As an educator, my goal is for students to leave the classroom with the tools necessary to understand contemporary topics, theories, and skills, as well as the ability and desire to continue developing their depth of knowledge.
I encourage experimentation and “failure” as these are often the best ways to creative breakthroughs. At the same time, tried and true rules and design thinking—alongside critical thinking and challenging—are emphasized so students develop a strong foundation on which to build their careers.
Explore selected projects below, shared with student permission.
Joey Strain
Hellbender exists to create independently owned, unique and flavorful craft beers that ooze originality and creativity, for a cause. We want to create a community with beer that supports the conservation and understanding of all walks of life, most importantly the historically trodden-upon odd critters that people tend to forget. Drink Odd Beer, Save Odd Critters.
Additional Credits: Josh Miller, Summer Doll-Myers, Holly Tienken, Co-Art Directors
Izzy Santana
Weed Prism is a purpose-driven cannabis company with a deeper mission than just selling premium THC goods—to help free wrongfully incarcerated minorities currently serving time for marijuana charges.
Meg Laird
Grounds is a collaboration between Peet’s Coffee and American Forests to create tree equity throughout American cities. We serve high quality coffee, raise money, and spreads roots with our one of a kind coffee truck, limited edition blend, and mobile app.
Additional Credits: Josh Miller, Summer Doll-Myers, Holly Tienken, Co-Art Directors
Skylar Deihl
For many people who menstruate, adolescence was most likely uncomfortable, confusing, and maybe even embarrassing. Matrix is dedicated to erasing the stigmas surrounding periods and puberty. Our goal is to provide a positive, comforting, and educational experience for young people who are beginning to menstruate with a line of products catered to them.
Additional Credits: Josh Miller, Summer Doll-Meyers, Holly Tienken, Co-Art Directors
Haley Wawrzynek
Ghost Juice is a low alcohol beverage for those who want to party like the living without feeling like death the next day.
Emma Smith
Mise en Scéne
Mise en Scène Film Festival brings together women and underrepresented communities from around the world in a bold celebration of recognition and creativity. Anyone is welcome to experience the festival—catch a classic film or a new release, and visit the interactive exhibition of costume and prop design.
Additional Credits: Josh Miller, Summer Doll-Myers, Co-Art Directors
Corinne Deichmeister
Ghastly Goods
Ghastly Goods provides Tea and Horror genre goods to terror fanatics to create a cozy experience in which to scare yourself silly. This monthly subscription provides tea based on the user’s preferences along with themed goods and recommendations for each month’s featured media.
Additional Credits: Josh Miller, Summer Doll-Myers, Co-Art Directors
Carolyn Kerkowski
Off Leash
OffLeash is a locally grown and owned pet food truck that offers fresh and sustainable dog food on the go. All the fresh ingredients are sourced from local farmers and packed entirely in compostable and biodegradable materials. Visit the truck, pick up some food for your fur baby and let them OffLeash.
Additional Credits: Josh Miller, Summer Doll-Myers, Co-Art Directors
Anam Khan
Plush & Stuff
Plush & Stuff believes in the power of a fluffy, plush friend. We bring the definition of a stuffed animal to life—unconditional love, friendship and security. We do this by creating an exciting experience where a child in need can choose a gently used stuffed animal and make it their own personalized friend. We hope to make these children feel safe and cared for during their hard times.
Additional Credits: Josh Miller, Summer Doll-Myers, Co-Art Directors