Watkins College of Art Welcomes Cheryl D. Holmes Miller as Designer-in-Residence

Miller to teach spring course on decolonizing graphic design

The Watkins College of Art announced Cheryl D. Holmes Miller as its 2024-2025 designer-in-residence. Miller, an acclaimed graphic designer and passionate advocate for diversity in the field, brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the College's design program. 

Dean James Pierce was inspired to invite Miller after reading her essay on decolonizing graphic design.  

"The purpose of the designer-in-residence, or the scholar-in-residence, is to bring in an outside expert or some notable experience to our students,” Pierce explained. “In the case of Cheryl, we have this world-renowned graphic designer who is noteworthy in the fact that she had one of the first woman-owned and Black-owned design firms in New York City in the 80s." 

Pierce was particularly impressed by Miller's unique combination of expertise. "She's won AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) medals for her work, and interestingly, she also holds a Master of Divinity degree," he noted. "This is an exciting combination at a place like Belmont. A world-renowned designer who also has a divinity degree and is an ordained minister is not something you normally come across." 

The dean emphasized that Miller's work in highlighting diversity issues in graphic design was a key factor in her selection.  

"She gained notoriety when she published an article that pointed out the lack of Black graphic designers and overall diversity in the field," Pierce said.  

He added that Miller's follow-up article decades later showed there had been very little growth in diversity, underscoring the ongoing relevance of her work and perspective. 

Miller's role as designer-in-residence will include teaching a course in the spring on decolonizing graphic design, as well as engaging with students during various activities throughout the academic year.  

"If you really want to find your designer's voice, purpose and mission and go deep into you the why of why you want to be a designer, this is the class to be in," Miller said about her spring course. "I'm going to take you through the course of design history, but it will really encourage you to ask questions about origin and ethnicity. Where are you in this story?" 

Her recent campus visit showcased the impact she's already making on Belmont's design community. 

During her visit, Miller conducted four class visits, held portfolio reviews with students and took part in a Creative Professional Lecture Series panel discussion entitled "Decolonizing Graphic Design" alongside MaryAnne Howland, founder and CEO of Ibis Communications, and alumnus visual artist and illustrator Xavier Payne (pictured, left). 

Emphasizing the importance of transforming their work into professional-level projects, Miller advised students to think beyond their student portfolios by leveraging local connections and taking initiative to create community-focused designs. Miller also highlighted the need to preserve the history of Black design, noting her desire to create an institutional installation of her studio's evolution, reflecting on how "design never changes; it's the technology that does." 

Miller expressed her admiration for Belmont's design program.  

"I felt the school was extremely well balanced, and I was happy to see a good foundational curriculum embedded within the student body," she noted, particularly impressed with the students' maturity and focus on design research at every level. 

Miller’s appointment as designer-in-residence marks an exciting new chapter at Watkins. Her course will challenge students to look beyond the traditional Eurocentric male design canon, encouraging them to explore their own cultural histories in design. Miller’s expertise, passion and commitment to diversity in design promise to inspire students and prepare them for successful careers in an evolving industry.