Graphic Design + Digital Media with Illustration Emphasis

This course investigates principles of pictorial organization through the relationship of composition and color of visual elements. This includes the study of formal qualities of art; line, shape, value, texture, rhythm, space, balance, proportion, movement, unity, harmony, and tension. Studies of color address properties of hue, value, and intensity, as well as color interactions of harmony, discord, and simultaneous contrast. Special emphasis is given to concepts necessary for visual communication, regardless of media, but this course will utilize digital tools as a way to explore the concepts efficiently and to prepare students for contemporary expectations of commercial art and design professions. Primary software: Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop.

This lecture and studio course introduces principles of creative visualization with the use of the computer and pixel based imaging software. Comprehension of key terms and concepts are taught, with projects designed to develop practical software skills and aesthetic development. Emphasis is placed upon working with imagery from digital cameras, scanners, and generating original computer graphics. Topics include photo-retouching, digital drawing and painting, digital montage, color modes, and preparing files for printing and web based display. Primary software: Adobe Photoshop.

This lecture and studio course is focused on the use vector based imaging software for drawing and design. Comprehension of key terms and concepts are taught, with projects designed to develop practical software skills and aesthetic development. Emphasis is placed upon use of vector drawing tools, stylization techniques, and integration with pixel graphics. Topics include simplification of form, technical drawing, pattern creation, and perspective studies. Primary software: Adobe Illustrator.

This course will focus on an introduction to 3D. Students will learn the key features of modeling, animation, lighting, texturing, physic dynamics and camera technique through Autodesk Maya.

This course is an introduction to the process of creating motion graphics. The core applications used in this course are Adobe After Effects, Premiere, Photoshop, and Illustrator.  Students will also be creating video content to use in their motion graphics work.

This is a comprehensive drawing course that covers technical and observational skills necessary to create convincing representations of simple and complex still-life forms. Students are introduced to applied perspective drawing to strengthen their ability to communicate ideas using drawing media. Topics covered are composition, creating volume and space utilizing lines as measurement, construction drawing, linear perspective systems and basic light logic. Materials include graphite and charcoal.

This course is an introduction to drawing the human form that explores observational and imaginative drawing techniques using graphite and charcoal. Students work from the draped and undraped model. Emphasis is on accurate representation of the figure utilizing observation with the elements of gesture, measurement, construction line, volume, proportion, and surface anatomy. Materials include graphite and charcoal.

An introduction to illustration and the role of the illustrator in the communication arts field. Through assignments and in-class demonstrations and brief exercises, students will explore the practices and principles of communicating visual concepts and executing successful illustrations. Students will work with a variety of media and surfaces and will be expected to understand the uniqueness and use of each individual material and practice by the end of class. The course will place an emphasis on visual communication and problem solving. Students are expected to come prepared to every class, and to find individual solutions to the illustration “problems” provided them throughout the semester and to successfully execute each project to the breadth of their ability.

This foundation course explores basic graphic design methods, processes, techniques, and formats. Assignments introduce elements, media, and principles of graphic design from historical and contemporary perspectives and emphasize visual representation aimed to communicate ideas and non-visual content. Students will use Adobe's Creative Suite 3 (CS3) software.

LCAD Design students will be required to successfully complete a portfolio review within their sophomore to junior year in order to continue in the design program. This review is mandatory and is designed to assess strengths, weaknesses, and academic readiness to move forward in the program. Students must follow the Advancement Submission Guidelines and File Upload Instructions as provided by the Department Chair.

This course covers user interface and user experience principles, processes, and application. Students will learn the basic skills of UI/UX in order to design digital products such as mobile apps and responsive websites. The goal of the class is to understand and apply the product development steps; starting with research, concept validation, user-focused designs, to file preparation for web developers/engineers. The course will introduce industry-approved tools and programs.

This course covers the history, theory and practice of letterforms and typography they apply to other areas of design, graphics and visual communication. Projects cover principles of typography, letter structure, typeface selection, fundamentals of digital type, and typographic layout.

This studio course in digital image making will challenge students to create thought-provoking and visually stimulating work while learning how to use the computer as a versatile tool for creation and manipulation. A range of projects will be developed while students consider the role of literal and implicit communication, aesthetics, and emotional impact. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Macromedia Flash (a beginning intro).

This advanced course introduces 3-dimensional computer modeling, concepts, technology and techniques (i.e., 3-dimensional virtual coordinate system, wire-frame, texture mapping, light source and camera positioning, etc.) through assignments that emphasize innovative object or product design and photorealistic representation.

This is an introductory course for the design major requiring conceptual, perceptual, manual, and computational skills to meet studio research into the history of letterforms and layout design. Projects explore compositional and structural aspects of letterforms, as well as various kinds of text layouts and their optical and interpretational effects. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

This is an introductory course for the design major. Studio practice explores the use of hierarchy, form, conceptual thinking, visual representation and interpretation, and the elements of communication. Projects address various essential graphic design formats: logotypes, promotional items, editorial design examples, announcements, and a variety of visual styles. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

This lecture and studio course examines the use of digital cameras with a focus on essential skills relevant to artist and designers. Technical aspects of the course include principles of photographic exposure, lighting, and working with digital files. Artistic aspects of the course include considerations for effective communication and emotional impact, thematic unity, and image enhancement techniques. Primary software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Bridge.

This advanced course requires conceptual, imaginative, manual, and computational skills to meet studio production and research resulting in projects that combine visual identity elements (such as logotypes, color palettes, typographic components, illustrations, and/or photographs). The course emphasizes a contextual approach to developing a brand or a line of products and its package as well as toward understanding the design processes that result in functional three-dimensional package solutions. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

This advanced course requires creative, computational, manual and critical thinking skills to meet conceptual and/or visual standards relevant to a comprehensive and strategic brand identity system. This course includes a comparative analysis of the market and of strategic brand positioning to create a visual identity system (for example, creation of a brand-mark, color palettes, brand expression, brand style through typographic, photographic and illustration styles). Brand strategy solutions will include sample applications (examples include environmental graphic design, transportation, apparel, product, packaging, experiential design).

This course focusses on recording, editing, and compositing digital video files. Concepts and techniques of non-linear editing, compositing layers of computer generated imagery and live action video, special effects, camera movements and cinematic points of view, and design of titling and motion graphics will be covered. The work of professional animators, directors, and producers will be screened and discussed. This course covers the operation of video-capable devices and camcorders, including exposure control, use of lighting, and shot types. Techniques for working with title graphics and sound will also be demonstrated and practiced.

This intermediate course explores the underlying principles and elements of letterforms. Also explored are their usage, various grid-based layout systems, and typographic styles. Assignments emphasize visual representations of complex information through various editorial design formats, and are conceived as a means by which to analyze the semiotic function of text and its aesthetic and phenomenal qualities. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

This is an introductory course for the design major. Studio practice explores the use of hierarchy, form, conceptual thinking, visual representation and interpretation, and the elements of communication. Projects address various essential graphic design formats: logotypes, promotional items, editorial design examples, announcements, and a variety of visual styles. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.

This is an advanced level course in the design major that focuses on the methods and principles of communication and the creation of meaningful content through the development of visual symbols, structures, and systems. The course will include extensive design processes, readings and in-depth research, the development and execution of strategic briefs, and both visual and verbal presentations.

This course builds on students existing design and typography skills and sets them in motion.  Students in this course learn how to communicate messages by combining video, 3d, animation, and sound.  This course focuses on Adobe master suite, After Effects, Maya, Sound Booth, and FinalCut Pro.  Students will be storyboarding and executing motion graphics pieces that would be used in high definition television and on the web.   Topics include typographic design, alpha channels, keys, masks, compositing 2D and 3D graphics, and video compression.

This course prepares students to enter the professional design industry. Students will create a database of prospective employers in a variety of design-related fields for a self-promotional direct-mail campaign. In accordance with the observed individual needs, students will complete a grand-scale senior thesis project. The emphasis of the senior thesis is for the student to challenge their design and problem-solving skills while developing final portfolio pieces.

This course continues to prepare students to enter the professional design industry. Students will create a database of prospective employers in a variety of design-related fields for a self-promotional direct-mail campaign. In accordance with the observed individual needs, students will complete a grand-scale senior thesis project. The emphasis of the senior thesis is for the student to challenge their design and problem-solving skills while developing final portfolio pieces.

A sophomore level course that encourages students to look inward and build toward a professional voice and portfolio as it relates to their future focus as a creative professional. Digital tools and digital media exploration are emphasized as students generate work in response to industry based prompts. Basic motion and animation techniques are covered and continued in IL 336 Sequential Problem Solving. Illustration Voice + Vision will also serve as an introduction and overview to core business practices in Illustration.

This course is an overview of the Design industry and will include guest speakers and lectures specific to the broad spectrum of potential career paths. Course content will include an introduction to professional organizations, industry employment structures, professional standards, processes, and industry specific history. Fundamental information will be presented on how to gain understanding and identify pathways for a career as well as guidance on how to build a hard and soft skillsets that will support your career trajectory.

This lecture/studio course introduces students to business practices, thereby bridging the gap between the educational experience and the professional world of the graphic designer. Topics include self-promotion, processes and intricacies of finding work, printing processes and collateral, general business guidelines, billing clients, contracts, and professional organizations.

This internship lab provides students with a supervised, practical learning experience in a work setting that is relevant to their major. Through virtual assignments and workplace projects + training the student will apply what they have learned in their LCAD classes in order to solidify professional goals, test possible career choices, build their networks, and gain a better understanding of employer expectations. This lab is to be taken concurrently with an internship for-credit and is designated as CREDIT/NO CREDIT for up to three (3) units of academic credit. This lab may be repeated one time for credit (a total of 6 units)

This course is designed to empower graphic designers with the knowledge and skills needed to create compelling visual content for a wide range of digital platforms. Through a combination of theory, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, students will gain an understanding of how to engage, inform, and inspire audiences across various online platforms including social media, websites, mobile apps, and emerging technologies. Topics include social media literacy, best practices for digital file distribution, domain name registration, web hosting, and a survey of dominant platforms and technologies that allow for instant, global communication. Software used: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, text-editors, and supplemental open source and third party tools for design and content management.

Julian Lozano is a Senior Visual Designer located in Los Angeles. Presently, he ais part of the talented team at Huge, Inc., where he gets the fantastic opportunity to collaborate with major tech giants like Google, Ticketmaster, and LG. Together, they strive to create improved user experiences that will shape the future of design. Having immersed himself in the industry for over 5 years now, he hs gained valuable experience and insights. In 2016, he graduated from LCAD with a focus on graphic design, particularly in action sports. Now, his aspiration is to pass on some of this knowledge to the next generation of students, helping them carve their paths and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of design. Exciting times lie ahead, and he is eager to be part of the journey towards a more innovative and immersive future!

Amber Miller is a Graphic Designer at Nike working in Global Sports Apparel on Basketball uniforms for the NBA and WNBA. Amber was born and raised in Southern California and attended Laguna College of Art + Design where she received a BFA in Design + Digital Media with an emphasis in Action Sports. Since graduating, Amber has worked at Nike for almost 10 years working across the NBA, WNBA, NFL and NCAA for uniforms and apparel. She teaches Team Identity Apparel as a Special Topics Design course. Amber also has a passion for helping students to grow in their careers by helping them outside of the classroom prepping portfolios and resumes.

Heidi Rueff Underwood is an LCAD Graphic Design + Digital Media Alumna, as well as the former Creative Director for Virgin Orbit.

Heidi’s work truly shows the importance and impact of design on the world, as she explains how her design supports aerospace engineers during their rocket testing. In addition to playing a major role in their testing, Heidi explains how great design is able to get the general population excited about changing the world, technology, and innovation, and is able to give a visual understanding to otherwise complex subjects and projects.

Design Consultant at Facebook

DIRECTV
UI Lead, Digital Product Design
I've been working professionally for nearly a decade. Early on, I worked at a design agency in Tehran, Iran. There, I focused on print and multimedia projects while also being exposed to Iranian typography. After that, I focused more and more on interactive design. I spent several years at POSSIBLE (formerly known as Schematic), making mistakes and trying to hone my skills. Currently, I'm the User Interface Lead for Product Design at DIRECTV. My job is comprised of working with and directing a team of UI designers, and collaborating with numerous teams (User Experience, Engineering, Content, Project Management, to both create new and enhance current digital products for DIRECTV.
My years at LCAD were some of the best years of my life. Enjoy your time there and make sure you leave with no regrets. Get the most out of every class and connect with your instructors. When you leave, and you're sitting at your desk at work in 4 years time, you'll miss it.
bahadorshojapour.com

Class of 2004
Independent Video Director
Born and Raised in Denver CO, Sayer was a child of the arts. He caught on early at being able to draw, paint, and use his imagination. His mother enrolled him in weekend art classes which he took up until middle school. He built a plethora of skills in the arts through the years. It started with drawing and painting, which led him to metal smithing and jewelry, then to video camera and finally the computer for graphic design. Though all are still fields of art he operates in, his love for videography has been his main area of expertise. He got his first video camera at the age of 14 so he could make skate videos with his friends. Combining all of his passions together brought him into his college years where he got a BFA in graphic design and multimedia. Since college his video camera has taken him to many places in the world working for very well known clients (Paul Frank, Kawasaki, Mazda and Subaru) and still being able to design and make art. "Making art and being creative is all I ever wanted to do."

Ridan (sounds like readin') is a Filipino-born, California-raised, Portland-based creative person. He enjoys a playful and immersive process in creating thoughtful design solutions. He has experience in designing campaigns, packaging, motion graphics, illustrations, websites, digital products, and whatever problems design can solve. When he's not working, you can find him napping at a park or watching clouds, thrifting, or just chilling with his plants and cat.

Daniel‌ ‌is a multifaceted ‌artist‌ with expertise in illustration,‌ ‌graphic‌ ‌design, brand‌ ‌strategy, apparel‌ ‌design,‌ ‌and‌ ‌art‌ ‌direction. He‌ ‌has‌ ‌worked‌ ‌with‌ several ‌brands‌ ‌that‌ ‌share‌ ‌this‌ ‌same‌ ‌vision‌ ‌of‌ ‌a‌ ‌better‌ world, ‌such‌ ‌as:‌ ‌Access‌ ‌Support‌ ‌Network‌ ‌of‌ ‌San‌ ‌Luis‌ ‌Obispo,‌ ‌Whalebird‌ ‌Kombucha,‌ ‌Samabzon,‌ ‌HyperIce,‌ ‌Earnest‌ ‌Eats,‌ ‌Coromega,‌ ‌and‌ ‌Arctic‌ ‌Zero.‌ He holds a Bachelor of Art in Illustration from LCAD and a Master of Fine Art degree in Single Subject Art, Illustration from California State University at Long Beach.

Emily Atwood is a Graphic and Type Designer who specializes in identity, campaign, type design, editorial and digital work. She is a senior designer at Order, a New York-based design office specializing in brand identity, publication, signage and wayfinding design. Emily’s career includes her role as a Senior Designer at Pentagram Design in New York City for Paula Scher, leading identity, editorial, campaign and web design projects. She also worked as a Product Designer at Envoy in Irvine, California developing visual design for mobile and TV interfaces. Emily holds a BA in Visual Art from Fordham University and a BFA in Graphic Design + Digital Media from LCAD. She completed the Extended Program Certificate in Type Design at The Cooper Union. Emily brings her extensive knowledge and passion to typography and graphic design courses.

Xun Chi is a Professor of Visual Communication Design, International Curator, and the Rotating Chairman of the Association of Chinese Artists in American Academia. He holds a MFA degree in Visual Communication Design from Purdue University, where his design work achieved national recognition. Xun completed a medical degree from Tianjin Medical University in China. His professional awards and recognition include the “10 Young Chinese of Excellence Award"" at Chinese Magazine's 40-year anniversary; “Excellent Advisor Award” from the International Green Design Competition; “The Best Advisor” of Beauty of Chinese Characters Global Youth Design Contest; “Outstanding Curator Award” of Pingyao International Photography Festival, and the Winner of the Idea Festival “Best 2D Award” for two consecutive years.

Xun’s photographic work has been published in magazines worldwide including Juxtapoz, Harper’s Bazaar China, Elle UK, and Vogue. His photography and artworks have been exhibited in notable institutions at Stanford University, Nixon Presidential Library, San Francisco Public Library, and Ningbo Museum of Contemporary Art. He has been an invited guest presenter and lecturer at Beijing University, China Central Academy of Fine Arts, Art Center College of Design, Stanford University, Tongji University, Beijing Normal University, Dakota State University, Biola University, College Art Association, AIGA, and LA LIVING TV show. Xun teaches a broad range of courses at both foundation and advanced levels including graphic design, composition and color, 3D animation, motion graphics, and photography.

Mollie Engel is Vice President of Design and Development for Shawmut Corporation, a 106 year-old textile company for Automotive, Footwear, and Medical industries, with a Design studio in Laguna Beach, California. Mollie is an experienced Designer and Design Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the Automotive Industry and bringing Sustainable Design solutions to mass production. She has worked as a Designer and Design Manager for Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Hyundai Motor Company, and KIA Motors. Her expertise is in Sustainable Materials, and Color, Materials, and Finishes/CMF, Color Marketing, Product Design, Automotive Design, Concept Generation, and Design Management. Mollie graduated from the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Michigan, and holds a BFA in Industrial Design. When not teaching, Mollie travels the world to Automotive Design studios, helping Design teams find sustainable solutions on a mass production level. Mollie teaches courses in CMF and is an active contributor to the LCAD materials library.

Isabelle Gioffredi is a designer at Ten Speed Press/Penguin Random House. She works closely with authors
to bring their ideas to life in book form. On top of designing the cover and interior of books, she also
hires and art directs photographers, stylists, and illustrators. She has worked with and managed high profile
authors such as Jennifer Latham of Tartine, Glen Weldon of NPR, Hawa Hassan, Miyoko Schinner of
Miyoko's Creamery, and Lauren Toyota.

In 2013, Isabelle graduated from LCAD with a B.F.A. in Illustration with an Emphasis in Graphic Design.
She is a proud member and supporter of AIGA and continues to be a volunteer for the non-profit.

Austin Haynes is a dedicated and impassioned Illustrator and Graphic Designer, proficient in drawing and design with a focus on creating work digitally in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. He is the Creative Director at the Orange County based branding agency, Dyno Creative, and an Adjunct Faculty for LCAD Graphic Design + Digital Media (GD+DM) and Liberal Arts programs. At Dyno Creative, Austin focuses on pushing the visual identities of its partners’ brand voices to be heard loud and clear, through digital and print branding and design. Throughout Austin’s professional career, he has worked on a variety of Illustration projects which include Key Art creation, Toy and Packaging design, and Commercial storyboards. Austin has crafted illustrations for clients including Netflix, Discovery +, Super 7, and Cryptozoic Entertainment. Austin holds a bachelor’s degree in Illustration from California State University, Fullerton. He is passionate about fostering a welcoming and supportive creative community both inside and outside the classroom.

Dana Herkelrath is the Chair of the undergraduate Graphic Design + Digital Media Department and a Professor of Visual Communication Design. Dana brings more than 25 years of experience as a designer in Brand Identity, Packaging, Environmental Graphic Design, Merchandising, Marketing and Design Consulting. Her Background includes working with clients in entertainment, medicine, urban community development, education, publishing, hospitality and international aid organizations.

Dana holds a BFA with honors in Graphic Design and Packaging from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California and an MFA in Graphic Design from California State University Long Beach. She has been teaching graphic design courses for 20 plus years and has been faculty at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena and Art Center Europe in Switzerland. Dana currently teaches the Senior Portfolio and Graphic Design History courses.

Mark James is an instructor in Graphic Design and Digital Media at the Laguna College of Art & Design. His courses focus on graphic design, ideation and drawing, brand strategy, typography, and motion graphics. His teaching emphasizes design intentionality and creating visual engagement in one's approach to solving communication problems.

Prior to LCAD, he was a professor at Lesley University College of Art & Design in Cambridge, Massachusetts, The University of the Arts in Philadelphia, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York, and has lectured and held workshops at the Maine College of Art in Portland, Maine. He has also served as consulting Creative Director to the Santa Fe Workshops in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Professionally, his work focuses on branding and digital communications for large companies and organizations in education and technology, as well as work for small start-ups and non-profits. Mark’s client engagements have included work for The Harvard Innovation Labs, Harvard Business School, CVS Health, MIT, Major League Baseball, The National Hockey League, Physicians for Human Rights, and numerous start-ups in the technology space.

In addition to design, he is an accomplished editorial and portrait photographer and video editor. Mark holds a BFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Awards:

Graphis Interactive
AIGA Design Annual
Publish Magazine
USA Graphic Design2
Type Director's Club
AR100
M-Real Awards

Exhibitions:
Type Director’s Club
2012 New England Museum Association Exhibition on publication design
2014 57th New England Book Show

Dan Jensen leads the Graphic Design department in the areas of motion, 3D, experiential design and programming. His professional work is focused in motion design and digital art. Dan’s clients have included Igloo, Nvidia, Hurley, Barton Perreira, RVCA, Stussy, Union Bindings Co, Adidas, Champs, Footlocker, Capitol Records, Warner Brother Records. Previously, Dan was the creative director at Paul Frank Industries, Stirstick Interactive, Groove Productions, and Daily Bread Magazine. He enjoys challenging students to engage in new and immersive technologies while maximizing their creative potential. Dan holds a BFA in Graphic Design from LCAD. He grew up snowboarding, skateboarding, wakeboarding, rollerblading and now enjoys bouldering with his children.

Justin Jones is a Product/Motion Designer, Illustrator, Content Creator and Voice Actor based out of Orange County, CA. Justin has been in the design industry for over 10 years working for multiple design agencies and product companies. Throughout his career he has had the privilege to help create digital products and experiences for such companies as: Toyota, Ubisoft, Radio.com, Honda, Lexus, and LEGO. Justin previously worked for SaaS companies Sketch & InVisionApp Inc. where he created educational content for the greater design community.

Justin Jung is a Director and Cinematographer based in Southern California. He has spent the past ten years traveling worldwide, capturing breathtaking videos, and directing campaign and documentary projects. Jung’s work combines visual elements inspired by his love for nature and open landscapes. His work features top-action sports athletes, branded campaigns, lifestyle, documentaries, technical product videos, and stylized beauty photography. He has worked with industry-leading brands such as Rip Curl, Sony, and USA Surfing. Justin conceived and directed his first Documentary following the USA Surf Team to capture the first debut of Surfing in the 2020 Olympics. His passion in combination with his extensive professional experience brings technical and practical knowledge to his courses.

Eric Liss is a 3D generalist, motion designer, commercial editor/colorist and sound designer. Eric leads Motion/Division where his client projects include Art Direction, Motion Graphics, 3D, Augmented Reality, Sound Design and Audio Scores. His experience includes 10 years at FUSE Interactive.Throughout his career he's had the opportunity to work with global brands such as Sony, Verizon, Asics, Kenmore, Generac, Elizabeth Arden, Yokohama, Prestone, Nugenix and action-sports brands including Kawasaki, Oakley, IKON Pass, FOX Shocks, TaylorMade/Adams Golf. Eric’s post-production and technical direction has been viewed by many from television to Times Square. He holds a BFA in Graphic Design from LCAD and brings his extensive experience to the 3D and Motion courses he teaches.

Julian Lozano is a Senior Visual Designer located in Los Angeles. Presently, he ais part of the talented team at Huge, Inc., where he gets the fantastic opportunity to collaborate with major tech giants like Google, Ticketmaster, and LG. Together, they strive to create improved user experiences that will shape the future of design. Having immersed himself in the industry for over 5 years now, he hs gained valuable experience and insights. In 2016, he graduated from LCAD with a focus on graphic design, particularly in action sports. Now, his aspiration is to pass on some of this knowledge to the next generation of students, helping them carve their paths and contribute to the ever-evolving landscape of design. Exciting times lie ahead, and he is eager to be part of the journey towards a more innovative and immersive future!

Dan is the Lead Men’s Designer for prAna Living, part of the Outdoor Lifestyle industry. He is a dedicated steward of sustainability and is part of a positive progression towards sustainability and circularity in the apparel industry. Growing up in Laguna, Dan made an early connection to the Ocean and surrounding hills. Surfing, Skateboarding and riding bikes gave him the freedom to experience the environment in a creative way. Building and fixing the toys of the trade offered a technical glimpse into the importance of design and function. Dan’s career began as a Sample Coordinator helping to build garments for Rusty Surfboards in 1996. He went on to design apparel for many Action Sports brands including Billabong, Quiksilver, C1RCA, Element and Captain Fin. His career includes being part of innovative projects in local manufacturing with both startup brands and established workwear makers. Dan shares his passion, experience, process and community with students in his Action Sports courses and honor labs.

Amber Miller is a Graphic Designer at Nike working in Global Sports Apparel on Basketball uniforms for the NBA and WNBA. Amber was born and raised in Southern California and attended Laguna College of Art + Design where she received a BFA in Design + Digital Media with an emphasis in Action Sports. Since graduating, Amber has worked at Nike for almost 10 years working across the NBA, WNBA, NFL and NCAA for uniforms and apparel. She teaches Team Identity Apparel as a Special Topics Design course. Amber also has a passion for helping students to grow in their careers by helping them outside of the classroom prepping portfolios and resumes.

Jody began his career as a graphic designer working with up-and-coming natural food brands where he quickly grew into a respected designer and brand/marketing leader with an appetite (pun intended) for helping emerging brands grow. His passion for the natural foods industry would lead him to starting his own creative agency, The Village, which he founded in 2011 that focused on brand strategy and design for start-ups [along with more established brands] looking for greater growth and success on-shelf and online. Jody and his team would work with over 15
clients in the natural foods industry along with related wellness and action sports brands throughout the United States.

In 2019, Jody would join "Hyperice" – a start-up wellness technology company based in Irvine, heading their brand marketing and design teams. During his tenure as Head of Design and Brand Director, Hyperice would grow from 10 employees to over 150, acquiring three "wellness tech" companies and developing long-term partnerships with some of the largest brands, athletes, influencers, and professional sports leagues in the world. Jody's influence on Hyperice and the wellness tech industry can still be felt today.

Today, Jody operates a consulting firm called Epoch Creative along with raising his three young children and doing more of what he loves outside of the office; sharing his passion and expertise in design at Laguna College of Art+Design (LCAD).

Born near Los Angeles Lori Werstein immersed herself in the art, design and diversity of the area. Attending Art Center College & Pasadena City College while in high school - studying painting, printing, 2D design, as well as model drawing. She completed her Bachelors Degree in Art at CSULB, later attending Otis College of Art and Design this time earning her BFA in Fashion Design. With many years of design experience working for lifestyle brands across various categories, mens, womens & childrens apparel, footwear & accessories. Brands including: Quiksilver, Roxy, 26 Red/Sugar, & Billabong. Additionally working as a fashion consultant with expertise in Print & Pattern, Logo & branding infringement, & comparative analysis of historical surface design. Lori combines her love of art, color, and composition helping students transform their creative passion into practical application, developing surface designs across many mediums.