Teaching Portfolio
These are a few of the courses I have taught in and around the Boston area colleges and art centers. Please keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of the classes I have offered. Not included here are syllabi and student examples for courses on the topics of traditional painting and drawing techniques. Feel free to contact me for inquiries regarding visiting lectures and teaching opportunities.
Students drawing costumed models after William Shakespeare’s Othello
Advanced Figure: Character Design
Developed in 2015, Advanced Figure: Character Design is a class that connects traditional figure drawing practice with narrative theory. Geared towards illustrators, animators, and other visual artists who wish to go beyond academic exercises, Advanced Figure: Character Design advocates for the construction of characters from the inside-out. By the end of the term, students should understand fundamental character construction and general principles of narrative analysis. Click here for a redacted syllabus, and here for examples of student work.
Students play-test the final version of a chance vs skill assignment by student Tarian Palmer
Fundamentals of Game Design
Developed in 2016, Fundamentals of Game Design is geared towards artist and designers with no programing experience. Starting first with analogue games (including card, dice and schoolyard games) and ending with Unity-based prototypes, Fundamentals of Game Design focuses on the narrative affordances of game mechanics. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to see interaction design as a set of rhetorical choices, which can be used to express unique points of view and explore the emergent social space of play. Click here for a redacted syllabus, and here for examples of student work.
Laser etched and cut tea box by student Chloe Reynolds
Digital Painting and Techniques
Developed in 2017, this advanced digital illustration class introduces students to a variety of cutting-edge digital tools, including Augmented Reality animation (target based,) Digital etching with laser cutters, and matte painting with 3D models in 2D paintings. Using advanced features in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, students are asked to explore the notion of digital art in an ever-changing technological environment. Click here for a redacted syllabus, and here for examples of student work.
Still-life demo painting of a gourd
Digital Illustration
Developed in 2015, this version of the introductory class for digital painting and drawing for illustrators focuses on the development of observational skills. Projects include still-life and live model painting sessions in class and at home, the creation of a digital sketchbook, the design and print of a zine, and the creation of tutorials for peer-to-peer teaching. Click here for a redacted syllabus, and here for examples of student work.
Wishful Thinking, hand-made comic book by student Esther Grover
Comic Book Art
Developed in 2017, this class introduces students to the principles behind sequential art, narrative illustration, layout design, and general competencies for the creation of comic books and graphic novels. Equal parts drawing and writing class, students of all skill levels adapt existing stories and create new ones, exploring a variety of dry media, ink and basic book construction. Click here for a redacted syllabus, and here for examples of student work.
Illustration by student Leanne Wang
Sophomore Illustration
Developed in 2016, this class is an introduction to the principles of illustration, including concept, research, composition, value, color and techniques. Assignments guide students through the history of illustration, starting from the graphic compositions of hand-written manuscripts, to the affordances of online publishing, including animated gifs. Click here for a redacted syllabus, and here for examples of student work.