Teaching Philosophy

We live in a visual culture. Students today are swamped with visual information from social media to 24/7 advertising. My goal is to help them learn how to sift and analyze this visual mass of information and produce materials that can cut through the visual noise. This inquiry starts with a concept that classifies, organizes, and examines the desired outcome to convey conclusions with clear visual, spoken, and written communication. Then, combined with my ten-plus years of design experience, I teach students practical design skills while helping them create portfolio-ready work using design software.

My classes are unique as they combine my knowledge of graphic design and fine arts. As a result, students get a breadth and depth of expertise that teaches them how to think and see the world differently while producing designs that push the boundaries of the practice. In addition, by receiving an education in color theory, art history, and fundamental compositional theories, there is a vast improvement in their work as they begin to incorporate fine art practices into their graphic design practice. Students also receive a dependable community in my classes through interactive presentations, rigorous peer-reviews, and weekly online synchronized meetings.

Successful academic instruction is more than just teaching from a syllabus. It engages students to think critically and prepares them for a career in art and design. It is about honing their skills to produce excellent designs that excel in inspiring their audiences—creating a visual narrative that is impactful and memorable. If I can enrich a student’s ability to think about, discuss, and produce a design with a new awareness of its aesthetic and humanistic significance, I am one step closer to succeeding as an instructor.