We live immersed in a constant flow of images and visual content that shape how we communicate, think, and interact. In this ever-evolving landscape, Communication Design & Art Direction emerges as a key discipline—able to interpret today’s visual languages and imagine those of tomorrow. At Istituto Marangoni Milano Design, Communication Design & Art Direction is conceived as an open and interdisciplinary lab. Here, students learn to read the signs of their time and translate them into coherent, innovative and meaningful visual projects.

With over 90 years of experience and active collaborations with leading players in the creative industries, Istituto Marangoni Milano Design shapes a new generation of professionals in Communication Design & Art Direction and digital communication. Located in the heart of the Milan Design District, students acquire both strategic vision and technical expertise to pursue careers in art direction, UX/UI design, brand strategy and digital storytelling.

Studying Communication Design & Art Direction at Istituto Marangoni Milano Design means entering a dynamic environment focused on the future of the creative industry. Thanks to partnerships with top-tier brands like Ferrari and Smeg, students work on real briefs and take part in major events such as Milano Design Week. Programmes incorporate emerging technologies—artificial intelligence, augmented reality, the metaverse—to develop future-proof skills. Talented students are also supported through scholarships promoted in collaboration with international creative agencies such as Monogrid and M&C Saatchi.

Design Holds Memory: the project in collaboration with Smeg

One of the flagship projects of 2025 was the significant collaboration between Istituto Marangoni Milano Design and Smeg, which gave rise to “Design Holds Memories”—a creative and immersive journey led by students from the Master's in Digital Design for Immersive Experiences and Digital Art Direction.

At the heart of the project was the iconic FAB28 refrigerator, reinterpreted through conceptual installations, sensorial environments, and a digital communication campaign that blended storytelling, art, and technology. The result was an immersive experience and a public contest, where visitors were invited to vote for their favorite FAB28 design.

Winning first place was student Matteo De Luca with his project “Seven Shapes”, a personal and visual exploration of memory expressed through geometric forms and symbolic meaning. Alongside him, Mariana Prestes and Yuetong Shi also showcased their interpretations—two distinct yet complementary projects that highlighted original approaches to the theme, combining visual language with thoughtful design reflection.

The voices and faces of Communication Design & Art Direction

Our Alumni share real stories of professional growth—beginning within the classrooms of Istituto Marangoni Milano Design and continuing in leading creative environments worldwide. Former students now hold key positions in agencies, design studios, global companies and innovative start-ups. Different paths, all built on a solid education and a shared vision of design as a cultural, social and aesthetic force.

Ludovica Messina, Architecture at Lombardini22
"After graduating in Set and Costume Design, I felt the need to update my skills with cutting-edge technological tools, which are increasingly central in the world of contemporary art. That’s why I chose Istituto Marangoni: a private academy, yes, but one that genuinely reinvests in the talent of its students, offering direct access to professionals, brands, and prominent artists across various sectors. The Master's in Digital Design for Immersive Experience broadened my perspective, projecting me into a world full of stimuli and possibilities, opening up new opportunities in the field of digital design and immersive experiences, which are in high demand today.
Thanks to the career service, I had the opportunity to enter the workforce immediately, starting a collaboration with the architecture firm Lombardini22. Here, alongside the FudFactory team, I’m expanding my cross-disciplinary skills in design and digital visualization, working on 2D and 3D content, and deepening my understanding of AI integration, both in design and broader contexts. This path took shape precisely thanks to Istituto Marangoni’s innovative and multidisciplinary approach.
Even though I was fortunate to find a stimulating workplace right away, one of Marangoni’s greatest strengths is its ongoing support even after graduation. They continue to follow your career and remain a reference point for new opportunities or changes in direction over time—a solid network you can rely on for the long term."

Federica Pochini, Junior Designer at Balich Wonder Studio
"I attended the Master's in Digital Design for Immersive Experience at Istituto Marangoni in Milan, an intense and inspiring program that helped me turn my passion into something concrete. Today, I work as a Junior Designer in the Destination Experience division at Balich Wonder Studio, a company I’ve always admired and which is now part of my creative everyday life.
During the master’s, I had the chance to work on real projects with brands like Ferrari Style and Samsung—valuable experiences that helped me grow both personally and professionally.
It was thanks to Marangoni that I met Francesco Bernabei, the course tutor, who gave me the opportunity to start an internship at his company, Monogrid, as a creative and set designer. That’s where it all began: it was my first real work experience and a key step in my journey. Today, I continue to explore and discover new approaches in this creative and dynamic world, always carrying with me the design methodology and international outlook that Marangoni instilled in me."

Martina Mandato, Visual Designer at Ready2Fly
"My time at Marangoni was essential in building a solid foundation and deepening the relationship between design and innovation. The Visual Design course gave me the opportunity to experiment with new technologies, which are increasingly central to our field, and to tackle projects that combine creativity, research, and advanced digital software.
Among the most important opportunities I received was taking part in (and winning) the Jo Malone London competition, thanks to which I was able to bring to life an illustrated packaging project for an international brand, even while still in university. This experience proved invaluable in my subsequent path: I interned at Beyond the Line, a communication agency based in Milan, where I had the chance to work with fashion brands and more, getting hands-on experience with the real dynamics of the industry.
Today, I’m working on building my visual identity—a personal journey that’s helping me define who I am as a designer. My goal is to bring this vision abroad, to engage with new realities and continue growing both professionally and personally."

Steven Catalino, Art Director / Graphic Designer, M&C Saatchi Milano

"Currently, I work as an Art Director / Graphic Designer at M&C Saatchi Milano. I attended the Digital Art Direction course at Marangoni in Milan in 2022–2023. I believe the program was closely aligned with the skillset required for the Art Director role in Italy. The brand projects and collaborations offered great opportunities to take on that role even while still studying. When I started working at the agency, I noticed that the work closely mirrored what we had learned in class. However, what I personally appreciated the most was developing a thesis that combined aspects of design, sociology, psychology, and media studies related to new technologies in the field of Communication Design & Art Direction. Marangoni also helped me build a strong professional network. The staff and professors are highly active in the industry, which provided us with valuable connections in a market that heavily relies on referrals."

Communication Design & Art Direction Courses – Istituto Marangoni Milano Design

Discover all active programmes in our academic offering:

• Visual Design
  Shape brand identities with visual and digital tools
  A three-year (BA Hons) programme covering graphic design, video, 3D and UX/UI, with strong focus on branding, visual storytelling and portfolio development.
  
  
• Design Innovation for Emerging Technologies
  Design experiences across physical and digital worlds
  A Master's programme focused on AI, VR/AR, XR, 3D printing and generative design for immersive environments.
  
  
• Digital Design for Immersive Experiences
  Experiences to live, explore and remember
  A Master's course developed with mentorship from Monogrid, dedicated to designing experiential spaces and installations for culture, events and retail.
  
  
• Digital Art Direction
  Build creative visions. Lead global projects.
  A Master’s developed with M&C Saatchi: branding, strategy, concept design and storytelling for international advertising.
  
  
• Communication Design
  Creative thinking, media languages, communication strategies
  A Master’s programme exploring the intersection of art direction and multimedia, with a focus on sociology, digital media and high-impact campaign design.

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visual design projects