Eric Wold, MFA

Associate Professor of Art and Design

Educational Background

BFA Visual Communications, University of Arizona. Tucson

MA Graphics, University of Wisconsin-Madison

MFA Graphics, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Teaching Philosophy

I believe to teach graphic design effectively within the liberal arts one must encourage students to make work that embraces both traditional and digital media. The value of contextual reference and the ability to draw connections between a variety of design disciplines and design history is essential. My graphic design studio classroom helps to cultivate creative investigation, exploration, and growth through a multi-disciplinary approach. This is particularly relevant to graphic designers who must visualize and develop a broad range of solutions for various audiences, and delivery systems across multiple channels.

Clarke provides me with a spiritual platform to posit graphic design as a vehicle of social change. It is important for me to speak openly about the ethical and moral challenges that surround the industry of design, the impact of our contribution to visual culture as designers, and the invisible act of persuasion that defines the objects of visual communication in our daily lives. I have also the great pleasure of working with various faculty and staff in converged efforts across departments and disciplines – making for lively student interactions and community growth on and off campus.

Eric Wold

Profile

Professional Background

For nearly two decades, I have worked as a graphic designer, illustrator, animator, community college instructor, university professor, and business owner. Each of these experiences has garnered new skills and insights into diverse design organizations, agencies, industries, and practices. I am equally adept creating fresh brand experiences and marketing materials, as I am developing illustrative paintings and futuristic hyper-stylized environmental museum exhibitions.
Clients: Oakley, Intel, Girl Scouts of North America, Fox, PBS, Smith Optics, Discount Tire, Elixer Coffee, Jewish Community Foundation of Phoenix, Eller Media, Tallgrass Theatre Company, Matter Creative, Iowa Rural Health Association, National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.

Research Interests

For the first time in Earth’s history, humans have become the predominant geophysical force. As a direct consequence of our industrial conquest throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, mankind has transformed the world into something more akin to fantasy. While scientists, designers, and makers sell, augment, shape, and contaminate nature in ways both visible and invisible; it has given rise to a variety of genetically modified organisms that litter our landscape and pollute our food system. My work attempts to make visible the invisible existence of genetically modified organisms, toxic expellant and other global, environmental, pollutants that dominate our daily lives.

Courses Taught

Art105 Art & Design Methods
Art230 Form and Communication
Art340 Brand Identity Systems
Art440 Media in Motion

Certifications and Memberships

ITI, Integrative Teaching International. Associate VP of Publications, 2016-present
UCDA, University & College Designers Association. Member, 2015-present
Logo Lounge. Member + Contributor, 2015-present
FATE, Foundations in Art: Theory and Education. Member, 2010–present
AAF, Clarke University, College Chapter President 2011-present
AAF, American Advertising Federation 2010–present