Steven Cox
Professor
Orange Coast College
Milestones
My road in life took a while to figure out.
I was a color, design and type kid before I knew what "graphic design" was.
I went to a college that happened to have a great graphic design program.
In my late 20's, I realized I didn't want to spend the rest of my life at a drafting table.
I had always thought my design professors had a great job.
So, I re-enrolled in school to get my Master's degree.
I became friends with a guy who introduced me to the graphic design professor at OCC - Prof. Tennant.
When a part-time position opened at OCC, I got the opportunity to teach there.
Eventually (4 years later) a full-time position opened up, and I got the job!
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Career
Professor
I am a professor of graphic design at Orange Coast College.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Design
Education
Teaching / Mentoring
Day to Day
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.
Advice for Getting Started
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.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Myself:
"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"."
Challenges I Overcame
Financial
