Not many recent college graduates can say that they authored a
textbook before graduation. Max Friedman ’15, however, did just
that; researching, conceptualizing, illustrating, and designing a series
of textbooks on design fundamentals while still enrolled as a Kean
University student.
“I didn’t discover design until I was in high school, when my mother
brought me in to speak with a graphic design professor at Kean
University,” said Friedman. Years later that same professor, Rose
Gonnella, Assoc. Dean of the Michael Graves College, would become
Friedman’s collegiate mentor and co-creator of a series of textbooks
on the fundamentals of design. Friedman and Gonnella began work
on the Design Fundamentals series in October 2013. The two went
on to complete
Design Fundamentals: Visual Elements and Principles
of Composition
with Kean alumnus Christopher Navetta, and are now
working on their third book for Pearson’s Peach Pit division,
Design
Fundamentals: Notes on Type
.
As an undergraduate, Friedmanwas able toworkwith a topManhattan
advertising agency, KBS+, designing projects for American Express
and BMW. He also interned with the in-house design studio at Kean’s
Robert Busch School of Design, earning professional level awards
for his designs. Friedman was named Kean University’s Student
Researcher of the Year in 2015 for his innovative undergraduate work.
While still a Kean student, Friedman collaborated with the Enough
Project on “Look Who’s Getting Engaged,” a global advertising campaign
urging jewelry companies and consumers to shun conflict minerals
in favor of ethically sourced gold and gemstones. Friedman and his
teammates were recognized for their humanitarian efforts at Kean’s
Human Rights Conference with the Outstanding Human Rights Young
Adult Activist Award in 2015. His design work has also been recognized by
the Art Directors Club of New York, honoring him with the Portfolio Night
All-Star award.
In his work, Friedman strives to transport and captivate his audience, giving
them a new perspective on everything from a quaint Munich coffee shop
to the wonders of new, extra strength, dual-action Colgate toothpaste.
“Design is a window through which we see and learn more about others
and ourselves,” said Friedman. “In 10 years I hope that I’ll be in a position
where the stories I create and tell will affect and change the entire world
for the better.”
Friedman received four job offers upon graduation and landed at one of
the top advertising agencies in Manhattan, Droga5. He is thrilled to be
working on projects for companies that include Under Armour, belVita,
and Blizzard Entertainment.
“Words cannot express how thankful and appreciative I am for the
opportunities presented to me through Kean University and the Robert
Busch School of Design,” he said.
Max
Friedman
22
KEANmag
“Design is a window
through which we see
and learn more about
others and ourselves.”
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