WHITNEY RUSH
Curriculum vitae
Designer · Educator · Artist
Professional work published under Whitney Holden.
Education
Expected July 2027
Vermont College of Fine Arts
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
2011
The University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art, concentration in Communication Design
Academic appointments
2025–present
University of North Texas
Senior Lecturer and Program Coordinator, Graphic Design
2022–2025
University of North Texas
Lecturer and Program Coordinator, Graphic Design
2021–2022
University of North Texas
Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Design
2014 & 2021
The University of Texas at Arlington
Adjunct Instructor, Department of Art and Art History
Courses taught
2021–present
University of North Texas
Introduction to Communication Design · ADES 1500
Typography I · ADES 1510
Foundations for Communication Design · ADES 1540
Image Making and Color Theory · ADES 2515
Publication Design · ADES 3500
Interaction Design I · ADES 3510
Portfolio Development · ADES 4541
Professional Internship · ADES 4700
2014 & 2021
The University of Texas at Arlington
Layout · ART 2355
Sustainable Design · ART 3357
Visual Identity Systems · ART 4355
Research and creative inquiry
2024–present
Communication, participation, and belonging in design education
MFA research at Vermont College of Fine Arts examines clearer communication and practical adjustments in studio learning. A zine-format conversation guide for neurodivergent students and design instructors is in progress.
Presentations and invited speaking
2026
Circles Conference · Grapevine, Texas
From Classroom to Career: How Community and Belonging Create Competitive Work. Developed and facilitated a 90-minute workshop for 17 attendees.
2026
Vermont College of Fine Arts · Summer Residency
Inner Worlds: A Collage Workshop for Mindful Exploration. A 90-minute workshop at the California Institute of the Arts campus, Valencia, California.
2021
Innovate(her) Conference
Guest speaker, The University of Texas at Dallas
2012
National Association of Professional Women
Guest speaker, Fort Worth
Professional awards and recognition
2026
DSVC Dallas Show · Bronze
Liquid Soul Sustainable Coffee, Packaging Design
2026
Creative Quarterly · Winner
Liquid Soul Sustainable Coffee, Packaging Design
2025
Graphis Packaging 11 · Silver
Liquid Soul Sustainable Coffee, Packaging Design
2025
62nd GDUSA Design Awards · Winner
Liquid Soul Sustainable Coffee, Packaging Design
2025
62nd GDUSA Design Awards · Winner
It’s About Time, Book Cover Illustration
2024
61st GDUSA Design Awards · Winner
Autism: The Invisible Spectrum, Collage Series
2024
Graphis Design 2025 · Silver
Autism: The Invisible Spectrum, Collage Series
2024
DSVC Dallas Show · Bronze Bulb
Autism: The Invisible Spectrum, Collage Series
2024
Creative Quarterly, Issue 76 · Winner
Autism: The Invisible Spectrum, Collage Series
2018
AAF and Ad 2 Dallas
32 Under 32 Honoree
Student awards and recognition
View the full student awards and recognition record →
Published writing
2021
Shutterstock Blog · Educational Writing
Authored 12 educational articles on Adobe InDesign and print production, including paragraph styles, file packaging, PDF export, and preparing files for press.
Industry experience
2020–present
Rush Creative, formerly Studio Holden
Independent creative practice. Brand identity, print, and interaction design. Clients include American Airlines, madison/miles media, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Shutterstock, and Rooster Teeth.
2020
Dodd Creative Group · Creative Director
Branding, print collateral, and signage for luxury apartment developers and other clients.
2017–2020
Mary Kay Inc. · Design Studio Supervisor
Supervised seven designers and production artists; led major publications and sales support materials.
2013–2017
madison/miles media · Graphic Designer
Publications, print and digital collateral, websites, and presentations.
2013–2014
Group 1200 Media · Graphic Designer
Funimation, Echolight, and Giant Ape. Branding and packaging for anime and film; designed the Attack on Titan logo.
2012–2013
Living Magazine and Chansen Media Group
Digital Media Manager
2011–2012
Culture Farm
Art Director and Designer
Professional service and memberships
2010–present
AIGA Dallas Fort Worth
Active member
2021–2022
AIGA Dallas Fort Worth
Advisory Board Member
2016–2018; 2012–2013
AIGA Dallas Fort Worth
Membership Director
2011
AIGA Dallas Fort Worth
Secretary and Project Manager
2010
AIGA UTA Student Group
Co-Founder and President
Community programming
AIGA Dallas Fort Worth
Created The Deck, a collaborative card design project that became an annual tradition spanning a decade; chaired in 2017–2018. Chaired the INitiative Series (2012–2013), DFW Design Week’s Women in Design Day (2012), Sappi Standard 5 in Dallas, and Mentor Matchmaking 1 and 3. Guest speaker at Circles Conference (2017, 2018). Selected for AIGA National Leadership Retreats (2011, 2012, 2013, 2017).
2024–present
Dallas Society of Visual Communications
UNT Liaison and Member
2024
Lone Star International Wine Competition
Label Design Competition Judge, Grapevine, Texas