Institute of Design, Experience and Art at ORU

Meet Ellie Wichman ('26), an Art Education major from Green Bay, Wisconsin, where the joy and strength of the Lord enrich her art, uplifting both her spirit and those around her.

Ellie's project, "The Darkness Did Not Overcome It," is based on John 1:5. It’s a personal project that showcases her walk with the Lord. The little girl in all the paintings represents the joy of a child and the inner child in each of us, full of Jesus’ light. The fish represents Jesus’ light within our lives. It’s a nod to Ellie's childhood and some of her best memories being at her nana’s house, where she had a fish wall art. The waves are used to show the trials of life, specifically the darkness mentioned in John 1:5.

Meet Cohen Stern ('26), a Graphic Design Major from Fort Collins, Colorado. As a creative, he discovers beauty and offers deep insights into the creative process.

Cohen's project, "Pathos," explores custom snowboard design as a form of personal storytelling. Each board is created in collaboration with an individual, translating unique values into visual form. The work highlights emotional connection, identity, and narrative-driven design.

Meet Kalton Reece ('26), a Graphic Design Major! Discover his creative journey and what drives his passion.

Kal's project, "See Through," is a high-quality brand identity and experiential exhibition in the culture of speed, motion, and high-performance design. The project explores the possibilities for transferring the aesthetics of motorsport and modern car culture into a unified visual language for various media.

Meet Norman Minott ('26), a Graphic Design Major originally from Jamaica! Hear his story and what inspires him to create.

Norman's project, "Sanctuary," is a clothing brand dedicated to rekindling the sense of love and wonder for the animal kingdom that many of us felt as children. Through modern, stylized illustrations on graphic t-shirts, the brand aims to bring animals back into the everyday consciousness of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, planting seeds of appreciation and curiosity in the next generation.