Emily Hodges is an award-winning, multidisciplinary designer, artist, and innovator with a passion for sustainability, cultural storytelling, and creative problem-solving.
With advanced degrees in Graphic Design (MFA) and Human-Computer Interaction (MS), Emily combines technical expertise and artistic vision to create thoughtful solutions that bridge design, functionality, and environmental + social consciousness. She has been working in the marketing and advertising sector for over ten years, with a heavy focus on regional nonprofits in West-Central Texas, Southern California, & Western Illinois.
Emily's work reflects a deep interest in blending art + design with an innovative twist to connect with her community. She is passionate about generating creative, user-centric designs to inspire positive change. Her master’s thesis, the Caravan Craft Kit System, exemplifies a commitment to sustainability and multifunctional design by encouraging creative reuse + reducing material waste.
When not designing, Emily enjoys reading the classics, honing her photography skills, journaling, and planning her next travel adventure.
Contact Emily
Contact Emily
It all begins with an idea.
Let’s Connect
kaigh.creative@gmail.com
Curriculum Vitae
Education
2021-2024 Iowa State University
Graphic Design
Master of Fine Arts
2021-2024 Iowa State University
Human-Computer Interaction
Master of Science
2012-2016 Unversity of Northern Iowa
Graphic Design / Marketing: Advertising and Digital Media
Bachelor of Arts
Academic Appointments
Iowa State University
2023-2024 Instructor of Record
ARTGR 272: Digital Photography for Graphic Design
ARTGR 274: Typography II
2021-2024 Graduate Research Assistant / Workshop Leader
CyPress Letterpress Lab
Professional Appointments
2016- Freelance Designer
Based in Des Moines, IA
2018-2020 Zachry Associates
Graphic Designer
Abilene, TX
2018-2019 Basketball Smiles
International Digital Marketing Director
Abilene, TX
2014-2016 University of Northern Iowa
Office of Univerity Relations
Student Graphic Designer
Cedar Falls, IA
Conference Presentations
APR 2024 Innovation + Entrepreneurship Symposium: Ecologies of Care II
Panel Speaker on Sustainability
Exhibitions
FEB 2025 Within the Layers
Mainframe Studios / Des Moines, IA
NOV 2024 New Perspectives in Graphic Design Thesis Show
Gallery 181 / Iowa State University
MAY 2024 2023-2024 Focus Grant Exhibition
Memorial Union Art Gallery / Iowa State University
APR 2024 Innovation + Entrepreneurship Exhibition: Ecologies of Care II
Student Innovation Center / Iowa State University
DEC 2023 Hide and Seek Ornaments You Keep
Greater DSM Partnership / Des Moines, IA
MAY 2022 Letterpress Book Arts Class Exhibition
Mainframe Studios / Des Moines, IA
MAY 2016 Senior Show
Kamerick Art Gallery / University of Northern Iowa
AUG 2011 Photography Exhibition
Iowa State Fair / Des Moines, IA
AUG 2009 Photography Exhibition
Iowa State Fair / Des Moines, IA
Awards & Honors
APR 2024 ADAI Board Choice
Book Arts / similar but not the same
APR 2024 ADAI Award of Excellence
Book Arts / similar but not the same
APR 2024 ADAI Award of Excellence
Editorial / Malta Historic Structures Report
APR 2024 Innovation + Entrepreneurship Exhibition: Ecologies of Care II
Scholarship Award / Artist Book: similar but not the same
OCT 2023 Focus Art Grant
Art Grant / Artist Books: Remnants 01 and 02
Published Works
DEC 2024 Reduce, reuse, redefine: An interactive framework for repurposing packaging materials
through a sustainability-focused craft kit system using traditional and digital methods
MFA/MS Thesis
View on ISU Digital Repository
APR 2017 Uprising Magazine / Issue 3
University of Northern Iowa
View on Issuu.com
MAR 2016 Uprising Magazine / Issue 2
University of Northern Iowa
View on Issuu.com
MAY 2015 Uprising Magazine / Issue 1
University of Northern Iowa
View on Issuu.com