Hey, I’m Emma!

My name is Emma Waggoner (Thompson), and I am a recent graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with a BFA in graphic design. At UCO, I was named a 2025 GDUSA Student to Watch and interned at Polymode Studio, the leading educator of BIPOC Design History. While at Polymode, I gained professional experience in research, branding, and course development, specifically on Native design history. I was also very fortunate to contribute to the curation of Reverberations: Lineages in Design History at the Ford Foundation Gallery in New York City. Additionally, I spent two semesters in a semi-professional design studio, Inktank, where I gained hands-on experience in client communication, project management, expanding design systems, and adapting to real-world challenges.

Beyond my hands-on experience, I’ve been recognized with awards at both local and national levels for my work in package design, brand systems, and layout design. As an outgoing, bold, and personable designer, I thrive in collaborative environments where I can push creative boundaries and continue expanding my skill set.