We live in a time that points to the possibilities of a future of equality and regeneration.
It is critical for design students to embody the skills and habits-of-mind the current world requires: competent, yet humble, open but committed, empathetic and self-aware. At Baruch, I teach critical thinking through the artist’s toolbox—critique, identity, community, self-reflection focused on mastery, lifelong learning, joy—this approach directly addresses the context of “right now,” the social imagination needed to design the future. After all, change is certain.
My work in education focuses on the intersection of design-as-craft and the creation of culturally-conscious work with an emphasis on redesigning the ongoing conversation that is our shared visual culture. In design, visual expression is informed by an understanding of history, language, symbols, patterns, and image aesthetics—this ongoing conversation must include all voices, and my classes challenge students to express their voice and participate.
My experience as an artist and designer offers teachable insights, particularly on the relationship between artists and criticism, and the ability to reflectively and dynamically critique developing artwork. Class sessions model curiosity and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. My classes are based on the studio-model: evolution and process are the main driver, and the outcome of critique sparks student curiosity, interest, and shifts in perspective. This dynamic situation of critique and peer-review creates a shared community, where one of the main outcomes of a successful class is a shared meaningful experience.
Content is woven around history, current critical theory and semiotics, and exposure to diverse representation, as well as practical application of art and design process. Design is much more than a visual medium—it is fundamentally a human communication channel and invention tool. I use the classroom as a laboratory—change is present there as the environment changes. For me, the task is to meet each and every students’ desire for education, and to transform their perception and expectation of education and learning that is in synthesis with their individuality, life experience, values, and ambitions.
•Typography: History and Application
•Basic Graphic Communication: Design and Advertising Layout
•Intermediate Graphic Communication: Publication Design
•Personal Brand: Portfolios and the Business of Graphic Design
•Internship/Independent Study Mentor
and Supervisor
•Capstone: Design and Photography in Theory and Practice
•Creating Open Courses and Open Educational Resources Workshop, Open Education and Publishing Institute, GC Digital Initiatives and the Teaching and Learning Center at the CUNY Graduate Center, New York, NY,2022.
Secrets from the Design Studio: Techniques to Make Your Graphic Design Sing!— 2020 and 2021 The Program for Visual Arts Education, Hunter College/CUNY, New York, NY.
•Eat Your Vegetables: Sneaking in Conceptual Thinking during Technical Instruction— Design Incubation, Kean University, Union, NJ, 2016.
•Short Tales from Foundation Practice—CAA College Art Association, New York, NY, 2013.
Author, journal publication (in review)
“Rethinking Graphic Design Pedagogy for the CUNY Academic Commons: Process, Generosity, and Creative Collaboration—Mapping a Foundation Graphic Design Course for Faculty and Instructors”
The Journal of Interactive Technology & Pedagogy, Issue 18. Anticipated publication date: 2023.
Author, creator, creative commons
“Basic Graphic Design Communication: Baruch College/CUNY
Remixable Intro to Graphic Design Course Resource • a CUNY Academic Commons site, 2022.
https://graphicdesign.commons.gc.cuny.edu/
Co-author, Catalog essay
Brigid Watson: Material Prima, 2013.
With Dr. Lori Kent, Hunter College/CUNY
Essay on artist’s work and its place in contemporary abstraction.
Author, book review
FATE in Review #34 , 2013.
Book review of Carolina de Bartolo’s “Explorations in Typography”.
Author, Graphic Design blog
www.designerBS.blogspot.com
Creator and co-author with designer Beth Tondreau of collaborative blog discussing issues and observations around contemporary and historical design trends, 2009–2020.
Featured designer
Designs featured in graphic design book about grids:
Tondreau, Beth, Layout Essentials: 100 Principles for Using Grids, Rockport Publishers, Beverly, MA, 2009, p. 182, 188.
Exhibition Catalog, essay
Stuck: The Influence of Collage on 21st Century Artists, Molloy College Gallery, Rockville Centre, NY, 2006.
2022, Selected as one of eight Open Education and Publishing Institute Faculty Fellows, GC Digital Initiatives and the Teaching and Learning Center at the CUNY Graduate Center
2022, Inclusive Pedagogy Seminar, Marxe School of Public and International Affairs
2021, CUNY Online Teaching Essentials Course, Center for Teaching and Learning/CTL
2021, UDL and Accessiblity Workshop, Center for Teaching and Learning/CTL
2021, Teaching and Learning in an Online Environment, Design Incubation Seminar
2018, Active Learning Seminar Course, Center for Teaching and Learning/CTL
2018, Learner Agency, Modern Learners Seminar
2011, Certification in hybrid/online instruction. Information Design Development/course in Blackboard Development, CUNY
