Student Work
Over the past 20 years of teaching, I’ve had the privilege of welcoming countless talented students into my classroom. I am proud of every single one of them and grateful for the honor of playing a small part in their journeys. Many have left my room and gone on to channel their creativity and passion for graphic design into remarkable careers—as artists, web designers, videographers, production artists, apparel and fashion designers, and even a copyright attorney.
While they often tell me I’ve made an impact on their lives, what many don’t realize is that they were the ones who made me a better teacher. Their dedication, curiosity, and talent inspired me to keep learning, keep growing, and keep striving to lead by example.
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I’ve always believed in the saying, “Leadership is action, not position,” and my former students embody that truth. They didn’t just dream big—they became their dreams.
Digital Portraits
One of my favorite computer-based projects is our digital portrait assignment. Students begin with their own photograph, which we import into Adobe Illustrator and set as a template layer. Each day, they add a new layer, gradually transforming their photo into a fully realized digital portrait. Along the way, they gain a variety of new software skills while honing their attention to detail especially since we work zoomed in at around 500% to capture the smallest nuances of their features.
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The challenge comes with the rules: students must complete the entire project using only the Pen Tool and a computer mouse no drawing tablets, pens, or automatic “convert to outline” features allowed. This approach not only sharpens their technical skills, but also teaches them patience, precision, and perseverance.
Type Animals
This project is, without question, my favorite hands-on drawing assignment. Students are tasked with creating an animal entirely out of letters, tying directly into our typography unit. As they design, they begin to see letters not just as symbols, but as shapes gaining a deeper understanding of the nuances of different fonts and type categories, including serif, sans serif, blackletter, and more.
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Throughout the process, students produce multiple sketches and rough drafts, experimenting with different letters in creative ways. They’re encouraged to twist, turn, and manipulate both uppercase and lowercase characters to suit their design.
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While it’s one of the most challenging projects of the year, it’s also the one students consistently say they’re most proud of. Their dedication and persistence shine through in the final pieces and the results are always worth the effort.
Logo Design
Logo design is an integral part of the graphic design field, and students get plenty of practice in this area. After learning the differences between typographic, descriptive, and symbolic logos, they create their own personal logo to use throughout the course in a variety of projects. This logo can be based on their name or a company name they invent.
Once completed, students develop a brand identity project featuring their logo on business cards, letterhead, and envelopes. Along the way, they study color theory and select a signature brand color using Pantone standards.
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Throughout the year, students also design a series of logos for different companies to help build their portfolios. These assignments require them to present multiple design ideas and variations, preparing them to meet real-world client expectations.
T-Shirt & Sweatshirt Design
Without a doubt, the t-shirt and sweatshirt design projects are a student favorite. They look forward to this unit all year, and their submissions always reflect their enthusiasm. We complete several different projects so students gain experience with a variety of production methods, including vinyl heat press, direct-to-transfer printing, screen printing, and embroidery.
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Along the way, they learn how to properly prepare artwork for each printing technique and adjust their designs for one-color, two-color, or full-process printing—skills that help them understand how to meet a client’s budget and production needs.
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Two major design competitions add even more excitement: one for the class sweatshirt, which every student in my program receives, and another for the official school t-shirt, distributed to the entire student body. Winners earn a monetary award and the thrill of seeing their design brought to life. These projects are not only a highlight of the year but also a major achievement to showcase in their portfolios.
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is the nation’s leading workforce development organization for students, empowering them to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders, and responsible community members. Its roots trace back to 1917, when the Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act became the first U.S. federal law to provide funding for agriculture, homemaking, and trade and industrial education. Forty-five years later, the Vocational Education Act of 1963 recognized vocational student organizations as essential to career and technical education, paving the way for what are now called Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). SkillsUSA is one of eight CTSOs officially authorized by the U.S. Department of Education, and the law ensures these organizations receive federal and state support as an integral part of classroom instruction.
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The SkillsUSA Championships held each June in conjunction with the National Leadership & Skills Conference is the premier showcase for America’s most talented career and technical education students. With more than 6,700 state champions competing in 114 skilled and leadership contests, it is one of the largest hands-on workforce development events in the world.
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Over the years, many of my students have competed and won at the regional, state, and national levels in categories such as Advertising Design, Promotional Bulletin Board Design, Pin Design, T-shirt Design, Job Interview, and Extemporaneous Speaking. I’ve also had the privilege of mentoring students who were elected as state officers, proudly representing Indiana at the National Conference.
