Ferris State University College of Business
Graphic Design Program
Ferris Design Week
Minimalist banner for Ferris Design Week (April 27–May 1). A coral-tinted close-up of eyes is centered in a thin frame against a grainy pink and peach gradient background.

April 27 – May 1, 2026


Keynote Speaker Kevin Budelmann, President of Peopledesign. Bold orange text over pink blurred text reading design strategy practice

What we learned from Kevin Budelmann:

  • Expand your idea of what Design can be.
  • It’s not just making — it’s thinking, shaping, and connecting.
  • Explain your decisions, not just your outcomes.
  • Work with others.
  • Communicate clearly.
  • Tell the story behind your outcomes.
  • Stay flexible — the tools and practice will change.
  • Your thinking is what carries forward.
  • Be curious and always continue learning.

Alumni Panel graphic featuring three interconnected pink blurry outlined circles labeled Design, Practice,and Strategy with large blue text
A classroom full of students looking at Kieth Fleck projected onto a screen Abby Keown putting a sticky note onto a blue and pink board full of information gained from the panel Zoomed in image of sticky notes detailing information gained from the panel about employement Zoomed in image of sticky notes detailing information gained from the panel about design Emma Eling, Hailey Nye, Abby Keown, and Blake Flannery smiling at the camera by a table featuring small snacks

What we Learned From the Alumni

  • Start adopting new technologies early (yes, AI).
  • Show business thinking in your process and your work.
  • Say “yes” to everything — but know your stuff.
  • Don't take critiques personally — you are not the work.
  • Don’t take critique personally — you are not the work. Seek it out.
  • Make it a conversation — communicate and tell the story with energy.
  • Pencil and paper are still some of the best tools.
Student Showcase text in bold blue over a red-tinted photograph of a hand sketching a website wireframe on a whiteboard with blurry edges
Abby Keown, Emma Eling, Hailey Nye, and Blake Flanery posed in front of a zig zagging board featuring process work and the word DESIGN in bold letters A zoomed in image of a zig zagging board featuring process work A wide shot of senior work pinned to a grey wall near tables drapped with black fabric Alison Popp, Blake Flanery, Emma Eling, Hailey Nye, Abby Keown, Tim Powers, and Nic Mata posed and smilling in front of a backgrop featuring process work Blake Flanery and Hailey Nye working on putting up process work onto zig zaggin board Gary Babcock speaking with a woman at a tabel full of stickers with a crowd of people in the background Ferris's Design Program's class of 2027 posed with Michael Pfleghaar Emma Eling speaking with four individuals about her projects and work

Keep in Touch With our Work

Didn't get the chance to go to the Student Showcase, but still want to see our work? No problem, check out our portfolios.

Senior Portfolios

Keynote Speaker Kevin Budelmann, President of Peopledesign. Bold orange text over pink blurred text reading design strategy practice

Thank You to All of our Portfolio Reviewers

  • Andrew Dull, Concept A Creative Studio
  • Chas Appleby, Peopledesign
  • Glenda Kraemer, HPS
  • Jon Neill, Carnevale
  • Kate Geschwendt, Clearwell Consulting
  • Leandra Beshears, General Motors
  • Mike Gorman and Yolanda Gonzalez, Mr & Mrs
  • Natalie Dixon, BISSELL Pet Foundation
  • Sheri Monroe, Reagan Marketing
  • William Culpepper, Montana State University