Summer Workshop : Graphic Design Hopefulls

The Art Institute, San Diego Summer Workshop for high school graphic design hopefuls proved to be a very productive week-long affair. I was invited to team teach a course that was to help high schoolers identify their personal potential for the art of graphics, fine arts and creative enterprise.


The focus on the class was team learning through in class discussions, critiques and hands-on computer and construction exercises. My goal was to motivate each student and help them create a 12 page mini zine that was creatively open in every way. Each student’s goal was to inspire their 42 classmates, create a zine that communicated a story about themselves, and do their best at learning new software and construction techniques.


Jeff Soto came out and spoke about his experiences during high school and on through junior college and how it affected his creative processes while attending Art Center. Jeff spoke about the ups and downs of his professional career as a fine artist and how he works hard to stay in a healthy--creative state of mind. Thanks to Jeff, as his talk inspired many of the staff and students and he always teaches me something new every time he gives of himself. He’s a great guy and he even gave up a day at Legoland with his family to make it happen for me and the kiddies.


Five days passed and all of the students hit their mark, did a great job and produced a portfolio worthy sample to share with their pals back home. The collection of mini zines was impressive and displayed a wide variety of talent and open-mindedness to work hard and expose their personal ideas. Nice job to the students, for staying committed and working hard.

It was a fun exchange, and I ended up creating a new zine for Comic-Con out of the class. Keeping young people motivated is no easy task, so for all of you teachers, hats off to you, as I’m always amazed at how “on” you have to be.