the Teaching Philosophy
of SEAN HOTTOIS M.F.A.

Teaching college level graphic design consists of two essential parts: the development of interpersonal communication and the sharing of knowledge. Primary to the success of my students is that they research, develop, and share their understanding of design with each other.

My role as a graphic design professor is to guide students to understand, but not limit themselves to, three main principles. First, the development of a coherent, articulate concept is central to the success of any communication in graphic design. Second, a complete and successful concept must incorporate a skillful implementation. Finally, all experts in the process of design are able to think and speak analytically about their design work and the design work of others.

To insure that my students comprehend and utilize these principles I focus my efforts on
three objectives:

1. To create a positive and productive communication with each student

2. To provide an intellectually safe environment in which students have the opportunity to

take on new design challenges while learning from their failures & successes, and

3. To teach the process of graphic design in three parts by

(a) emphasizing the importance of line, form, image, and typography as the primary
elements with which to convey their message,
(b) embracing the history of graphic design as a knowledge resource, and
(c) encouraging my students to combine old and new design theories in their academic
design challenges to find their own unique voice.

As a professor of graphic design, I instill the importance of continual life-long learning to enhance my students' technical, intellectual, and conceptual abilities as a means to career survival and artistic satisfaction. In addition, I encourage my students to share their ideas and designs as a means of developing their ability to communicate concepts and messages to ever expanding audiences. In this environment, students develop an analytical understanding of the design world in which they live, aiding their professional growth as experts in the process of graphic design.

Thank You for Your Consideration,
Sean Hottois