Art Department Alumni Outcomes

Discover the journeys of our Art alumni as they navigate their post-graduation paths. Experience the diverse array of destinations they've explored — from kickstarting their careers to pursuing advanced degrees. Many have achieved acceptance into graduate school, secured employment in the visual arts or related fields, and exhibited their work regionally and nationally. Our alumni also make meaningful contributions to local and global communities and continue to advocate for art in its many forms.

BFA Graphic Design, WSU Class of 2025 (Cum Laude)
Junior Exhibition Designer at Willwork Global Event Services

I graduated from Westfield State University with a degree in Graphic Design, where I was able to turn my lifelong love of art into a professional path. My time at Westfield gave me the chance to experiment, grow, and refine my design skills through both hands-on projects and collaborative experiences. It was there that I discovered how much I enjoy blending creativity with problem-solving, especially in three-dimensional design.

Now, I work as an exhibition designer, creating immersive spaces that bring ideas to life. I’m grateful for how Westfield shaped my journey—it gave me the foundation and confidence to build a career that’s both creative and deeply fulfilling.

B.A. in Art with Graphic Design & Illustration Concentrations, WSU Class of 2019
Senior Creative, BRIGADE

I attended Westfield State University from 2015-2019. I grew up locally and knew that Westfield was right for me after touring for the first time. I began taking general art classes and then honed in on graphic design & illustration in my last two years. I had a great experience working with the professors in the Art Department, and feel like I was set up for success. During my final semester at Westfield, I landed an internship while finishing up my classes. This internship was at a local branding agency named BRIGADE, located in Hadley at the time. I continued to work with BRIGADE after my internship and 6 years later I’m still with the company. At BRIGADE, we work with small and large businesses to fit their branding needs and beyond. I’ve worked on digital & print campaigns, packaging, logos, websites – you name it! I have also become a Visiting Lecturer at Westfield State and I enjoy working with students to develop their design skills. I plan to continue learning and teaching design skills in the coming years.

BA in Art with a Concentration in Graphic Design, WSU Class of 2017
Art Director at Magic Eight, Chicago IL
www.magiceight.co

I loved my time at Westfield State, and still miss the collaborative & inspiring environment of my art and design classes led by exceptional creatives. I made lifelong friendships, interned at Alexis Design in Northampton as well as in the university’s Art Department, and spent a semester abroad studying at Florence University of the Arts in Italy. While in school, I also began freelancing, and I am proud to still work with some of the same clients I had back then. After graduation, I started my career as a Junior Designer on the digital team at Alex and Ani, a jewelry company in Rhode Island. I often call this my “paid Master’s degree” because I learned so much, not only about design but also about how a fast-paced creative team operates. I gained experience in digital marketing, email design, and seasonal campaign development, all while learning how to work creatively within a set of brand guidelines. I then joined Wayfair in Boston on the B2B “Wayfair Professional” team, where I led a revamp the subbrand’s visual identity. I collaborated closely with art directors to create brand standards and templates, and later took on leading art direction and hands-on design for promotions, website assets, social media, and print collateral. Currently, I live in Providence, Rhode Island and work remotely as the Art Director at Magic Eight, a full-service creative studio based in Chicago. I first joined the team as a contract designer in 2020 and transitioned into a leadership role, managing a team of designers and copywriters alongside the founder and creative director. We’re a very small team and each wear a few hats - but I am so proud and fulfilled in the work we do. At Magic Eight, I have expanded my skills into brand identity development, web design, and development, working with both new small businesses and established corporations. The most valuable skill I have gained is learning how to infuse smart, layered strategy into every aspect of a brand, ensuring each visual choice is grounded in meaning and intentional insights. I love the variety of clients we work with and the opportunity to help small businesses bring their brands to life in ways that are both impactful and exciting.

MFA in Illustration, Academy of Art University, San Francisco, CA Class of 2016
BA in Art Education, WSU Class of 2013
Visual Art Educator at W. Springfield High School
Tattoo Artist/Apprentice at Lair O Lilith in Ludlow, MA

I earned my BA in Art Education from Westfield State University in Westfield, MA (2013), which laid the foundation for my artistic journey and ultimately led me to pursue an MFA in Children’s Book Illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA (2016). When I reflect on my time at Westfield State, I’m filled with a deep sense of pride and belonging. It was there that I began shaping my creative identity, discovering my artistic voice, and exploring a wide range of mediums—from clay and printmaking to digital art and painting. The accessibility to diverse materials and high-quality instruction close to home gave me the confidence to push my boundaries. Westfield State was more than just a starting point; it was a launchpad that empowered me to let my art guide me far beyond where I began. Building on the strong foundation I developed at WSU, which paved the way for my career as a Visual Art Educator, I am now transitioning into the fields of full time Tattooing and Fantasy Illustration.