“Teaching art is not just about technique; it’s about encouraging students to question and explore their own ideas.” – Kara Walker

As an educator at Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan, my teaching philosophy is centered on this belief, that art education should not only equip students with the technical abilities to create but also empower them to think deeply about their work, the world around them, and their place within it.
To do this, I emphasize the creative process over the final product. My goal is to create an environment where students feel free to explore various materials, techniques, and ideas without the fear of making mistakes. I encourage them to experiment, take risks, and push the boundaries of their creativity. I incorporate activities that allow for iterative development, where students can revisit and refine their ideas. This not only enhances their technical skills but also deepens their understanding of the concepts they are working with.
Student work featured below from Stamps Studio 2D, Sign & Symbol, Typography, Drawing Visualization, Making Images with Adobe Illustrator, Intro to Graphic Design and Intro to Watercolor for Non-Art Majors. 
I also offer a YouTube channel of introductory watercolor tutorials for beginner and intermediate painters.
Map Design: Sign & Symbol
Map Design: Sign & Symbol
Table of Contents Design: Typography
Table of Contents Design: Typography
Alphabet Poster: Intro to Graphic Design
Alphabet Poster: Intro to Graphic Design
Map Design: Sign & Symbol
Map Design: Sign & Symbol
Advocacy Poster Design: Sign & Symbol
Advocacy Poster Design: Sign & Symbol
Letterpress Studio: Duderstadt Library
Letterpress Studio: Duderstadt Library
Letterpress Studio: Duderstadt Library
Letterpress Studio: Duderstadt Library
Figure/Ground Project: Studio 2D
Figure/Ground Project: Studio 2D
Figure/Ground Project: Studio 2D
Figure/Ground Project: Studio 2D
Face Value: Studio 2D
Face Value: Studio 2D
Reimagined Color Wheel: Studio 2D
Reimagined Color Wheel: Studio 2D
Psychology of Color: Studio 2D
Psychology of Color: Studio 2D
Psychology of Color: Studio 2D
Psychology of Color: Studio 2D
Exquisite Corpse Collage: Studio 2D
Exquisite Corpse Collage: Studio 2D
Exquisite Corpse Collage: Studio 2D
Exquisite Corpse Collage: Studio 2D
Mixed Media Final Project: Studio 2D
Mixed Media Final Project: Studio 2D
3D Type: Drawing Visualization
3D Type: Drawing Visualization
Droid Design: Drawing Visualization
Droid Design: Drawing Visualization
Visual Narrative: Drawing Visualization
Visual Narrative: Drawing Visualization
Visual Narrative: Drawing Visualization
Visual Narrative: Drawing Visualization
Memorial Project: Drawing Visualization
Memorial Project: Drawing Visualization
Plein Air in the Courtyard: Intro to Watercolor
Plein Air in the Courtyard: Intro to Watercolor
Landscapes: Intro to Watercolor
Landscapes: Intro to Watercolor
Plein Air Landscape: Intro to Watercolor
Plein Air Landscape: Intro to Watercolor
Making Images with Adobe Illustrator
Making Images with Adobe Illustrator
Making Images with Adobe Illustrator
Making Images with Adobe Illustrator
Making Images with Adobe Illustrator
Making Images with Adobe Illustrator
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