Justin Edwards I Art BFA
Justin Edwards is a talented artist and creative currently holding the position as Vice President of Global Digital Creative and Social Design at MAC Cosmetics. With a deep-rooted passion for visual arts, Justin’s educational and professional journey has been characterized by his ability to bridge art and design in the digital realm.
Educational Journey and Career Path
When asked about what inspired him to pursue a BFA, Justin shared, “The visual arts were something I was always interested in. During my time at UWM I majored in Drawing / Painting then picked up Graphic Design during the end of my sophomore year. It was an opportunity to apply the things I loved about art within a space that had so much potential (digital).”
Impactful Classes and Faculty
Reflecting on his experience at UWM, Justin highlighted the invaluable contributions of his professors, “There were so many professors I would love to write about. Two profoundly important ones were Joan Dobkin and Pam Schermer. Joan taught in the Graphic Design program and brought a rigor to typography influenced from her MFA time at Cranbrook. She blew my mind wide open into what was possible with type and expressing design through typography. Pam Schermer is an artist and was one of my favorite Painting Professors. I took as many courses of hers as I could to be educated by her teachings informed by the German Expressionist Hans Hoffman who she studied. Her eye for composition and dynamism are techniques I use every day and couple with my graphic design. I was fortunate to have had such incredible teachers.”
Forging a Creative Path in the Digital Era
Justin’s time at UWM was foundational in shaping his ability to recognize and critique design, while also producing it. Studying during a time when the internet was emerging as a platform, Justin found himself navigating a space that was, “a very wild space, mostly utility but also a ripe underground place for weird digital art.” Ultimately, Justin’s passion to learn and apply art into that digital space led him to graphic design and inspired him to bridge the gaps between design and art, fostering a creative mindset that resonates in a modern context.
Achievements and Contributions
Since graduating from Peck School of the Arts, Justin has garnered numerous awards, recognitions, and achievements for his creative work. Some notable accolades include:
Clio Short List 2017 Fashion and Beauty , Marc Jacobs Daisy IR Magazine People’s Choice Award for Innovation 2017, Estée Lauder Companies 20th Webby Awards Judge 2015, Pixel Awards People’s Choice 2015 (Fashion), Clio Awards 2015 Finalist, Estée Lauder Global Digital Flagship Clio Awards 2015 Finalist, Estée Edit (Now titled Estée Stories) Webby Awards 2015 Honoree, Cole Haan Zero Grand Digital Campaign Clio Awards 2014 Finalist, Tory Burch Beauty Digital Campaign Webby Honoree 2012, Jurlique.com Communication Arts – Web Pick of the Day 10.2011, The Frye Company National Silver ADDY Award 2009, Truvativ Hammerschmidt Webby Honoree 2008, Travel Wisconsin TASCHEN Books 2008, Web Design: Interactive & Games Design Charts 2007 #1 Placement, Peter DiAntoni Photography Adobe Site of the Day 2006, Nike Cycling Web Marketing Association Award for Commercial Excellence 2006, Alterra Coffee Roasters Macromedia Site of the Day 2004, Trek Bikes of the Tour Macromedia Site of the Day 2004, Trek Bikes Project One
Connect with Justin
To learn more about Justin and explore his creative journey, you can visit his LinkedIn.