
Steven Cox
Professor
Orange Coast College
Orange Coast College
Professor
I am a professor of graphic design at Orange Coast College.
A typical day of teaching college level graphic design involves some form of lecturing and demonstrating a set of concepts and / or skills that are a part of the field. It may also include the evaluation of completed student work (critiquing). And finally, almost always involves time spent one-on-one with students needing individual guidance and help. I worked as a practicing graphic designer for almost 20 years before I got my professorship, so what I teach, I did. I'm drawing from my experience.
Here's the first step for professionals
This actually applies to all the categories listed. Commit to excellence. Pursue excellence. Create / design / work with excellence. This field is VERY network-oriented. It's who you know as much as what you know. Building a reputation for excellence will get you noticed, remembered and recommended. Everyone is always looking for someone of excellence. In fact, in a tough economy, it becomes even more valuable. There isn't money to waste on mediocrity.
"I was fortunate to have a supportive family. My father was an Optometrist, so I had a strong personal expectation to be a doctor or something as well. It was very hard to turn away from my major, psychology, and switch to art. Good-bye "Dr. Steve"."