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Becoming a student of Graphic Design at LCAD means joining one of the nation’s most distinguished design programs. Our program’s multidisciplinary approach recognizes that as a designer in today’s market, you must develop solutions that move seamlessly across a dynamic array of media. Our design graduates are adept with traditional theory and can lead in the innovative use of technology.
The LCAD Graphic Design major offers programs in Graphic Design, Graphic Design w/Illustration Emphasis and Graphic Design w/Action Sport Design Emphasis. We offer a BFA minor in UI/UX and a minor in Motion Design.
Our Design students are taught to become visual problem solvers and critical thinkers who can communicate in visually compelling ways, we are empowering them to be adaptive and successful in an always-evolving industry.
Our graduates have contributed to brands such as ESPN, NIKE, Target, Google, Hurley, Fox Television, PacSun, MSNBC, Kawasaki, Surfer Magazine, the Syfy Channel and the Smithsonian among many others.
Adidas
Adobe
Amazon
Apple
AT&T Entertainment Group
Billabong
Blizzard
CallisonRTKL
Cartoon Network
Coca-Cola
Disney Consumer
Disney Interactive
Disney Imagineering
Facebook
Fox Entertainment
Google
IKEA
Imaginary Forces
LA Chargers
LAFC Los Angeles Football Club
Lexus
Live Nation
Mattel
Media Monks
Meta
MGM
NIKE
NFL Network
Patagonia
Paypal
Pixar
Pentagram Studios
Random House
Riot Games
Rivian
Roark Revival
Saatchi & Saatchi
Sapient Nitro
Samsung
SF 49ers
Sony
Stance
Snowboard Magazine
Taco Bell Design
Tesla
Vans
Virgin Orbit
Vuori
Warner Brothers
Wieden + Kennedy
Wizards of the Coast
BoardRiders
Hurley
NFL
NHL Anaheim Ducks
Nike
Orange County Airport
Pixar
PrAna
Red Bull
R/GA
Roark Revival
Saatchi & Saatchi
Samsung
SapientNitro
Stance
Taco Bell
UCI Portal for UI/UX Innovation
UCI School of Medicine
Vans
Chair of Graphic Design + Digital Media
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.
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 foundation level drawing course is for graphic design students to gain competency in traditional basic of drawing, including line, shape, tone, and space. Drawing from observation to depict form with accurate proportion and perspective is practiced, as well as creating diagrams to visually communicate in ways that are not directly observable.
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.
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 course is designed to expose students to the basics of video production for the purpose of concept and content creation. Students study techniques and methods for reporting, messaging, and storytelling through video. The interactive course teaches students how to develop stories and how to best structure these stories for Action Sport audiences.
This course serves as an exploration and introduction of the history and culture of action sports. The course provides an overview of the key companies, influential athletes, various sports and key concepts that drive the industry culture and brand. Through the use of lectures and guest speakers, students will gain valuable context for design development and industry knowledge. Guest speakers will include corporate leaders, art directors, athletes and action sport designers.
This course allows students to explore or participate in a class that is specifically focused on a special topic or opportunity. Example: Prints and Patterns – using design skills to understand the development and set up for apparel print and pattern making.
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 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.
Color Marketing, and the field of Color, Material and Finish design is one of the fastest growing areas of design that is practiced in numerous different industries including apparel, automotive, consumer electronics, aviation, and almost all consumer goods manufactured worldwide. This discipline is used to create more meaning, emotional connection, and aesthetic value to products of all kind. Most professionals who work in the field come from a variety of backgrounds including graphics, branding, illustration, advertising, industrial and product design. The top global brands like Apple, NIKE, MINI, Beats, use color, materials, and finishes to create products that will succeed in the marketplace, and create more added value, and emotional connection to the products. It is one of the main factors in creating the DNA of any successful consumer product brand.
In this course, we will learn how to design and implement various types of mobile AR experiences (model viewers, interactive objects, image targets, and face filters) using Unity. You’ll learn about the challenges and tactics for creating well designed AR experiences, and build a solid foundation that you can use to create a wide variety of functional, high quality, AR experiences on your phone.
This intermediate course requires conceptual, imaginative, manual and critical thinking skills resulting in conceptual 3 dimensional Industrial Design Product solutions. Utilizing design processes and the principles and practices of Industrial Design, this course focuses on developing innovative and functional products for various industries. Through a combination of lectures, group sketch critique, and hands-on projects, students will learn the fundamental concepts and techniques used in the Product Design process from concept ideation to final product realization. Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe InDesign.
This course provides the opportunity for students to participate in project planning for location development projects. The course covers the art and science of non-linear production and editing. Students study field-production techniques and methods for developing, reporting, and storytelling through action video. Students learn how working on location, with various elements, impacts the final project and ultimately affect its success. Students are introduced to the production model of editing video for location shooting.
Brand Development will address the cornerstone methods and philosophies of branding. Students will create brand campaigns, media, advertising and branded experiences for both hypothetical and real companies. Projects will use cross disciplinary skills.
This course is an upper level elective where a selected group of students focus on in depth projects. The Honors Team environment simulates that of a working design office, school project or firm. Students take the first step into professional application of their talents through working on advanced more complex or multi-faceted projects individually and as a team. Honors lab looks at the business of design as well as the effect of the designer in business. Projects can also include LCAD material etc. Admission is by portfolio application.
This course addresses the skills and logic needed to conceptualize and extend a brand to environmental applications. Bus wraps, events, retail spaces, billboards, buildings and exhibits are all mediums that have become the domain of the designer. This course focuses on projects that will teach the student how to design for these environments.
This course will allow the student to gain a more in-depth focus on creating and developing the skills needed to create more advanced digital videos (30 second ads marketing/promotional videos, and digital shorts, etc.). Students will learn and use Final Cut Pro, HD camera use, lighting techniques as needed. Students will learn the process needed to conceptualize and create final videos. Some use of special effects will be explored as well as the software used to create these effects.
This course introduces the concepts, methods and skills used in the Action Sports industry.
This lecture and studio course explores 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 is an advanced course that explores, through assignments that emphasize narrative and stylistic qualities of dynamic, time-based presentations, computer modeling and concepts and techniques. Computer application: Maya.
This is an advanced course that emphasizes an innovative contextual approach to the design and development of a product, environment or experience applying the strategies and skills relevant to the field of Colors, Materials and Finishes. A combination of critical thinking, design strategies, material resourcing and rendering skills result in the development of conceptual design solutions and prototypes for products, environments and experiences. The class requires an advanced understanding of 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 in both vector and 3D rendered applications). Computer applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Cinema 4D, Frame IO, Swatchbook.
This course is for students that have completed Digital Video 1 and want to continue advancing their skills. This class builds upon the knowledge and experience gained from previous projects and allows for more concept development, refined camera work, and with personalized topics related to storytelling, informing an audience, or creating persuasive presentations.
This course builds the on students existing experience and knowledge from Motion Graphics + Visual Effects. Students in this course focus on producing a motion graphics reel to display their work. Students function independently to create several professional level motion graphic animations to supplement the work they have already produced. This course offers more creative freedom so students can explore their own style inside of motion graphics. At the end of the course students will have a reel that will showcase their abilities. This course focuses on Adobe Creative Cloud, After Effects, C4D, Audition, Premiere and Media Encoder.
This course provides the next level of development for the student looking to enter the action sport industry. This class partners with industry to create a more in depth knowledge of the business, terminology, methods and creativity needed. Students will use their knowledge of media, layout and 3D to create complete individual clothing lines or action sport related product.
This course teaches students how to make production ready prints and patterns for apparel or other uses.
This advanced course covers advanced user interface and user experience principles, processes, and application. Students will learn advanced skills of UI/UX building on the basic skills established in UI/UX 1 and 2 in order to design digital products such as mobile apps and responsive websites. The goal of the class is to understand and apply at an advanced level the product development steps; starting with research, concept validation, user-focused designs, to file preparation for web developers/engineers. The course will build on the industry-approved tools and programs.
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.
Brett Anderson is a Senior Product Designer at Kroger where Brett focuses on creating design systems that help enable designers to reuse design elements for a consistent user experience. Before Kroger, he was at a real estate tech start-up designing a marketing website platform and setting up their design system. For 6 years, he led the design team of an interactive design agency. Brett is a curious and passionate interaction designer. He holds a BFA in Graphic Design + Digital Media from LCAD. Brett teaches how to design for the web experience and collaborate with their developer partners in his Internet Design course. When not on the computer designing, Brett can be found with his family, playing soccer, or drawing and painting.
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.
Design Consultant at Facebook
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."
Darryl Grant is Senior UI/UX Designer at Weedmaps. He is a multifaceted creative who is driven by a passion for visual communication and product design. He specializes in creative product solutions within UI and UX for mobile, webm and next generation platforms.
Darryl has worked with some of the worldei_i_s largest multinationals all the way down to independent start-ups. His manifesto is to create celebrated work through original concepts and intelligent solutions.
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.
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
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. EmilyAos 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.
Xuns photographic work has been published in magazines worldwide including Juxtapoz, Harpers 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.
Winston Elliott is a Senior Designer for Taco Bell Corporation, part of Yum! Brands inc. He leads creative projects for the in-house agency, Taco Bell Design. WinstonAos design solutions have helped to shift and elevate the brand's position. He leads teams in high-profile projects and global campaigns. His projects have included The Bell hotel and resort in Palm Springs. He also partnered with Playboy to support The Trevor ProjectAos 50 Bills 50 States initiative. Winston is a dedicated advocate of LGBTQ+ rights, history, and inclusivity. Professionally and personally he strives to support inclusion, representation and understanding. Winston received his BFA from LCAD and teaches Brand Strategy courses.
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 Austins 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 bachelors 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. Marks 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 Directors 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. Dans 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. Jungs 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. Erics 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 Mens 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. Dans 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.
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.
LCAD has a rolling admissions policy and will accept applications until we’ve filled all spots for an incoming class. Applications will still be considered after the following priority dates:
Fall: December 1st
Spring: December 1st
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