The UW–Madison School of Education offers academic excellence in areas spanning the arts, health, and education. We are a proud community of innovative leaders, creative thinkers, and fearless trailblazers. Our talented students are committed to making their college experience a meaningful journey that aligns with their interests and helps them achieve their future goals.
Following is a Q&A with Iliana Harris, who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and graduating in 2026.
Where are you from? How did you become interested in pursuing a degree in graphic design?
I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I became interested in pursuing graphic design because making art has been part of my life from a young age. I found my focus during senior year of high school when I received a scholarship to take a graphic design class at an art college. My stepdad is a graphic designer and my mom works in the advertising field, so I’ve grown up with a creative family which has been a huge help and inspiration to me. I’m also pursuing a certificate in Environmental Studies. Graphic design feels perfect for me because it’s a profession that can mesh with all of my passions outside of art, such as environmental studies, social justice, and being involved with my community.
How did you decide to become a UW–Madison Badger?
I decided that I wanted to become a UW–Madison Badger not only because of the school environment but also the atmosphere in the city of Madison. I wanted to attend a big school that had the typical college experience, from football games to studying on the lawn, but also felt personal. Being from Minneapolis, I was accustomed to city life while constantly surrounded by lakes, parks, and rivers. It was important to me both as an environmental studies minor, and an out-of-state student, that I would be able to carry over this same familiarity of home. Madison is centrally located between two beautiful lakes that provide recreation opportunities all year long. Madison also provides its own city life with its appreciation of the arts, huge farmer’s market, and hangout places. Madison gave me everything that reminded me of home, but also brought opportunities that I never would have imagined myself having.
What has been your most meaningful experience with the Art program?
Working in the department as a front desk assistant has truly been the most rewarding and meaningful experience I’ve ever had. Being able to become more involved with the administration as well as with my professors has been incredible. I get to work on my graphic design skills and help with outreach events like leading tours and doing panels.
What class or professor had the greatest impact on you, and why?
ART 222: Introduction to Painting with Claire Kellesvig is both the class and professor that has had the greatest impact on me. Introduction to Painting was my first formal experience with acrylic painting. Even though I’m a graphic designer, painting is a huge passion and love of mine. Claire helped with my understanding of colors and their relationship with each other. I gained so much knowledge and skill from just one semester with her. Claire had a wonderful way of teaching that has only deepened my love for painting.
Have you had an impactful internship or field experience? If so, can you tell us about that experience?
An impactful field experience that I had was working with local artist, Maria Amalia Wood, through my Service Learning Class with Professor Angela Johnson. In Service Learning, we were paired with a local community organization or artist where we did 25 hours of volunteer work through the semester. Alongside this, we learned about the idea of art and the many forms it can take. During my semester with Maria, I got to learn about her embroidery business, help lead embroidery workshops with other community members, set up exhibitions, and assist her with anything else she needed. It was interesting to see an artist in action and try out an art medium that I wasn’t familiar with.
What are your future goals or plans?
My near future goals for this summer are for an environmental-related internship where I can work for an organization’s media or outreach relations. I would love to be able to do graphic design for this internship as well. After graduation, I want to continue combining graphic design and my interest in the environment. I want to create informative graphics or work to make nature more accessible for everyone. I think this is important because countless people and especially underprivileged communities are prohibited from having access to nature and safe environments.
Anything else you value about the School of Education or your program that you’d like to share with others who are considering it?
Some things that I value about the School of Education and the Art Department are how personal they both feel. I have been able to create genuine relationships within my programs, and I feel like the administration wants me to succeed. At both the Art Department and the School of Education level, opportunities relating to a broad range of interests are constantly being sent to students. Within the School of Education, there are tons of support resources including career, academic, and financial. Through the School of Education I’ve studied abroad, secured my job as a front desk assistant, and been offered scholarships to support my education.
What are some tips that you have for anyone starting college/transferring to a new one?
My tip is to say “yes!” Many of the friends that I have made and opportunities I have been granted are from saying “yes.” Being open to going outside of our comfort zones is an important part of entering a new environment. Entering college is a time when you’re going to be surrounded by so many people who are different from you, and that is a great thing. Having an open mind and changing your pre-college perspectives are all a part of the college experience and the personal growth that you’ll go through during your time at college.
What are some tips that you have for current students who are trying to maximize their experience?
A tip that I have for current students is to study abroad. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy, during my fall junior year. As an art major studying abroad in Florence, (learning about) the birth of the Renaissance era was so beneficial to my journey as an artist. Through my study abroad program I was able to gain a unique academic experience through offsite classroom visits to museums, churches, and parts of Florence that I never would have been able to find on my own. Studying abroad is a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone. I felt supported throughout the entire experience and would do it again in a heartbeat.
My second tip for maximizing your experience is to look at how to get more involved in your academic journey. I’ve found a lot of joy in becoming more involved in my education through working with the Art Department and being a School of Education Student Ambassador. Having an opinion and having your voice heard is a great way to not only maximize your experience but also create a future university shaped by the voices of the students.