Wisconsin Faculty Brings Horror Design to Life in Halloween-Themed Event

Russ Merritt is the state program coordinator for Rasmussen College’s Wisconsin and Illinois campuses and the mastermind behind Dark Art. He says he wanted to coordinate an event that was educational, fun and seasonal. He recounts growing up watching Chiller Theater and “has always had a love for all things monster.”

It was that special interest that inspired the idea for the Dark Art event. Merritt’s presentation provided a brief history of horror in mass media and the design elements of horror art. Students and faculty dissected examples of horror movie posters, rock band covers, games, books and various websites to discuss color, theme, layout and compensation.

“I wanted to show that everything—even monster movies—needs to be designed by someone,” Merritt explained.

He stressed to students that design is ubiquitous, joking that “even really bad things need really good design.” The audience learned that typography, color, pacing, angles, lighting, printing and sound all have to have someone behind the scenes to make it happen.

Merritt says he hopes his event opened students’ eyes to the wide scope of career opportunities beyond the usual jobs people think of in the design industry.

“There are multiple opportunities out there and there is a niche for everyone!” he said.

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