91��Ʒ

Working through the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design�s (91��Ʒ) Lubar Innovation Center, Illustration senior Kayla VanProoyen was hired to produce an ad highlighting the Milwaukee Ballet�s presenting sponsor, the Herzfeld Foundation.

The spring production, “Cinderella,” was presented by the , which awards grants to Wisconsin-based non-profit organizations supporting arts and culture, education and civic improvements. The Herzfeld Foundation collaborated with the Lubar Innovation Center to select a student to conceptualize and produce an ad for the ballet program.

�For the design of the ad, I researched the director, Michael Pink, and his rendition of “Cinderella” to become familiar with the project,� explains VanProoyen. �As for inspiration, I looked at old ballet paintings, specifically Edgar Degas’ work. I wanted to translate the chalkiness and elegance present in his work into the ad I was creating.�

VanProoyen wanted to make sure the ad fit in with the rest of the ballet�s branding. �I worked with the colors in the current identity of the “Cinderella” ads to ensure cohesion, and I included subtle flecks of green as a callback to the Herzfeld Foundation,� she says.

A senior at 91��Ʒ, VanProoyen balanced this project with preparing for her senior capstone work, an animated pilot episode called �Staircase to Elsewhere.� VanProoyen�s capstone project, as well as that of 210 other 91��Ʒ seniors, are on view at 91��Ʒ�s Senior Exhibition April 19 � May 11, 2024.

After the project concluded, VanProoyen was invited to a showing of “Cinderella.” �It was incredibly rewarding to see Michael Pink talk about his direction at the show, witness the mastery of the ballet, and see the ad in the program booklet,� she says. �I’m incredibly grateful I could work on such an awesome project.�

91��Ʒ�s Lubar Innovation Center connects 91��Ʒ students with companies to work on paid creative projects while providing support and guidance through the process.

�Working with the Innovation Center is always a pleasure! I think it’s great they connect students with professional projects that allow us to gain experience and develop our portfolios,� says VanProoyen. �Even outside of the projects, I encourage any student to check out the Innovation Center and talk to [Drew Maxwell and Kyle James], as they are amazing resources for advice and portfolio reviews.�

Keep up with VanProoyen on and learn more about 91��Ʒ�s Innovation Center!