Design communications graduate Austin Schulenburg brings insights from growing Pen & Mug creative studio back to campus
Belmont alumnus Austin Schulenburg recently returned to campus for an alumni panel with the Watkins College of Art in collaboration with the Office of Career & Professional Development. Schulenburg is a graphic designer and the founder of Pen & Mug, a creative studio specializing in branding and website design.
Schulenburg, who graduated in 2016 with his degree in design communications with an emphasis in design administration, always saw himself as a creative person, but was uncertain where that creativity would leave him. While at Belmont, he started freelancing and using his design skills for friends, family and musicians outside of class time.
“Getting started and going for it when no one else asked you to do it — that’s a pretty Belmont thing to do,” Schulenburg remarked. “I’m glad to hear that’s still around at Belmont, because that's how it felt when I was in college. Everyone seemed to be juggling three projects at a time.”
This self-starter mentality served Schulenburg well after graduation. His first job right out of college was as a graphic designer and animator for HCA Healthcare. "I couldn't have asked for a better place to land because while I was trying to build a company, I got to have a job where I was learning from some awesome people. I didn't have to figure it all out on my own," said Schulenburg.
Building a Creative Legacy
During his time at HCA, he established Pen & Mug as an LLC, initially running it as a side hustle while gaining valuable experience in his day job. He worked at HCA for 5 years until Pen & Mug grew to the point where he didn't have enough time to do both.
Pen & Mug now has four full-time employees and five part-time employees — a dream come true for an entrepreneur who once took a huge leap of faith in quitting his job to start a business.
In addition to expanding their team, their clientele has grown significantly and made 2024 their best year for business yet. Pen & Mug has worked with clients such as Live on the Green, the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix and Qdoba.
“Live on the Green has been one of my favorite projects. That was an event that I was a huge fan of before I ever got to be involved in it,” he said. “I also loved how it looked — the graphic and web design for the festival were the coolest thing.”
Returning to Guide Future Creatives
When reflecting on his Belmont experience, Schulenburg values the connections he made and skills he developed beyond the classroom. "All those shared experiences with other students — like being a TT leader — provide so many social skills and helps you relate to people," he explains.
Beyond these personal connections, Schulenburg emphasizes that character and reliability have been crucial to his professional success. His main advice for future students is straightforward but powerful: "Follow through on what you say you will do. I've had a lot of people say that's something they appreciate about me, and I've realized it's rarer than you'd think. Do what you say you're going to do, and people will trust you. It's not that hard, but it will really set you apart."
Schulenburg's return to campus represents a full-circle moment, where the once-ambitious student now guides current Bruins toward their own creative careers. His journey embodies the entrepreneurial spirit Belmont continues to foster in its students today.
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