Brown College, Visual Communications Dept., Mendota Heights, MN
- Instructor 1990 – the present
- Courses taught:
- Drawing I: An introductory class that deals with linear perspective, line, value, contour, structure, and other basics of drawing. Also covered are pen & ink techniques.
- Drawing II: A drawing class that focused on anatomy through study of the skeleton and musculature, and extensive drawing from live nude models.
- Two-dimensional Design: A foundation design course that introduces the students to concepts of line, shape, value, form, balance, rhythm, unity, emphasis, symmetry, asymmetry, and basic color theory.
- Design and Concept: A course that focuses on the conceptual process. Students are given daily or weekly assignments and have to quickly develop solutions to the problems. Students then present their concepts to the class during an extensive critique.
- History of Graphic Design. The course traces the history of graphic design from Lascaux to the present day, and places it in the broader context of societal and art movements over that period. Students demonstrate their knowledge through tests and projects that allow the students to explore various historical styles and ideas.
- Illustration (various) : The names and nature of these courses has changed over the past 13 years. In general, the courses have dealt with the process and business of illustration; techniques such as pen and ink, watercolor, pastel, and acrylic; and various kinds of illustration including commercial illustration, technical illustration, editorial, and illustration for children.
- Computer Design & Layout: An introduction to layout and design basics on the computer, specifically the use of Quark Xpress.
- Raster Imaging (aka Computer Photo): An introduction to raster-based digital design through the use of Adobe Photoshop. Students execute projects that make use of layers, masks, blending modes, color correction, filters, and paths.
- Vector Imaging (aka Computer Illustration): An introduction to vector-based digital illustration through the use of Adobe Illustrator. Projects include a logo design, product label, and newspaper/magazine editorial illustration.
- Advanced Computer Illustration
- Web Design: An introduction to the basics of web design through the use of HTML (including formatting tags, tables, frames, and style sheets), as well as the WYSIWYG Dreamweaver. Adobe Image Ready, specifically its capacity to optimize, create hotspots, rollovers, and gif animations is also covered.
- Advanced Web Design
- Multimedia: An introduction to motion graphics, animation, and multi-layer video compositing utilizing Adobe After Effects.
- Digital Video: An introduction to digital video editing through the use of Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Express. Topics include time line editing, video capturing, motion, transparency, compositing, effects, and sound.
- Interactive Design & Animation (Director) : An introduction to interactivity through the use of Macromedia Director. Topics covered included keyframe animation, sound, behaviors, and Lingo.
- Interactive Design & Animation (Flash) : An introduction to interactivity through the use of Macromedia Flash. Topics covered included keyframe animation, sound, behaviors, and Action Scripting.
- Photography: An introduction to the basics of black and white photography, including manual camera use (apertures, shutter speeds, etc.) and darkroom technique. Design and conceptual issues were also discussed.
- 3-D Animation. A course devoted to the basics of 3-D modeling, surface texture mapping, lighting, camera use, and animation. When I taught it, we used the software Metacreations Infini-D. Projects included the creation of a simple interior space “fly-through,” and an elementary walking/moving character.