to think creatively, approach problems from different perspectives and develop real-world solutions,” Xiong said. In her current role, Xiong serves residents of Roseville, St. Clair Shores and Warren, working on legislation that improves their quality of life. Her communications and digital marketing background help her stay connected with constituents and make policy more accessible. “Finding creative ways to communicate is a powerful tool because when people understand policy, they can help shape solutions that truly improve our lives,” she said.

www.ccsdetroit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Mai-Xiong_2.jpeg Mai Xiong ’07

Every Vote Counts

Voting is one the best ways to make your voice heard, and these creatives are communicating that message through their art. Ndubisi Okoye, ’15 Communication Design & Strategy, painted a colorful “Vote” mural on the ACLU Michigan building in Detroit, as part of their “Your Vote Matters” campaign. Sean Peacock, ’22 Illustration, was tapped by Merch Aid — a social enterprise that pairs creatives with nonprofit organizations to design fundraising merchandise — to make a Michigan-inspired design for their “Get Out the Vote” swing states campaign. Peacock highlighted the workers powering Michigan’s automotive industry as well as the United Auto Workers union. “Laborers in all industries, unionized or not, had a lot riding on the 2024 election, so I wanted them to be the stars of this piece,” Peacock said. His design was on shirts and posters, available for sale on Merch Aid’s website. All profits were donated to the nonprofit.

www.ccsdetroit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Sean-Peacock-scaled.png Work by Sean Peacock ’22

When We All Vote

From the big screen to the Capitol Julia Pickett, ’14 Photography, has proven that using pop culture as a vehicle for political messages can help people feel more connected to their legislators. In 2023, Pickett, who is the Digital and Creative Director for the Executive Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, created the “Governor Barbie” social media campaign. A Barbie doll, lovingly dubbed “Lil Gretch,” was used to share Gov. Whitmer’s policies while nodding to the 2023 Barbie film. Every detail, Pickett says (the fuchsia pantsuit, matching lipstick and Michigan necklace, to name a few), was made to capture Gov. Whitmer’s style and work. “‘Governor Barbie’ gave us a way to highlight real policies and accomplishments in a way that people wanted to share and talk about it,” Pickett said. Indeed, Lil Gretch gained both local and national recognition, and the campaign won Pickett and her colleagues a Shorty Award. When planning content for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office, Julia Pickett says authenticity drives everything she does. “Governor Whitmer has such a relatable, direct way of connecting with people, and my job is to make sure that shines through online,” she said.

www.ccsdetroit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Julia-Pickett_5-scaled.jpeg www.ccsdetroit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Julia-Pickett_7-scaled.jpeg Work by Julia Pickett ’14

Designing for Community

Ivonne Serrano, ’22 Communication Design & Strategy, Visual Communications Designer for the Executive Office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, made the above graphic for a social media series explaining how tariffs impact individuals at every stage of life, such as when becoming parents. “This graphic was a way to say, ‘We hear you and we understand,’” Serrano said. “We also wanted to reassure families that while we can’t control tariffs, Michigan is still providing support through programs to help with the burden.”

www.ccsdetroit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ivonne-Serrano-scaled.jpg Work by Ivonne Serrano ’22

Humanity at its Core

Throughout her career, Leila Matta, ’01 Communication Design & Strategy, has led with a “human-centered design” approach. “Human-centered design is a problem-solving technique that puts people at the center of the process, enabling us to create products and services that resonate and are tailored to our users’ needs,” Matta said. Today, she is one of the federal government’s first human-centered design strategists, working for the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Innovation and Design for Enhanced Adjudication office. There, Matta has led user research initiatives and formed spaces for designers across divisions to connect.

The post “Got Something to Say?” – Changemaking Alumni in Politics appeared first on ר.

]]> Renowned Celebrity Portrait Photographer Paul Mobley to Receive Honorary Doctorate At ר Event /paul-mobley-to-receive-honorary-doctorate/ Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 +0000 https://ccsdetroitstg.wpenginepowered.com/paul-mobley-to-receive-honorary-doctorate/ ר alumnus Paul Mobley will be honored at a special evening conversation with ר President Donald L. Tuski. On Thursday, March 26, at 5:30 p.m., the ר […]

The post Renowned Celebrity Portrait Photographer Paul Mobley to Receive Honorary Doctorate At ר Event appeared first on ר.

]]> ר alumnus Paul Mobley will be honored at a special evening conversation with ר President Donald L. Tuski.

On Thursday, March 26, at 5:30 p.m., the ר is pleased to welcome renowned portrait photographer and ר alumnus Paul Mobley (Photography, 1983) as the Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts recipient for a special evening conversation with ר President Don Tuski.

Paul Mobley is an American portrait photographer celebrated for creating intimate, timeless images that reveal the personality and spirit of his subjects. His commercial work spans corporate, editorial, and advertising photography, with clients ranging from major brands such as Apple, Microsoft, Ford, and American Express to celebrities and entertainers in film, comedy, and music. His portraiture is known for its emotional depth and authenticity, achieved through his ability to quickly connect with people of all walks of life.

“We are honored to welcome Paul Mobley back to ר to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts,” said Don Tuski, President, ר. “His distinguished career in portrait photography and his commitment to documenting everyday Americans living extraordinary lives make him an inspiring figure for our students and the broader creative community.”

The event marks a significant milestone in ר’s 120th anniversary celebrations, as the college honors distinguished alumni who have shaped their industries and exemplify the college’s legacy of producing world-class creative talent.

Mobley trained at רin Detroit and then moved to New York City, where he studied portraiture and assisted renowned photographers, including Annie Leibovitz and David Langley, before launching his own career.

“My time at ר shaped everything about how I approach photography,” said Mobley. “I learned to focus on concept and storytelling, not just technique. The experience of honest critiques, experimentation, and risk-taking in those early years still influences my creative process today. Receiving this honor from the institution that launched my career is a powerful reminder of the impact great teaching can have — and the responsibility to pass that forward.”

In addition to commercial assignments, Mobley is widely recognized for his long-form personal projects and photography books. His first major project, American Farmer, became a touring exhibition and book that captured the lives of U.S. farmers and traveled for seven years, reaching over 500,000 people. Other notable projects include Everyday Heroes — portraits of Americans dedicated to helping others; If I Live to Be 100 — intimate portraits of centenarians from all 50 states; and American Firefighter — portraits and stories of firefighters across the country. These bodies of work reflect his deep interest in everyday people leading extraordinary lives and his commitment to storytelling through images.

ѴDz’s If I Live to Be 100 project will be developed into a traveling exhibition and national museum tour by International Arts and Artists. The exhibition features full-scale portraits of remarkable Americans who have celebrated their 100th birthdays.

He has also served as a keynote speaker, sharing insights on creativity, connection, and the art of portraiture with audiences worldwide.

The event will culminate in the presentation of an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts, awarded to Mobley by ר President Don Tuski. Mobley joins a distinguished group of ר Honorary Doctorate recipients, including automotive design leader Michael Simcoe, architect Suchi Reddy, and artist Kevin Beasley, among others.

The evening will include a 90-minute conversation between Mobley and President Tuski, exploring ѴDz’s formative years at ר and his distinguished career in portrait photography, followed by an audience Q&A.

This lecture is presented in partnership with Fujifilm. Fujifilm representatives will be on site throughout the evening to showcase new products and answer questions.

Event Details

An Evening with Photographer Paul Mobley: In Conversation with President Don Tuski Thursday, March 26 at 5:30 PM Wendell W. Anderson, Jr. Auditorium Walter B. Ford II Building 201 E. Kirby Detroit, MI 48202

The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required at Eventbrite. Free parking is available in ר’s Brush Street parking structure. To see more of Paul’s work, visit paulmobleystudio.com.

The post Renowned Celebrity Portrait Photographer Paul Mobley to Receive Honorary Doctorate At ר Event appeared first on ר.

]]> Alumni Council Welcomes Two New Members /alumni-council-new-members/ Thu, 06 Nov 2025 05:00:00 +0000 https://ccsdetroitstg.wpenginepowered.com/alumni-council-new-members/ The ר Welcomes Two New Members to the Alumni Council The ר is delighted to announce the addition of Alicia Poley, ’13 Graphic Design […]

The post Alumni Council Welcomes Two New Members appeared first on ר.

]]> The ר Welcomes Two New Members to the Alumni Council

The ר is delighted to announce the addition of Alicia Poley, ’13 Graphic Design and Katherine Savelle, ’25 Photography to the Alumni Council. Their appointment further strengthens the connection between the College and its extensive alumni community.

“We’re excited to welcome Alicia Poley and Katie Savelle to the Alumni Council!” said ר Alumni Council President Darcel Deneau. “Alicia came to her first meeting ready to jump in and share her many years of marketing expertise. Katie, a recent graduate and past student government leader, brings fresh insight and a perspective that keeps us connected to the student experience.”

The ר Alumni Council focuses on strengthening the lifelong relationship between the College and its graduates. Dedicated to fostering engagement, mentorship, and philanthropy, the Council creates opportunities for alumni to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the shared spirit of creativity that defines the ר community. Currently, the Council includes 20 members representing a broad range of disciplines, talents and experiences.

Alicia Poley, ’13 Graphic Design

Alicia is an accomplished brand designer and creative leader who has remained deeply involved in Detroit’s design community. Her career spans art direction, senior design, and large-scale corporate rebrands, as well as organizing creative meetups that bring together photographers, designers, and advertisers. Alicia is eager to give back to ר and share her insight, mentorship, and enthusiasm with fellow alumni and students.

“Joining the ר Alumni Council is such a proud moment for me! I’m excited to stay connected and engaged with the creative community that helped shape me into the designer I am today.” – Alicia Poley

www.ccsdetroit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Alicia_Poley.jpg Alicia Poley

Katherine Savelle, ’25 Photography

Katie is a recent graduate whose perspective reflects the voice of ר’s newest alumni. During her time as a student, she served as Vice President of Student Government and as a mentor through ר Leads. She also contributed across departments—from the tech lab to the gallery and library—and was the 2025 student commencement speaker. Katie is passionate about helping fellow graduates transition from school to career and strengthening the connections that sustain the ר community.

“As a recent graduate, I’m excited to work with the Alumni Council to give back to current and former students, whether that be connecting with Detroit, other folks in creative fields, or useful tools and resources that will help them build a stable foundation as a working artist or designer.” – Katherine Savelle

www.ccsdetroit.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Katherine_Savelle.jpg Katherine Savelle

ר proudly welcomes Alicia Poley and Katherine Savelle to the Alumni Council. Their unique experiences, creative expertise, and commitment to the arts will further the Council’s mission to support and celebrate the College’s vibrant alumni network. For more information about the ר Alumni Council and its initiatives, please visit the ר Alumni website.

The post Alumni Council Welcomes Two New Members appeared first on ר.

]]> The Detroit Difference: ר Students at the Forefront of Local Innovation /the-detroit-difference/ Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000 https://ccsdetroitstg.wpenginepowered.com/the-detroit-difference/ Located in the heart of midtown Detroit, ר’s prime location offers unparalleled opportunities for art and design collaboration. Our students have found countless ways to make a positive impact on […]

The post The Detroit Difference: ר Students at the Forefront of Local Innovation appeared first on ר.

]]> Located in the heart of midtown Detroit, ר’s prime location offers unparalleled opportunities for art and design collaboration. Our students have found countless ways to make a positive impact on local metro Detroit businesses through innovative art and design problem-solving.

Last year alone, ר students collaborated to problem-solve timely topics for 15 metro Detroit businesses and nonprofit organizations. They addressed a range of issues in healthcare product design, sustainability, mobility, and even emerging augmented reality technology.

Embracing the city’s rich history of cultural and sporting events, students continue to participate in annual design competitions to create the newest posters for iconic Detroit events such as the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix Presented by Lear, the Movement Music Festival and the 313 Presents Pine Knob concert series.

Here’s a look at some of the partnerships:

  • Augmented Reality Center (ARC) in partnership with Oakland University x Communication Design & Strategy, Graduate User Experience Design and Entertainment Arts
  • Crain Communications – Automotive News x Illustration
  • 313 Presents x Illustration
  • Detroit Grand Prix x Illustration
  • GM x Transportation Design & Graduate User Experience Design
  • Godnii x Graduate Color & Materials Design
  • Hagopian Rug Competition x All Departments
  • State of Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification with support from the Global Epicenter of Mobility x Transportation Design
  • Zumiez and Somerset Collection x Illustration
  • BorgWarner x Product Design
  • Carhartt x Fashion Design
  • Henry Ford Health x Product Design
  • Changing Lives and Staying Sober (C.L.A.S.S.) x Interior Design and Graduate Color & Materials Design

The post The Detroit Difference: ר Students at the Forefront of Local Innovation appeared first on ר.

]]> Evan Butka (’10 Photography) /evan-butka/ Tue, 19 Aug 2025 04:00:00 +0000 https://ccsdetroitstg.wpenginepowered.com/evan-butka/ From home videos to backstage at HBO, Disney, Netflix and more, ר Alumnus Evan Butka has used his love of being behind a camera to build a successful career. “Whatever […]

The post Evan Butka (’10 Photography) appeared first on ר.

]]> From home videos to backstage at HBO, Disney, Netflix and more, ר Alumnus Evan Butka has used his love of being behind a camera to build a successful career.

“Whatever I’m filming, I always want it to be the best thing possible.”

We caught up with Evan on the set of SLAY, a film directed by Kyra Gardner and written by Jimmi Simpson, where he worked his magic as Director of Photography.

Evan got his start at ר, studying film and photography, and later sharpened his craft in London, Edinburgh, and Prague. Now based in Los Angeles, he’s worked on major productions like Euphoria—bringing emotion and atmosphere to life, one frame at a time.

The post Evan Butka (’10 Photography) appeared first on ר.

]]> Alumna Meredith Fleischer ’99 Photography, Featured by Voyage Michigan /alumna-meredith-fleischer-99-photography-featured-by-voyage-michigan/ Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000 https://ccsdetroitstg.wpenginepowered.com/alumna-meredith-fleischer-99-photography-featured-by-voyage-michigan/ The post Alumna Meredith Fleischer ’99 Photography, Featured by Voyage Michigan appeared first on ר.

]]> The post Alumna Meredith Fleischer ’99 Photography, Featured by Voyage Michigan appeared first on ר.

]]> Steven Benson (’81 Photography) wins 2024 Exposure One Award: Photographer of the Year /steven-benson-81-photography-wins-2024-exposure-one-award-photographer-of-the-year/ Mon, 06 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000 https://ccsdetroitstg.wpenginepowered.com/steven-benson-81-photography-wins-2024-exposure-one-award-photographer-of-the-year/ The post Steven Benson (’81 Photography) wins 2024 Exposure One Award: Photographer of the Year appeared first on ר.

]]> The post Steven Benson (’81 Photography) wins 2024 Exposure One Award: Photographer of the Year appeared first on ר.

]]> ר Showcases Alumni Work at Michigan Central Station’s Detroit Marche /ccs-showcases-alumni-work-at-michigan-central-stations-detroit-marche/ Tue, 10 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000 https://ccsdetroitstg.wpenginepowered.com/ccs-showcases-alumni-work-at-michigan-central-stations-detroit-marche/ The ר (ר) was honored to participate in the launch of new retail experiences at Michigan Central Station, aimed at supporting Detroit businesses and celebrating local talent. […]

The post ר Showcases Alumni Work at Michigan Central Station’s Detroit Marche appeared first on ר.

]]> The ר (ר) was honored to participate in the launch of new retail experiences at Michigan Central Station, aimed at supporting Detroit businesses and celebrating local talent.

As part of Détroit Marché, an experiential retail space created in collaboration with Michigan Central Retail, Trading Post, and Gonzo World, the Fashion Design department at ר installed an exhibition featuring alumni work previously showcased at Paris Fashion Week. Each piece, handcrafted by our students in Detroit, reflects the ר Fashion program’s commitment to craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Featured designers include Cierra Headings, Clay Barckholtz, Ana Bosnjakovski, Mamie Scholl, Dafne Kanberoglu and Andreas Caballero.

Located in the historic restaurant area of The Station, the Marché features over 25 vendors, including ר alumni and students. A thoughtfully curated selection of local goods includes accessories, art, apothecary, home goods, furniture, apparel and more.

The Station is open to the public for shopping from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, through December 28.

Alumni & Student Work for Sale:

  • All Sorrows – Sean Peacock (‘22 Illustration)
  • Alorē Niemi – Alorē Niemi (‘21 Fashion Accessories Design)
  • Detroit GT – Christopher Gorski (’93 Graphic Communications)
  • Detroit Kid – K’Kio Hardin (’01 Graphic Communication)
  • Emillie Yonker – Emilie Yonker (‘25 Studio Art & Craft)
  • Jesse Kassel – Jesse Kassel (’10 Illustration)
  • Kieran Betz – Kieran Betz (‘25 Studio Art & Craft)
  • Lausten Found – Javier Terrones (’23 Transportation Design)
  • Levon Kafafian – Levon Kafafian (’14 Crafts – Fiber Design)
  • Northport Workshop – Edward Foley (‘96 Photography)

The post ר Showcases Alumni Work at Michigan Central Station’s Detroit Marche appeared first on ר.

]]>