Carey Watters

Carey Watters is a Professor and Director of Graphic Design in the Art and Design Department at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. She holds an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (2006) in printmaking and book arts, and a BFA in graphic design from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (1999). With over two decades of professional experience in graphic design since 1999, she brings substantial real-world perspective to her academic role.

Her educational background includes:

• MFA, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2006 (Printmaking and Book Arts)
• BFA, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 1999 (Graphic Design)

Watters' research is deeply personal and mythical, focusing on ancient iconography—particularly forgotten saints and anonymous korai—as metaphors for women's experiences. Her work weaves together feminism, historic map making, and religious symbolism with strong influences from Byzantine architecture and her travels to southern Italy. She re-animates forgotten sculpted women, transforming them into powerful heroines through stenciled designs, symbolic red threads representing blood, jagged protective edges, and intellectual tickertape lines above their heads.

Her recent artistic output shows significant engagement with classical Roman arts, recognized by her 2023 Ecco Echo Award of Excellence. Her sole documented publication explores intersections between visual culture and economic systems.

Her notable awards include:

• Ecco Echo Award of Excellence, Classical Roman Arts Foundation (2023)
• Excellence in Research and Creative Activity Award, UW-Parkside (2023)
• Best in Show, Contemporary Exhibition of Wisconsin Artists (2022)
• Award of Excellence, Center for Visual Arts (2022)
• National Collage Society Juried Show Award (2015)
• Maryland Federation of Art Merit Award (2015)

As an educator, Watters teaches Typography II, Graphic Design II, Design Portfolio, and Professional Practice courses, emphasizing design fundamentals including hierarchy, visual unity, balance, space, color, and typographic clarity. She serves as a Faculty Mentor for internships and previously served on the Faculty Senate. Her consulting expertise includes project management, Design Thinking facilitation, and community-based mural projects.

Watters maintains an active professional presence through her personal website and continues to contribute significantly to both academic and artistic communities through exhibitions, publications, and service activities.