Kimmie Parker

Associate Professor of Graphic Design
Graphic Design Program Director

Kimmie Fabian Parker is a graphic designer, writer, artist, and educator. Her creative practice explores entrepreneurial opportunities within the field of graphic design, and the ways in which designers leverage technology to exercise their creative skills on their own terms. From typeface design to surface pattern design, from illustration to DIY publishing, Kimmie sees design as a way to make connections: between theory and form, process and outcome, people and communities. Currently, she works alongside students to design and produce “everyday” products such as stickers, t-shirts, tote bags, etc. that cater to the social communities they are a part of, while developing sustainable online and in-person sales opportunities.

She holds a BS in Merchandising from Michigan State University, a BFA in Graphic Design from Wayne State University, and an MFA in 2D Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art. Prior to joining OU, she worked as an in-house environmental graphic designer and art director, and as a freelance designer and design consultant. She has presented her work at Motion Design Educators’ Conference (MoDE), Design History Society’s Annual Conference, AIGA’s Decipher Conference, and Design Incubation’s Colloquium Series. 

Kimmie serves as Associate Director of Oakland’s Center for Public Humanities where she seeks to serve the larger southeast Michigan community through public programming and projects such as the rejuvenation of the Pontiac Oral History Archive housed within the Oakland University Library Archive. She also serves as Director of OU’s Graphic Design program. She is president emeritus of AIGA Detroit, and treasurer of DesignInquiry, an international non-profit organization that explores pressing issues in design and culture through residencies and experimental publications.