Jennifer Breiter

Personal Pronouns

She/Her

Describe what you do for work and how your experience with it has been.

I currently work as an illustrator and designer at humanKIND, where I focus primarily on creating custom apparel graphics for schools, camps, and organizations. A large part of my role involves translating a client’s ideas—often mascots, logos, or school spirit themes—into clear, production-ready designs that work across different garments and print methods. In addition to design work, I help assemble marketing toolkits that clients use to promote their online stores, which has given me experience thinking beyond individual visuals and into brand consistency and user communication.
Overall, my experience has been very positive and formative. The role has strengthened my ability to collaborate with clients, work within real-world constraints, and balance creativity with clarity and efficiency. It’s also helped me grow more confident in making design decisions, meeting deadlines, and adapting my style to different audiences.

How did you get your job?

Following the completion of my bachelor’s degree, I began applying to creative positions and discovered humanKIND. The team responded positively to my portfolio and felt that my training and skill set aligned well with the role, which was initially a production artist position. In this capacity, I supported the company’s efforts to create client-specific apparel graphics through careful execution and attention to visual detail. Over time, I transitioned into a more design-focused role, where I was able to contribute a fresh and contemporary perspective that the company recognized as a valuable addition to their creative team.

What inspires you/your work?

I’m inspired by the power of visual storytelling and the way it can communicate ideas and emotions beyond words. I’m also motivated by the challenge of solving problems, which pushes me to think creatively and explore new ways to convey meaning through design. Observing the world around me—its patterns, interactions, and unexpected moments—often sparks ideas, and I enjoy translating those observations into visuals that feel purposeful and engaging. For me, every project is an opportunity to combine narrative, functionality, and aesthetics to create work that resonates with people and tells a story that’s uniquely its own.

How do you network yourself and your art?

I network primarily through my peers and coworkers, building connections and exchanging ideas in a collaborative setting. Online, I share my artwork more broadly, posting photos of my projects to showcase my work. I’m currently transitioning to sharing through video as well, which allows me to present my process and stories behind the work in a more dynamic and engaging way.

How do you approach a project when you don’t yet know the solution?

For me, the answer is that I start by exploring and asking questions—about the context, the audience, and the constraints. I sketch, experiment, and iterate, treating the unknown as an opportunity to discover new possibilities rather than a limitation. I find that this curiosity-driven approach often leads to solutions that are both creative and grounded in purpose.

Where did you earn your undergraduate degree, and what was it in?

American Academy of Art; BFA in Illustration

How did you hear about MCAD?

I learned about MCAD while researching graduate design programs.

Why did you choose to earn an MA at MCAD?

I chose to pursue an MA at MCAD because the program emphasizes both conceptual thinking and real-world application. It aligned well with my academic background and professional experience, and I felt it would allow me to further develop my skills while engaging in a rigorous, practice-based learning environment.

What was your biggest takeaway from the program?

My biggest takeaway from the program was learning how to approach design as a holistic, intentional process—balancing creative exploration with strategic thinking. It strengthened my ability to translate ideas into meaningful, real-world solutions while considering both user experience and visual impact.

Where were you located when you completed the program?

Illinois

What was the online education like?

The online education was structured around discussion posts, readings, and critiques, which encouraged active engagement with both the material and my peers. While it required self-discipline and careful time management, the format allowed for thoughtful reflection, meaningful feedback, and ongoing dialogue with instructors and classmates.

How has the MA impacted your career/your life?

It strengthened my confidence in making intentional creative decisions and helped me see how thoughtful, strategic design can have real-world impact. The experience also deepened my understanding of my own creative process and clarified the direction I want to take professionally.

What would you tell students considering pursuing an MA degree in Graphic and Web Design?

I would tell students considering an MA in Graphic and Web Design that it’s an opportunity to deepen both your creative practice and critical thinking. The program challenges you to reflect on your process, push your ideas further, and connect your work to real-world applications. It’s rewarding, but it also requires dedication and self-motivation—getting the most out of it comes from actively engaging with the material, your peers, and your own growth as a designer.