ABOUT
Studio 165+ is Ball State University’s student-led design studio, where graphic design students collaborate with real clients on professional design and communication projects. Operating as both a creative studio and an immersive learning environment, Studio 165+ bridges academic study and professional practice through research-driven, conceptually grounded design solutions. Students gain hands-on experience managing client relationships, developing creative strategies, presenting ideas, and producing work across print, digital, and environmental media. Since its founding in 2017, Studio 165+ has partnered with nonprofit organizations, cultural institutions, community initiatives, small businesses, and university departments throughout Indiana and beyond. Past collaborators have included the Mayor's Arts Awards, The Facing Project, Muncie's Bridge Dinner, PlySpace, WCRD, the Muncie Arts & Culture Trail, Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District, SciAll, Radiance Cinema, Queer Chocolatier, and numerous other organizations seeking thoughtful, impactful visual communication.
The studio’s work spans brand identity systems, publication design, social media campaigns, websites, motion graphics, environmental graphics, signage, event branding, and marketing communications. Because each cohort brings its own mix of interests, talents, and expertise, the studio’s capabilities continue to evolve while maintaining a commitment to design excellence and community engagement. Today, Studio 165+ serves as a launchpad for emerging designers, providing students with professional experience while creating meaningful design solutions for clients. Through collaboration, curiosity, and critical thinking, the studio prepares students to enter the design profession with confidence, a strong portfolio, and a deeper understanding of the role design plays in shaping communities and organizations.
MEET THE INSTRUCTOR
Shantanu Suman is a graphic designer and art director from India, currently serving as Associate Professor of Graphic Design at Ball State University. Over a career spanning more than twenty-two years, he has worked as a creative director, documentary filmmaker, entrepreneur, and educator. Shantanu began his career in the Indian advertising industry, spending more than six years at agencies including Leo Burnett, Saatchi & Saatchi, Ogilvy & Mather, McCann Worldgroup, and Publicis Communications. His work earned numerous international honors, including a Cannes Print Silver Lion, a D&AD In-Book Award, a Clio Bronze Award, and recognition at Asia Pacific AdFest.
In 2016, Shantanu joined Ball State University, where he founded Studio 165+. In 2021, Graphic Design USA named him a Person to Watch, and Indiana Campus Compact recognized him as an Emerging Leader in Community Engagement for his work in the Muncie community.
