Aspiring Graphic Designers - Degrees, Tools, A.I., & Advice from Professor, Student, & Professionals

Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.In this episode, we enter the world of graphic design while we were onsite for the GIG - The Art of Michigan Music⁠⁠ event in November 2025. We spoke with Professor of Graphic Design at Jackson College, Christie Hughes, and one of her student's Jaylen Westbrook⁠⁠. They discuss the curriculum, tools, and the approach to the associate degree at Jackson College. Four professional graphic designers ( Carl Lundgren⁠, ⁠Dennis Preston⁠, ⁠Matthew Jacobson⁠, ⁠Jonathan Doyle⁠⁠) from concert posters to corporate design interject their experiences, advice, and passion for design. Of course, what would a conversation be today without the topic of artificial intelligence. Listen to hear their thoughts and outlook on this new tool or curse to the craft depending on how you look at it. Matthew Jacobson's Ignite TalkIgnite Talk • The Color of Money