Monica Maccaux

Monica Maccaux is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Graphic Design Program at the University of Nevada, Reno. With over 14 years of experience in the design and advertising industries, she has established herself as a prominent figure in graphic design education and practice.

Educational Background

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Communications Design from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY (2004).
• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Graphic Design from Otis College of Art & Design, Los Angeles (2012), where her thesis focused on typeface design, specifically a typeface named "Tri-type" tailored for triathlon sports.

Professional Experience

Maccaux has collaborated with a diverse range of clients, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, including notable names like Chase, Reebok, and the Borgata Hotel & Casino. Her work spans various areas, particularly branding and typography. She has designed unique typefaces, such as "Motorix," which features alternate letterforms and has been applied in various commercial contexts, including apparel for a bike shop in Italy.12

Awards and Recognition

In 2020, Maccaux received two German Design Awards for her innovative designs in branding and typography. One award was for a cycling kit designed for the Las Vegas Women’s Cycling team, aiming to create standout apparel that departs from typical sponsorship-heavy designs. The other was for her Motorix typeface, which showcases her creative approach to typography.2

Research Interests

Maccaux's research focuses on the evolution of typography and language, exploring its historical context from classic typefaces like Bodoni to modern expressions such as emojis and abbreviations. She investigates how typefaces influence audience perception and speculates on future developments in language presentation.1

Teaching Responsibilities

As the Director of the Graphic Design Program, Maccaux manages a program with approximately 130 students. She teaches courses such as Art 210 and Art 256, integrating her real-world design experience into her curriculum to enhance student learning.34

Through her multifaceted career as an educator and designer, Monica Maccaux continues to inspire students while contributing significantly to the field of graphic design.