Communication Design & Strategy Archives | ��ר��

Fall 2025 Sponsored Projects at the ��ר��

Isabella McLaury — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:59:36 +0000

During the Fall semester, the ��ר�� hosted 13 educational partnerships, including a diverse range of sponsored projects and competitions that engaged a variety of academic departments. Students partnered with local and global brands and Detroit community non-profits to work on projects tailored to meet the needs of our partners. Educational partnerships at ��ר�� are highly conceptual and allow ��ר�� students the opportunity to participate in creative, research-based assignments, interacting with designers and staff from the collaborating partners. Highlighted collaborations during the Fall semester include:

American Chemistry Council – Plastics Division x Transportation Design
Bedrock x Communication Design and Strategy, Interdisciplinary Art and Design, Interior Design and Fashion Design
BRP International Design Challenge x Transportation Design
DSC Design Sprint x Product Design
Foley & Lardner LLP x Illustration
Ford Motor Company x Transportation Design & Graduate Color and Materials Design
Gardner White x Communication Design and Strategy
Hagopian x ��ר��
Movement Festival x Communication Design & Strategy
New Balance x Product Design and Graduate Color and Materials Design
Stafford House x Interior Design
Stellantis x Transportation Design
Urban Electronic, Inc. x Entertainment Arts

“Partnering with the ��ר�� during the holiday season on Windows on Woodward provided the opportunity to support emerging creative talent while strengthening connections between our downtown retailers and Detroit’s vibrant arts community,” said Francesca Eid, Bedrock Vice President, Experience. “Initiatives like this allow students to bring their creative ideas to life while contributing to the energy and spirit of the Lower Woodward corridor. We value these collaborations with local institutions and civic partners as an important way to nurture the next generation of creatives as they help shape Detroit’s future.”

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“Got Something to Say?” – Changemaking Alumni in Politics

Isabella McLaury — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:30:48 +0000

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.

Mai Xiong ’07

Work by Sean Peacock ’22

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

Every Vote Counts

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.

Work by Julia Pickett ’14

Work by Ivonne Serrano ’22

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.”

Designing for Community

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.

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��ר�� Partners with Bedrock to Transform Downtown Detroit with Festive Holiday Window Displays

Isabella McLaury — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:46:52 +0000

This season, ��ר�� and Bedrock are transforming downtown with “Windows on Woodward,” a festive storefront gallery for everyone to enjoy.

Select Bedrock retail tenants along Woodward Avenue, including Born in Detroit, Bonobos, The Lip Bar, 6 Salon and Woodhouse Day Spa, have collaborated with ��ר�� students to design and unveil custom holiday window displays.

“Windows on Woodward is where imagination, craftsmanship and creativity meet community,” said Rhonda Rouse, Senior Manager, Tenant Experience at Bedrock. “As part of the holiday season in downtown, our festive, walkable window showcase amplifies Detroit’s next generation of talent as they shape the city’s future.”

Each window is a collaboration between student designers and the retailers, merging professional mentorship with real-world experience and bringing fresh, local talent to one of Detroit’s most iconic corridors.

“This project gave our students invaluable hands-on experience in design collaboration, project management, and fabrication,” said Shannon McPartlon, Executive Director of The Office of Partnerships at ��ר��. “We are grateful to Bedrock for their partnership and the opportunity to be part of this historic moment. The results are truly representative of what ��ר�� students are capable of achieving when they apply their talents to a real-world, high-profile challenge.”

Participating Students:
Isabella Avila-Recillas (Interdisciplinary Art and Design)
Levi Mooney (Interdisciplinary Art and Design)
Autumn English (Interior Design)
Katelyn Welchko (Interdisciplinary Art and Design)
Brandi Witek (Communication Design & Strategy)
Miracle Hubbard-Wray (Interior Design)
Griffin Mesner (Fashion Accessory Design)
Olivia Draus (Interdisciplinary Art and Design)

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The Detroit Difference: ��ר�� Students at the Forefront of Local Innovation

Isabella McLaury — Mon, 13 Oct 2025 16:56:46 +0000

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

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Driven by Design: Dick Ruzzin’s Enduring Gift to ��ר��

Isabella McLaury — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 15:48:21 +0000

When Dick Ruzzin stepped onto the ��ר�� campus more than a decade ago to support a design project, he had no idea it would spark a lasting connection with the College — or that it would eventually inspire him to create the Dick Ruzzin Endowed Scholarship.

Ruzzin, a Michigan State graduate and celebrated automotive designer with decades at General Motors, was invited to help facilitate a collaborative studio between ��ר�� and a Chinese wheel company exploring U.S. design partnerships. His involvement quickly grew. “I thought I was just going to observe a student review,” he recalled with a smile. “But the instructor had me jump right in.”

That moment — and what happened next — would stay with him.

“I saw a young guy from Detroit rush in to set up his project. He’d been working and couldn’t take time off.

I thought here’s someone trying so hard — that’s who I want to help.”

Years later, when he considered giving back, that memory became the driving force.

“The students that I want to help are the ones who can’t afford it when they get close to graduation. The ones who get down to the end and don’t have enough money. That was the inspiration, where the idea came from.”

Creating Access for Talent That Belongs

With the help of ��ר��’s advancement staff, Ruzzin established what began as an annual scholarship and later evolved into a permanent endowed fund. His intent was clear: to support committed, creative students who might otherwise be forced to leave their education behind.

Though not a ��ר�� alum himself, Ruzzin has long admired the College’s impact. “Every time I visit campus, I see something that jumps me into the future. You take a step forward as a designer,” he said. “It’s amazing.”

Scholarship in Action: Martina’s Story

One of the students supported by Ruzzin’s gift was Martina Lasku, a Communication Design major in the Class of ’25.

In 2023, Martina’s family experienced a devastating house fire. “Suddenly, my future at ��ר�� was uncertain,” she said. “With so many unexpected expenses, I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to afford to stay in school.”

Receiving the Dick Ruzzin Endowed Scholarship made all the difference.

“Because of that support, I was able to focus on what really mattered — rebuilding, staying in school, and working toward my dream of becoming a Creative Director.”

Martina graduated from ��ר�� in spring 2025 and has shared her story in the hopes of inspiring others.

Ruzzin, upon hearing it, simply said:

“That’s great. That’s exactly the kind of student I had in mind.”

Martina Lasku

Martina Lasku’s Work

A Legacy of Generosity and Mentorship

Over the years, Ruzzin has mentored numerous young designers, both formally and informally — often encouraging them to pursue their creative dreams against the odds. He believes in the power of sharing knowledge, asking for help, and staying connected through community.

“There’s nothing more fun to me than meeting and talking with another designer,” he said. “You share a tremendous history. You understand each other.”

He also believes authenticity is more important than ever.

“We’re inundated with information, and a lot of it’s phony. Authenticity matters — it’s everything.”

Looking Ahead

From his work on iconic vehicles at GM to authoring a book on design leadership, Dick Ruzzin has spent a lifetime shaping the creative world. But what gives him joy now is helping students launch their own journeys.

“These young people are launching their lives. If I can support someone who deserves to be there — who just needs that extra help — I’m glad to do it.”

For more information about establishing a scholarship or to learn more about the ��ר��, please contact Katie Rusak at krusak@ccsdetroit.edu or 313.664.7861.

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��ר�� Launches Apple Foundation Program, Free Coding Courses for Detroiters

Megan Mesack — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:46:48 +0000

The Apple Foundation Program at ��ר�� will welcome its first cohort in October 2025, offering a free introductory app development course with access to laptops and additional devices.

The ��ר�� (��ר��) is excited to launch the Apple Foundation Program, a free app development program coming to the College’s A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education in collaboration with Apple. This technology lab and educational program will be available in October 2025 at no cost to students and community members. Additional details are available here.

This cutting-edge program offers a series of one-month courses, with daytime and evening classes to accommodate diverse schedules. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of Swift, Apple’s programming language, and the principles of app design and development, helping them to expand their technology skills and foster creativity. Apple devices will be provided to participants for the duration of the program, at no additional cost.

Registration is first-come, first-served. The first cohort will welcome 15-30 participants with a minimum of eight sessions over the year. Participants must be 18 years or older, and registration is open to metro Detroit residents, no prior coding or technology experience is required to participate.

“At ��ר��, we’re excited to welcome the Apple Foundation Program to our campus and provide cutting-edge learning opportunities for our students and for metro-Detroiters looking to continue their education,” said Don Tuski, President of ��ר��. “We are always looking for new ways to activate our local community and provide them with valuable resources. Detroit is the perfect place to pilot this excellent program.”

ABOUT THE COLLEGE FOR CREATIVE STUDIES
The ��ר�� (��ר��) is a nonprofit, private college accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and authorized by the Michigan Education Department to grant Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. ��ר��, located in midtown Detroit, strives to provide students with the tools needed for successful careers in the dynamic and growing creative industries. ��ר�� fosters students’ resolve to pursue excellence, act ethically, engage their responsibilities as citizens, and learn throughout their lives. With world-class faculty and unsurpassed facilities, students learn to be visual communicators who actively use art and design toward the betterment of society. The College is a major supplier of talent to numerous industries, such as transportation, film and animation, advertising and communications, consumer electronics, athletic apparel, and many more. Its graduates are exhibiting artists and teachers, design problem solvers and innovators, as well as creative leaders in business.

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��ר�� Students Named GD USA Students to Watch

Megan Mesack — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 15:55:55 +0000

"'Humans bring empathy, intuition, taste, and cultural understanding to the design process… These qualities require human insight, which no algorithm can replicate.' This piercing insight from self-described “seasoned” creative leader Wade Devers summarizes beautifully and comprehensively the message of our 2025 ‘People To Watch’ honorees." –Graphic Design USA

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Detroit Must Be The Place

Megan Mesack — Sat, 01 Feb 2025 10:30:39 +0000

Meet Some of the Muralists Transforming the City, One Brushstroke at a Time, and the Individuals Making Those Opportunities Happen.

Detroit is home to world-class muralists that are adorning the city with their work, honoring its history, raising awareness on social issues, and inspiring people. In 2022, USA TODAY ranked Detroit as the fourth best city to see street art in the country.

One of those artists transforming the city is Sydney G. James, ‘01 Illustration. The multidisciplinary creative, who was named ��ר��’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni, co-founded the biannual street mural festival BLKOUT Walls in 2021, to increase representation of Black artists in mural festivals. Nearly 50 local and international artists are in the BLKOUT Walls family, and James looks forward to maintaining the event in Detroit and expanding it to other cities.

“Public art, no matter how you try to spin it, is a two-way conversation between the community and the artist and vice versa,” James said. What makes this even more special is that several ��ר�� graduates have participated in BLKOUT Walls, including Habacuc S. Bessiake, ‘21 Illustration, Cailyn Dawson, ‘21 Studio Art & Craft and Kobie Solomon, ‘01 Illustration. “We offer artist fellowship with the actual community, and it continues past the festival.”

Another mural festival in the city is Murals in the Market, created in 2015 by Detroit-based fine art publisher and online marketplace 1XRUN. The festival has welcomed more than 100 artists from Detroit and around the world to paint murals throughout Eastern Market and Detroit. Smithsonian magazine named it one of the top five best mural festivals in the world in 2018.

“It means everything to me to have built a platform like 1XRUN and Murals in the Market that directly supports the careers of so many talented artists, both in Detroit and around the world,” said Dan Armand, ‘05 Illustration, co-founder of 1XRUN. Jesse Kassel, ‘10 Illustration, Anthony Lee, ‘16 Studio Art & Craft, Ashley Mcfadden, ‘10 Illustration, Ivan Montoya, ‘17 Illustration Art Education, Michael Polakowski, ‘17 Illustration, and Robert Sestok, ‘69 Studio Art & Craft, are some ��ר�� alumni who have participated in the festival. In 2023, organizers rebranded the event as Murals in Islandview and moved it to Detroit’s Islandview neighborhood.

These muralists are enriching not only Detroit but the world with their work. Ndubisi Okoye, ‘15 Communication Design & Strategy, was one of 11 artists commissioned by Warner Bros. in 2022, to create illustrations of Tweety Bird in honor of the character’s 80th birthday. Okoye’s eight illustrations were painted as murals around the U.S., Australia and other countries.

“It’s a blessing to have mural work shown around the world,” Okoye said. He has also painted for Murals in the Market and completed other vibrant murals around Detroit and Michigan. “Detroit’s muralist community is like a big family. We support each other, battle it out on requests for qualifications, stand up when one of us is mistreated and we generally love to see each other win.”

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��ר�� Showcases Alumni Work at Michigan Central Station’s Detroit Marche

Megan Mesack — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 10:30:01 +0000

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 �Ѳ��é, 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 �Ѳ��é 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)

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��ר�� Alumnus Wins Communication Arts Interactive Annual Competition Best-in-Show

Megan Mesack — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 10:30:39 +0000

Communication Arts magazine, a professional journal for those involved in creativity in visual communications, has announced the winners of its 31st annual Interactive Competition. Of the 290 entries, 33 projects were selected by a jury of creative professionals. ��ר�� alumnus Luke Fabricatore’s (’24 CD) project “Price of the Prompt” was selected as Best-in-Show.

The selected projects will be reproduced in the March/ April 2025 issue of Communication Arts, both in print and digital editions, with more than 25,000 copies distributed worldwide, and on commarts.com, assuring important exposure to the creators and publishers of these award-winning projects.

About Communication Arts

Communication Arts is a professional journal for designers, art directors, design firms, corporate design departments, agencies, illustrators, photographers and everyone involved in visual communications. Through its editorials, feature articles and the annual competitions it sponsors, CA provides new ideas and information, while promoting the highest professional standards for the field.

Now in its 66th year, CA continues to showcase the current best—whether it’s from industry veterans or tomorrow’s stars—in advertising, design, photography, illustration, interactive and typography. Everything is reproduced with quality printing and attention to detail unmatched by any trade publication anywhere.

With a paid circulation of over 25,000 (21,766 subscribers and 3,424 single copy sales), CA has a rich tradition of representing the aspirations of a continually-growing and quality-conscious field of visual communications. CA’s editorial content, knowledgeable presentation and writing, use of color and quality reproduction are all designed to be consistent with the standards CA’s readers set for themselves in their own careers.

30th Interactive Competition Jury

Baptiste Briel, creative technologist/co-founder/CEo, Antinomy Studio, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Rik Campbell, CEo/co-founder, Resn, Wellington, New Zealand

Sarah DiLeo, head of studio, Omnicom Production, New York, NY

Mikell Fine Iles, executive design director, Hook, Los Angeles, CA

Nell Lundy, interactive creative director, InVision Communications, San Francisco, CA

Zorani Sanabria, co-creative director, MamboMambo, Québec City, Canada

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Communication Design & Strategy Archives | ����ר��

Fall 2025 Sponsored Projects at the ����ר��

“Got Something to Say?” – Changemaking Alumni in Politics

Leading by Example

Every Vote Counts

Every Vote Counts

When We All Vote

Designing for Community

Designing for Community

Humanity at its Core

����ר�� Partners with Bedrock to Transform Downtown Detroit with Festive Holiday Window Displays

The Detroit Difference: ����ר�� Students at the Forefront of Local Innovation

Driven by Design: Dick Ruzzin’s Enduring Gift to ����ר��

Creating Access for Talent That Belongs

Scholarship in Action: Martina’s Story

A Legacy of Generosity and Mentorship

Looking Ahead

����ר�� Launches Apple Foundation Program, Free Coding Courses for Detroiters

The Apple Foundation Program at ����ר�� will welcome its first cohort in October 2025, offering a free introductory app development course with access to laptops and additional devices.

����ר�� Students Named GD USA Students to Watch

Detroit Must Be The Place

����ר�� Showcases Alumni Work at Michigan Central Station’s Detroit Marche

����ר�� Alumnus Wins Communication Arts Interactive Annual Competition Best-in-Show

Communication Design & Strategy Archives | ��ר��

Fall 2025 Sponsored Projects at the ��ר��

��ר�� Partners with Bedrock to Transform Downtown Detroit with Festive Holiday Window Displays

The Detroit Difference: ��ר�� Students at the Forefront of Local Innovation

Driven by Design: Dick Ruzzin’s Enduring Gift to ��ר��

��ר�� Launches Apple Foundation Program, Free Coding Courses for Detroiters

The Apple Foundation Program at ��ר�� will welcome its first cohort in October 2025, offering a free introductory app development course with access to laptops and additional devices.

��ר�� Students Named GD USA Students to Watch

��ר�� Showcases Alumni Work at Michigan Central Station’s Detroit Marche

��ר�� Alumnus Wins Communication Arts Interactive Annual Competition Best-in-Show