My Philosophy
The best designers know more than how to make something look good…they understand why it works. That's why my students learn through authentic projects that combine strategy, research, storytelling and hands-on experience with industry-standard creative tools. Every assignment is an opportunity to think critically, ask better questions and understand the responsibility that comes with visual communication.
One of the first conversations we have each semester is about the difference between an artist and a visual communicator. I ask students to leave the "artist" ego at the door and instead approach every project with curiosity, empathy and a willingness to solve problems. While artistic talent is certainly valuable, success in the creative profession depends just as much on listening, asking thoughtful questions, challenging assumptions, communicating ideas objectively and embracing critique as part of the creative process. These are the skills that transform talented designers into trusted creative partners.
Just as importantly, I strive to create a learning environment where curiosity is encouraged, questions are welcomed and thoughtful critique builds confidence rather than fear. My goal isn't simply to prepare students for their first design job…it's to help them become creative thinkers, collaborative problem-solvers and ethical leaders who leave the classroom with the confidence to create meaningful work and the courage to trust their own voice.
Click here to read my full philosophy
Click here to read my full philosophy
What I teach
Creative Strategy & Design Thinking:
I teach students that great design begins long before the first sketch…and yes they should sketch! Through research, empathy and human-centered design, I challenge them to define the real problem, develop audience personas, test assumptions and use design thinking to create solutions that are both strategic and meaningful. Software becomes the tool…not the lesson.
Software: Photoshop | Illustrator | InDesign | System workflows
I teach students that great design begins long before the first sketch…and yes they should sketch! Through research, empathy and human-centered design, I challenge them to define the real problem, develop audience personas, test assumptions and use design thinking to create solutions that are both strategic and meaningful. Software becomes the tool…not the lesson.
Software: Photoshop | Illustrator | InDesign | System workflows
Brand Identity System Design:
I guide students through the same discovery process I use with professional clients, helping them uncover the story behind a brand before designing a single logo. Together we develop audience personas, positioning, messaging, responsive identity systems and comprehensive brand standards while exploring how thoughtful branding influences perception, trust and emotional connection.
Software: Illustrator | InDesign | Photoshop
I guide students through the same discovery process I use with professional clients, helping them uncover the story behind a brand before designing a single logo. Together we develop audience personas, positioning, messaging, responsive identity systems and comprehensive brand standards while exploring how thoughtful branding influences perception, trust and emotional connection.
Software: Illustrator | InDesign | Photoshop
Advertising Design:
I teach advertising as strategic problem-solving rather than decoration. Students begin by researching audiences, building personas and testing creative concepts before developing integrated campaigns that combine storytelling, copywriting and visual communication to move people to action.
Software: Photoshop | Illustrator | InDesign
I teach advertising as strategic problem-solving rather than decoration. Students begin by researching audiences, building personas and testing creative concepts before developing integrated campaigns that combine storytelling, copywriting and visual communication to move people to action.
Software: Photoshop | Illustrator | InDesign
Publication & Editorial Design:
I use publication design to teach students how to organize information into meaningful experiences. Through typography, hierarchy, grids and editorial storytelling, they learn that great layouts don't simply look beautiful—they help readers navigate, understand and engage with content.
Software: InDesign | Illustrator | Photoshop
I use publication design to teach students how to organize information into meaningful experiences. Through typography, hierarchy, grids and editorial storytelling, they learn that great layouts don't simply look beautiful—they help readers navigate, understand and engage with content.
Software: InDesign | Illustrator | Photoshop
Typography & design principles:
Rather than teaching design principles as isolated rules, I integrate them into every project. Students learn how typography, hierarchy, balance, proximity, rhythm, contrast and color influence perception and decision-making, allowing them to understand not just how design works…but why.
Software: InDesign | Illustrator
Rather than teaching design principles as isolated rules, I integrate them into every project. Students learn how typography, hierarchy, balance, proximity, rhythm, contrast and color influence perception and decision-making, allowing them to understand not just how design works…but why.
Software: InDesign | Illustrator
User Experience (UX/UI) Design:
I encourage students to think like designers and researchers. From persona development and user journeys to wireframes, prototypes and usability testing, they learn to validate ideas through observation and iteration while designing websites, mobile applications and digital experiences that put people first.
Software: Adobe XD | Figma | Illustrator | Photoshop
I encourage students to think like designers and researchers. From persona development and user journeys to wireframes, prototypes and usability testing, they learn to validate ideas through observation and iteration while designing websites, mobile applications and digital experiences that put people first.
Software: Adobe XD | Figma | Illustrator | Photoshop
Principles I emphasize:
Design Foundations
Design Foundations
• Design Thinking
• Typography
• Visual Hierarchy
• Color & Composition
• Branding & Identity
• Visual Storytelling
• Visual Systems
• The Art of 'Stepping Away'
• Accessibility & Inclusive Design
• Typography
• Visual Hierarchy
• Color & Composition
• Branding & Identity
• Visual Storytelling
• Visual Systems
• The Art of 'Stepping Away'
• Accessibility & Inclusive Design
Strategic Thinking
• Research & Discovery
• Audience-Centered Design
• Audience and Brand Persona
• Brand Strategy
• Concept Development
• Critical Thinking
• Brand voice & tone
• Objective vs. Subjective Critique
• Audience-Centered Design
• Audience and Brand Persona
• Brand Strategy
• Concept Development
• Critical Thinking
• Brand voice & tone
• Objective vs. Subjective Critique
Professional Practice
• Creative Collaboration
• Client Relationships
• Presentation & Communication
• Ethics for Creatives
• Workplace Readiness
• Entrepreneurial Preparedness
• Networking in Practice
• Client Relationships
• Presentation & Communication
• Ethics for Creatives
• Workplace Readiness
• Entrepreneurial Preparedness
• Networking in Practice
