Emily Burns

Emily Burns is an assistant professor of graphic design at Penn State. Her background in fine arts and design and practical experiences in painting, illustration, and photography bring a diverse, interdisciplinary approach to image-making within a design framework. She studied classical painting at Grand Central Academy Atelier in New York and worked for the renown popular culture artist, Jeff Koons. While in New York she taught and worked as a professional photographer for more than 10 years.

Upon earning an M.F.A. in Art with a concentration in Graphic Design from Penn State in 2017, she was honored to receive a teaching position at the school. In addition to teaching, she operates her own design studio founded in 2010, specializing in print, branding, packaging, and publication design.

Burns began her work in magazine publishing with five years as an editorial designer for Centered Magazine, and for a year as the designer for Penn State’s alumni magazine, The Penn Stater, and continues to design publications for a range of clients. In 2013, she founded the art publication, Maake Magazine, which features the work of contemporary artists, publishes exhibition reviews, and has interviewed over 150 artists. The magazine has partnered with galleries across the country to curate exhibitions and events.