For more than two decades, I've taught graphic design at Santa Fe College, helping students develop not only technical proficiency with industry-standard software, but the strategic thinking, research skills and creative confidence needed to solve real-world communication challenges.
My classroom mirrors my professional practice. Students learn through authentic projects that integrate design theory, brand strategy, audience research, UX thinking and visual storytelling while building fluency in Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma and other industry-standard tools. My goal has always been to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional creative practice. https://www.sfdmt.com/
My Teaching Philosophy
The best designers know more than how to make something look good, they understand why it works. That's why my students learn design through authentic projects that combine strategy, research and storytelling with hands-on experience using industry-standard creative tools. By pairing strategy with craft, I encourage students to think critically about the decisions they make, the audiences they serve and the responsibility that comes with visual communication.
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.
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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
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 Thinking
• Typography
• Visual Hierarchy
• Color & Composition
• Branding & Identity
• Visual Storytelling
• Accessibility & Inclusive Design
• Typography
• Visual Hierarchy
• Color & Composition
• Branding & Identity
• Visual Storytelling
• Accessibility & Inclusive Design
Strategic Thinking
• Research & Discovery
• Audience-Centered Design
• Brand Strategy
• Concept Development
• Critical Thinking
• Objective vs. Subjective Critique
• Audience-Centered Design
• Brand Strategy
• Concept Development
• Critical Thinking
• Objective vs. Subjective Critique
Professional Practice
• Creative Collaboration
• Client Relationships
• Presentation & Communication
• Professional Practice & Ethics
• Workplace Readiness
• Freelance & Entrepreneurial Preparedness
• Networking
• Client Relationships
• Presentation & Communication
• Professional Practice & Ethics
• Workplace Readiness
• Freelance & Entrepreneurial Preparedness
• Networking
…I love to teach because design is about more than what we create.
It's about the people we empower &
the change we make possible…
It's about the people we empower &
the change we make possible…
