Students' Work

Mississippi State University: Intro to Computing for Artists & Designers

Teaching Philosophy

Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic and faithful, and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. // Ralph Waldo Emerson

I see the purpose of my profession as an all-important job to enthuse, encourage, and educate the designers of tomorrow. Graphic design is not a field to be viewed as mundane and easy, and I operate my classroom in a way that demonstrates these truths. At the same time, I express my love of design so that students may enjoy what they are learning in the classroom.

As an educator, I directly influence my students in realizing their artistic potential. A solid foundation is important to build upon, along with providing traditional and contemporary design inspiration to supply a broad sense of knowledge. Research, thumbnails, and rough compositions help to create a successful final product, and every step is taught with the utmost importance. Dedicated discipline is expected of my students, while fun is implemented to keep them motivated and attentive. I want to activate their imagination to produce creative concepts, combined with the skill of quality craftsmanship and organization. In connection to my students, I establish positive and professional relationships that allow me to remain approachable and accessible to them. Encouragement and confidence is important in how I interact with my students in promoting hard work and creative vision.

I strive to foster a sense of community and accountability for my students so they remain on the path to improvement as designers. Discussion of both the favorable and unfavorable aspects of their work is crucial to their understanding of successful design. Constructive criticism is executed from brainstorming in their sketchbooks to presenting their final product in front of the class. This strengthens their analysis and vocabulary of design as individuals by speaking about their own work and lending advice to others, in addition to my thoughts and criticisms.

As technology is ever-growing and changing, I make my students aware of new techniques that may enhance their growth and knowledge. Staying up-to-date with Adobe design software is essential in moving forward with the industry, but I also want them to be informed and take advantage of newer technologies within reach. Such technology can include laser cutting, laser etching, 3D printing, and vinyl cutting, and can add diversity and professionalism to a project.

Each student is unique in what they bring to the table of design. They also possess different learning styles that I recognize and give attention to with classroom lectures and demonstrations, typed hand-outs, and online instruction. I implement vocal, handwritten, and online Flickr critique sessions so they experience different methods of evaluation with one another. When projects are intended for print, it is vital to critique those projects in their physical form to experience the actual outcome of their pursuits. From start to finish in each project, I do everything I can to prepare students for a successful career by providing for them a genuine and informative education.