During my time at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mia Hanekamp founded Moda Magazine, the school's first and only life and style publication. I remember going to the very first UW Fashion Week and covering the event for CollegeFashionista. It was so exciting to be a part of it back then, so I was thrilled to have been invited to the Finale Fashion Show and return as an alum. The talent of these college students is amazing, and it's cool to witness a project that they're so passionate about.

Each day this week, I'm featuring a different member of the Moda Magazine staff and recapping the fashion show. Today I'm chatting with Allie Folino, the Art Director of Moda. She's a senior majoring in Journalism and Communication Arts with certificates in Gender & Women's Studies and Studio Art.

Check out my Q&A with Allie to find out more about her and Moda Magazine:

My Midwest Is Showing: What is your role at Moda Magazine, and what does it entail? 

Allie Folino: I am all things visual at Moda Magazine. As our Art Director, I am in charge of the online, social and print magazine visual branding and graphic design. As the AD for two years, we have created over 30 issues and publications, which is something I am really proud of - committing to tackling more while not sacrificing quality. Our Moda staff has been really great about churning out high quality work on the regular. I am also a photographer and contributing writer for the publications.  I always joke with people about how I don't think a day goes by without Adobe Creative Suite being opened on my computer! Moda is a lot of work, but is the most enjoyable "work" I have ever done.

MMWIS: What was your role in UW Fashion Week? 

AF: For fashion week, I was in charge of the graphic design content - animations, images and graphic designs, specifically to promote the event. I love UW Fashion Week, so I always try to get my hands in any volunteering opportunities or helping out where I could! 

MMWIS: What's your dream job? 

AF: Also a good question. For people who know what I do at Moda, I joke that I would love, essentially, to do something like this in a full-blown professional career one day. That is, doing art direction in for a major women's publication, particularly one that is feminist-focused . For now, I have my sights set on New York post-graduation am planning on going to graduate school at some point.

MMWIS: What's your hometown? 

AF: This is a tough one! I grew up moving a lot, but I am undeniably Midwesterner. I spent my childhood shuffling around Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, and Wisconsin with my parents and my brother. When people ask me this question, I usually just say "the Midwest" which I think works well, because I really never stop moving, adventuring, and exploring new places! 

MMWIS: Why did you choose to go to UW-Madison? 

AF: Why I chose UW? Close to family and AMAZING academics in a beautiful city. Why I stayed? The people. The progressive and forward-thinkers. And Moda. :) 

MMWIS: Favorite thing about the Midwest? 

AF: Hm. Also a tough one! The lakes, the seasons, the kindness of the people....oh, and the cheese.

MMWIS: How does your Midwest show through your personality and/or what you do? 

AF: I think that I tend to, as my family and friends would probably agree, work myself to the bone. I think that my Midwesterner work ethic shows in many things I do in that I really try to not half-ass things (excuse my French!). I really love to love what I do, and as an artist, I think that is a no-brainer. 

Don't miss my Q&A with the other staff members of Moda Magazine: 

Meg Rotter, Editor in Chief

Claire Hornacek, Deputy Editor

Kelsey Daykin, Co-Creative Director

Reilly Koch, Co-Creative Director

Be sure to check out Moda Magazine, and stay up to date with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!