Are you a DAC alum? We want to know and share what our alumni are doing out in the world with their DAC certificates or DAC degrees. Send us a note (dac-info@uwm.edu) if you’d like to be featured or to nominate a DAC alum to be profiled.
We are thrilled to share another DAC testimonial, this time from someone working for an organization dedicated to maximizing Milwaukee’s potential. Wyatt Tinder graduated in 2016 with the certificate in Digital Arts and Culture and a BFA in Digital Studio Practice.
What’s your title and where do you work?
I am the Communications and Design Director at NEWaukee. NEWaukee is a social architecture agency based in Milwaukee. We design memorable in-person experiences that create a sense of belonging inside the communities and companies we work with.
Many people know of NEWaukee for the nearly one hundred events we host each year, such as the NEWaukee Night Market on W. Wisconsin Avenue, the Urban Island Beach Party in Lakeshore State Park, and YPWeek, a week-long conference for discovery, adventure, and meaningful conversations about the issues that matter among young professionals hosted annually in April.
Recently, we announced our plans to redevelop the Historic Schlitz Tivoli Palm Garden at 504 W. National Ave in Walker’s Point. The Beacon will be Milwaukee’s newest hub for social innovation and entrepreneurship, combating social isolation through connectivity.
Can you describe your job–what are few of the things you do on a day-to-day basis?
Every day in my role looks very different, which is great. I enjoy the variety! My job is to direct the overall communication strategy and brand style of NEWaukee across platforms. I manage our website, email newsletter, and all of our social media channels, including paid advertising. I write website copy, event descriptions, blogs, and press releases, and I frequently act as NEWaukee’s spokesperson in interviews. Additionally, I design the branding for all of our events and produce the necessary digital graphics and printed materials to support promotion.
Did you imagine that you’d be doing this work when you were in school or recently graduated? How did you know, or what was different than you expected? What has changed, what do you think will remain the same?
No. I graduated anticipating that I would be in a role specializing in just one of the areas I had worked in/studied – for example, as a graphic designer. However, my interests and background are varied, and luckily this position really reflects that! I enjoy working in smaller teams on projects that span design, writing, and marketing. I also love that, through this role, I’m able to share my love of Milwaukee with others and help them see all the city has to offer.
How did DAC prepare you for the work you are doing now, the job market in general, and/or help you land your current position?
DAC gave me a solid knowledge base in several areas – digital arts, design, digital studio (audio/video techniques), web design, motion graphics, writing – that I then went on and expanded upon after graduation. The versatility I have in these areas helped me as I applied for my current position.
What advice would you give to someone considering a degree or certificate in DAC?
Push yourself and try new things. Get comfortable with the creative problem-solving process, as that will be a key to success in the workplace.
What’s something cool you’re involved with?
Aside from NEWaukee, I’m also involved with the Milwaukee Pride Parade! The Milwaukee Pride Parade has been in continuous operation since 2005 with the mission to provide a fun, family-oriented celebration of LGBT Pride for the citizens of South East Wisconsin and Milwaukee. The Milwaukee Pride Parade is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization run by an all volunteer Board of Directors and Staff.