MCAD Diploma Design
DesignWorks
Graduation Diploma
2022 - Present
Role: Lead Designer
Creative Director: Kayla Campbell
Audience: Recent College Graduates (BFA / MFA)
MCAD rebranded in 2021. The change also called for an update to the diplomas that students receive.
The goal of this project was to redesign the MCAD diplomas to better reflect the new MCAD brand and to create a more elevated and meaningful presentation for recent graduates. The diplomas previously awarded did not accurately represent the identity and skills of the students. I knew I had to create a new diploma that captured what I saw in my fellow graduates. I understood that the new design not only needed to look professional, but also had to embody the essence of what MCAD has represented across generations. I believe this design successfully accomplished that goal. I'm proud to say that this diploma is currently in use, and I hope graduates feel proud to display it—both on their walls and to future employers.
These diplomas are currently being printed and distributed to each
graduating student every semester at the Minneapolis College of Art and Design
To achieve the desired outcome, I focused on creating a diploma that was both elevated and special while also incorporating elements of the MCAD brand. The new design features an 8.5 x 11 inch embossed page that can be connected to a slightly larger gold or silver backing, dependent on the level of degree earned by the student. The subtleness of the embossed name of the school, the shiny foil, and the backing page come together to create a visually appealing and recognizable piece that represents the student's hard work and achievements.
