Paul Young

Program Director (2008–2019)

Professor (2007–2019)

Associate Professor (1999–2007)

Graphic Design Program

Parkland College

Email: pyoung.parkland@gmail.com


 

Bio:

 

I am a graphic designer and an educator with over 30 years of experience in the marketing communications industry. My full-time teaching career began in 1999.

 

As a designer, I have designed everything from identity to websites and more. My professional experience has included creative positions in ad agencies, design studios, publishing firms and in-house art departments in New York City and Milwaukee. Currently my partner Bonnie and I have a graphic design studio called Electric Pictures in Champaign, Illinois.

 

As an educator, I've taught graphic design at Parsons School of Design, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design, Eastern Illinois University and Parkland College, where I was a tenured professor for 20 years.

 

(See examples of my students' work)

 

 

 

Teaching Philosophy:

 

Because commercial art is a creative endeavor, I like to emphasize exploration and discovery in the classroom. Since there is no single right answer for any design problem, I encourage my students to explore and propose many solutions. My role as a teacher is to guide the exploration process by providing resources and options, and then to help edit the solutions. The final result should be a portfolio piece that is balanced between a student's personal style and what is in demand in today's marketplace.

 

I try to create a workshop environment in the classroom that simulates the real world as closely as possible. I encourage students to bounce ideas off each other and to observe how I work with other students. I often say to my students, "It's your job to steal as much information from me as possible."

 

I have an open door policy and make myself available to students regardless of when my office hours are. I encourage students to consult with me individually on anything that may be on their mind, whether it relates to class or not.

 

 

 

Brief Résumé:

 

 

 

 

 

Education:

 

 

 

 

 

Courses taught at Parkland College:

 

 

 

Special Events sponsored by Parkland College:

 

 

 

Exhibitions:

 

 

 

Personal Links: