Student Success
The Graphic Design program at College of DuPage strives to prepare students for the real world. Many of our students receive scholarships to transfer to a four-year school, while others hit the ground running with paid internships and full-time jobs. Listed below are several College of DuPage Graphic Design alumni that are having success after completing our program.
Recent Graduates
Ryan Clayton
Ryan's passion for design can only be matched by his boundless energy. He enjoys many creative outlets including graphic/web design, photography, songwriting, and drawing. He shows much versatility as a designer and specializes in design that is visually grabbing. While at COD, Ryan received several honorable mentions at Portfolio Night 2010/2011, was the AIGA Student Group VP, and designed for the Graphic Design program (Including this website). Ryan is currently attending school at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design on a Presidential Scholarship. Be sure to check out Ryan's Portfolio Site and his Design Blog.
Rocio Hernandez
Rocio is a multi-talented graphic designer with a style that features brilliant use of pattern and imagery. She brings an organic variety to her work while keeping it clean and aesthetically pleasing. While at COD, she won multiple awards at the 2011 Portfolio Night (including Best Portfolio), designed the DuPage Art League’s website, and developed the unique identity for the 2011 Portfolio Night. Rocio is currently is working at a design firm called Cubicle Ninjas - run by COD alumni, Josh Farkas.
Natalie McQueen
Natalie's design aesthetic is well grounded in her drawing/fine art abilities. The work that Natalie puts out often has a unique hand-drawn quality that gives it a friendly and casual feel. Her drawing ability also allows a lot of versatility in her designs ranging from well-crafted logos to stunningly complex illustrations. Natalie is continuing her education at Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design in Colorado where she received a scholarship.
Phil Rau
Phil is an accomplished and driven designer, with a passion for unique and clever concepts. In addition to acting as AIGA student group president and the Adobe Student Rep at COD, Phil also worked as an intern in the marketing department of Harper College while at COD. Phil received several honors including an honorable mention in the Ravinia 2011 Poster Design contest, several honorable mentions at Portfolio Night, and winner of the Spring 2011 Best New Ad Competition. Phil is currently attending the Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design where he received their Presidential Scholarship. Be sure to stop by Phil's Portfolio Page and check out his work.
Other Alumni
Paul Altott
Paul is a well-versed graphic designer who got his start at College of DuPage. He won "Best Portfolio" at 2008 Portfolio Night and moved on to shine at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in Wisconsin. Upon graduating, Paul was offered a full-time position working for Kohl’s doing Web and mobile device design, user interface design, and campaign strategy. Be sure to check out his Portfolio Site.
Grace Blevins
Grace is a designer whose work has an unmistakably original and pleasing quality to it. Her expert use of traditional media and handcrafted paper makes her work come to life. Grace received a scholarship to attend the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and is finishing up her bachelor’s degree there. Grace currently has a paid internship at a local design agency, and her work has been featured on QuiteStrong.com. Swing by Grace's Portfolio Site and check out her creations for yourself.
Josh Farkas
Josh is a College of Dupage alumni that truly hit the ground running. He has illustrated twelve children's books, written and self-published two independent graphic novels, and founded (and sold) multiple internet start-ups. He currently owns his own design firm called Cubicle Ninjas. You can find out more about Josh and his creative endeavors here.
Dave Hoffman
Dave is a multi-talented designer who is well versed in graphic design, photography, music, and many other creative outlets. He has a passion for design, and it shows in his work is. He is constantly looking for ways to be inspired and always looks to offer a fresh approach on a creative solution. Dave is currently finishing up his Degree at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design where he received a scholarship. Check out his portfolio site and his blog for the latest on Dave.
Alex Yaeger
Alex is a designer whose work clearly shows the amount of thought and care that he puts into design. Alex has a unique illustrative style, good presentation aesthetics, and top-notch design skills. Alex received multiple awards in the 2010 Portfolio Night at College of DuPage including Best portfolio. Be sure to stop by Alex’s Portfolio Site.