For Erin Kenney ’26, the journey through her four years at the Hartford Art School was one of passion, connection, and a deep sense of community. Erin, who will graduate soon with a degree in visual communication design, has transformed early inspiration from high school art classes and family encouragement into a meaningful and purpose-driven career path.
From the moment she arrived on campus, Erin embraced every opportunity to grow—not just as a designer, but as a professional-to-be. Through experiences like Agency Insider Day, her Professional Practices coursework, and participation in Crested Communications, she developed a strong foundation in both creative and strategic thinking. Faculty recommendations led her to industry events and networking opportunities outside the classroom that expanded her perspective and confidence.
Determined to make the most of her senior year, Erin set a clear goal: to graduate with real-world experience that would launch her career. With the support of her professors—who guided her in refining her portfolio, strengthening her resume, and building meaningful connections—she achieved exactly that. Before graduation, she secured a summer internship with Mintz & Hoke, a full-service advertising agency in Avon, Connecticut, and gained hands-on experience as a design intern with the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative.
What began as a research component of her senior capstone project evolved into one of Erin’s most impactful professional experiences. After focusing her thesis on a breast cancer awareness campaign titled “Lady Lumps,” she was connected through a professor to professionals working with the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative. That connection led to an opportunity to design graphics for their upcoming race event and eventually to play a role in planning the event itself. Over the course of the semester, Erin contributed meaningful creative work to a cause deeply personal to her.
Her thesis project, “Lady Lumps,” reflects both her creativity and the courage to weave in her own personal and emotional experience with the subject. Inspired by the loss of her mother to breast cancer, Erin set out to challenge the way breast health is discussed. By combining humor with thoughtful design, she created a campaign aimed at making conversations about self-examination more approachable and engaging for young women. Her research revealed a gap in messaging—which too often is excessively clinical and inaccessible—and she worked to fill that space with something vibrant, relatable, and impactful.
Erin credits much of her success to the relationships she built at the University of Hartford. Her professors played a critical role, consistently advocating for her and opening doors to professional opportunities. At the same time, her close-knit cohort of fellow visual communication design students provided a supportive and inspiring environment that pushed her to grow. Together they shared a memorable thesis exhibition titled Every Which Way, which symbolized both their diverse beginnings and the unique paths ahead.
Outside of her coursework, Erin immersed herself in campus life—participating in the JPEG Graphic Design Club and attending events across campus, from The Hartt School’s performances to events put on by Redtail Records, the Student Government Association, and WSAM. These experiences further enriched her time at UHart and contributed to her sense of belonging.
As Erin prepares to step into the professional world, she carries with her not only a strong skill set, but also a clear sense of purpose. Her advice to incoming students reflects her own journey: “Take risks, get involved, and treat every experience as an opportunity to learn.”
Erin Kenney '26, Hartford Art SchoolTake risks, get involved, and treat every experience as an opportunity to learn.