College of Fine + Applied Arts

BFA Exhibition 2016

BFA Exhibition 2019

BFA Exhibition 2016

Graphic design major Lauren Cox (class of 2021) was deciding between offers of admission from an East Coast school and a midwestern institution when she received a life-changing phone call from the University of Illinois. Illinois had been her top choice but was not a financially feasible one for her family.

Art education student Maria Campbell (class of 2021) knew from an early age that she wanted to be an artist. "I would go on jobs with my mom as she painted people's houses, and I was taught how to draw and paint by the age of three," she explained. By high school, she had developed an interest in multiple art forms and decided that art education might be the path for her.

"Being an art education major, I knew there would never be any doubt that I'm doing what I love every day," she said.

Designer Maria Ludeke, who graduated in 2014 with degrees in painting and graphic design, was a Clyde Davis Scholar. The scholarship, established by School of Art and Design alumnus Clyde P. Davis and his wife, Kay, provided her with four years of tuition support. Without the scholarship, Maria would not have been able to attend Illinois.

Amanda Schneider, LEED AP, MBA, is a researcher, writer, and founder of Contract Consulting Group, a research-led strategy firm serving the contract interiors industry. Amanda is a strategic thinker with a strong background including industrial design, market research, product management, sales, and strategic launch practices with a breadth of furniture companies within the interiors industry. She is fueled by red wine, decaf coffee, and very little sleep.

"Studying art taught me to think visually and critically through problem solving and innovation. It taught me the power of making something out of nothing."

"Whether you are in industrial design or graphic design or painting, if you want to be good, you have to put in the hours."

"People in art school are all great at sketching. I was able to learn more about the business side and human factors of industrial design—things that only a university can offer."

Even though conservatories can produce great artists, Judy J. Lee was interested in a more well-rounded education. At Illinois, Judy not only developed her technical skills but also studied art as a business and gained hands-on design experience abroad.