Jen Fenton

Position title: Senior Graphic Designer

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Email: jfenton3@wisc.edu

Jen Fenton standing in a well-lit building with arms crossed for a headshot

Education/Work History:

I discovered graphic design at a high school career fair and was immediately drawn to its unique blend of visual art and technology—two of my greatest strengths. I earned my BA in Visual Communication Design from Purdue University, where I was surrounded by engineers and often found myself grateful that my late-night study sessions involved illustration iterations rather than complex equations. One of the most formative courses I took was Color Psychology, which deepened my curiosity and revealed how design choices can profoundly influence how people engage with visual materials.

Over the years, my career has taken me through local design agencies, large in-house teams across the manufacturing, healthcare, and financial sectors, and prior to my role at UW-Madison, I took on an exciting challenge of helping launch an innovative health and science communication firm. These diverse experiences have shaped my specialization in science communication, where I use design to make complex ideas accessible, memorable, and impactful. I’m driven by a passion for continuous learning and storytelling that inspires innovation and progress. I also believe that the best ideas emerge through collaboration, and I bring a team-first, ego-free mindset to every project I lead.

What projects/initiatives do you specialize in?

I specialize in translating complex or abstract ideas into clear, compelling visual narratives that support strategic goals—especially in the context of science and innovation. My background in visual design allows me to craft cohesive brand experiences that are both aesthetically engaging and deeply purposeful. I’m particularly skilled at developing integrated visual and content strategies that bring initiatives to life in ways that resonate with diverse audiences.

As a collaborative designer, I thrive on building strong relationships across teams and disciplines. I enjoy facilitating idea generation and content development with both internal and external partners, ensuring that every project benefits from a shared vision. Whether I’m guiding a brand refresh or supporting a cross-campus initiative, I bring a balance of creative intuition, strategic thinking, and a people-first mindset to every stage of the process.

Who or what are your creative inspirations?

Outside of work, I find inspiration in many forms. As someone who thrives on visual stimulation, I’m energized by live performances—musicals, plays, concerts, and dance. These experiences fuel my creativity and keep my imagination vibrant. In contrast, I also value quiet moments that nurture reflection, like journaling, listening to music, and spending downtime with my family.

One of my greatest passions is working with horses, especially in dressage and working equitation. Beyond the physical discipline, I’m inspired by the science behind the human-horse connection—specifically heart rate variability (HRV) coherence, where our heart rhythms can synchronize with those of horses. This calming, intuitive bond not only deepens my appreciation for all living things but also fuels my creativity, offering a unique sense of balance and clarity that I bring into my design work.