“The valuable lesson that has resonated with me and continues to influence my approach to design is the recognition that every design inherently possesses a narrative... All forms of creative work serve as vehicles for storytelling. This pivotal insight prompted a deliberate shift in my personal branding strategy. I am committed to ensuring that each design I produce effectively communicates a compelling narrative to the audience. In doing so, I aim to prevent their stories from becoming lost amidst the plethora of prevailing trends and commonly employed narratives.

The narratives you shared from your distinguished professional career continue to resonate profoundly with me to this day. Your willingness to openly impart your experiences, a quality not commonly found among other professors, has consistently provided valuable lessons... What left an indelible impact was not only your professional guidance but also your willingness to open up about your personal life... I felt a sense of collegiality within the industry for the first time. It transcended the typical student-mentor dynamic, making me feel like an emerging professional rather than a novice.”

– S.H.


“You really helped me loosen up... You [took] the time to work with me and [teach me] that it’s okay to play… [You] really helped me at the time not feel alone in that struggle [and] break out of that rut.”

– P.L.

“I think your worldliness is very inspiring. You’re a seasoned professional that worked hard to get where you are. You’re one of those mentors where I just want to listen and sponge knowledge. [You taught me] how to recover from a failing project, how to embrace your flaws, how to learn from happy accidents and turn them into meaningful parts of a project.”

– E.T.


“A lot of the content you taught about client relations and communication have remained very helpful. Anything from drafting emails to setting project scope, establishing logistical foundations… etc. Most if not all of those comm/organizational skills have been consistently effective in my career thus far. Design-wise, I think you held us to a high standard of critique and iterative processes in a way that was unique from other professors, which in my experience has matched up to the industry standard.”

– B.M.


“I remember you teaching me the value of good storytelling when I had a meltdown... The final result turned out great and I still love that project to this day! [Also,] it was in your class that I first piqued an interest in infographics which is something I do in my current role. You showed us how doing research, gathering data and displaying it in a visual way can be a lot of fun.”

– U.N.

“I really appreciated our conversation talking about time management and how to tailor your work schedule to your personal needs... [Also how] it is important to learn how to separate yourself from the work and not conflate it with your identity. Balancing between the unrealistic standards of perfectionism and the drive for excellence has been at the forefront of my mind. Your class has shown me ways to improve my workflow so that I create quality work quickly... The journey/path is just as important as the finished piece.”

– M.M.


“I really appreciated how honest and encouraging you were while sharing [your personal stories]. It really showed that knowing yourself and your audience, being a good person, and working hard while staying curious were just some things that spoke louder than simply being good at designing. [You also taught me...]
• To come up with as many iterations and ideas as possible, instead of settling on the idea that comes to mind first.
• Balancing legibility and clarity with creativity.
• The importance of revising after receiving feedback.
• Studying founders and key figures... in any field of interest.”

– A.C.