CCAD Stories

A new special topics course at Columbus College of Art & Design is proving that student art is for the birds—or the lions or bunnies or other wild animals at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

During a visit to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Chelsea Funk got a spark of inspiration that would ignite her senior fashion collection at Columbus College of Art & Design.

"Animation evolves with technology and access, creating opportunities for animators to tell diverse stories," says Animation Chair Charlotte Belland. CCAD's curriculum builds strong skills and encourages students to find their unique voice and story.

Before she found her calling as an artist and arts administrator, Linda Diec (MFA, 2013) thought she wanted to be a doctor. To that end, she started her undergraduate career as a pre-med biochemistry student. “But then I had a revelation,” she said. She changed her major first to architecture, then to art history, then to art

Elijah Funk (Fine Arts, 2012) embraces being "weird." At CCAD, he thrived with faculty support. Now, he co-owns Online Ceramics, designing sought-after T-shirts with Alix Ross.

High Bank Distillery Co. opens soon, offering craft cocktails, organic vodka, and custom whiskey. Co-founder Adam Hines credits CCAD for his entrepreneurial success and passion for creativity.

Before Kelli Williams started at CCAD, she was a photographer. Now Williams (Master of Fine Arts, 2017), blends experimental animation, photography, and installation — along with a hefty dose of wit — to as she creates art exploring social media’s impact on society.

CCAD alumni improve healthcare through medical illustration, virtual reality, user experience, art therapy, and dental restorations.

CCAD students collaborate with Veterans, using animation, film, and podcasts to depict the healing power of art-making.

CCAD MDes students teamed with Foertmeyer & Sons to innovate gardening retail. Projects included custom plant gifts, perennials as reminders, and mobile retail experiences.

CCAD Film & Video students collaborated with teen scriptwriters to create short films, enhancing their real-world filmmaking skills in a collaborative course.

CCAD Fashion Design students created a look book for Madison-USA, showcasing their skills in styling, design, and production, with the winning design to be unveiled Dec. 12, 2019.