Written by Caroline Schoenberger, Class of 2020
Each semester, Clemson Graphic Communications students have the opportunity to participate in technical courses designed to dive deep into topics that are touched on in general coursework. These classes allow students to personalize their experience here at Clemson and create an academic pathway based on their passions. Three recently added technical classes include Digital Media Design, Media and Film in the Digital Age, and UX and Web Design. Each of these is taught by industry professionals that are passionate about working with ClemsonGC students.
Meet Nik Conklin. Nik is the instructor of the Media and Film in the Digital Age course. His passion for video production and storytelling began during his time spent living in New York City as a student-athlete at LIU Brooklyn, where he earned his B.A and M.A. When Nik is not teaching in Godfrey, he combines his passion for sports and video as the Director of Creative Solutions for Video Production with Clemson Athletics. The coursework and assignments in class are based on his day-to-day work with athletics. When asked about his goals for his students, Nik said: “I want them to become better technical video creatives and understand how being a better media artists can benefit the work they do personally and professionally.”
Meet Jeff Kallin. Jeff is the instructor of the Digital Media Design course. A graduate of Clemson, Jeff spent his time as a student working as an equipment manager and graduate assistant in the athletic department. It was during his time as a graduate assistant that he taught himself Photoshop and InDesign. He eventually moved into his current position as Director of Creative Solutions for Design and Digital for Clemson Athletics. Through Jeff’s Digital Media Design class, he teaches his students how to think about and execute creative projects. His goal is that this class will “build student skills and confidence in their ability to find jobs after graduating from Clemson.”
Meet Santiago Gomez. Santiago is the instructor of the UX and Web Design class. He is also a Senior Solutions Designer at Hatchworks and a lover of all things design. Santiago travels back and forth from his home in Georgia to Clemson to teach GC students all things front end. As a current member of the application, web design, and web development industries, Santiago brings real, current experiences into the classroom. Some of the unique projects that students get the opportunity to work on through this class include designing an app and building a custom portfolio. He hopes that through these experiences this class can “help students channel their work into the industry, and help them land their first job.”
Meet Jesse Godfrey. The technical courses within GC continue to grow and change, and there is an exciting new class beginning Summer of 2019. Visual Design and Art Direction (GC 4900-004, Summer 2019) is a new course taught by adjunct lecturer Jesse Godfrey which explores the principles of graphic design and typography, art direction, the creative process, and preparing for a career in the visual design industry. This class will focus on building out portfolio-quality work, introducing students to critique and design process, and diving deeper into design concepts, execution, and presentation.
These project-based technical classes allow students to leave Clemson with well-developed creative skills that are at high demand in the industry. The ability to learn from and collaborate with successful industry professionals like Nik, Jeff, Santiago, and Jesse is a valuable opportunity for students to add to their core coursework and internships.
