Curriculum Vitae
EDUCATION
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University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
College of Visual and Preforming Arts
Masters of Fine Arts: Visual Design
Magna Cum Laude
May 2011
Laguna College of Art & Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Cum Laude
May 2007
Twenty Examples of Personal & Professional Work:
http://erikkowalski.com/selected-works/
Twenty Examples of Student Work:
http://erikkowalski.com/student-work/
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
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Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design
Roger Williams University – Bristol, RI
Feinstein College of Arts & Sciences
September 2011 – Present
Special Topics in Graphic Design: Advanced Typography
This course expands the students skill and affinity of the typographic form. Emphasis is on the visual expression of meaning by examining denotation and connotation. Subsequently, the use of typographic forms is explored as image and combined with image. Students explore more formal applications of the grid as well as further investigation of historic typographic form from hand-lettering to digital. Experimentation is encouraged. In this intensive study, students create multiple portfolio pieces by the end of the course.
Web/CIS206 – Introduction to Web Development
http://html.professor-kowalski.com
This course offers a practical hands-on approach to designing, creating and uploading sites for the Web. Using text editing applications such as brackets, sublime text or Atom along with image editing software such as photoshop, students in this course construct a multi-page Web site complete with links to other sites, photographs, and graphic and animations they have created. Students learn how images, audio and video are represented digitally and transmitted on the Web, and how to optimize information to provide visitors with quick response as well as an engaging experience. Offered in an interactive hands-on computer classroom. (3 credits) Fall, Spring
CIS 102 – Computer Applications in Business
http://cis102.professor-kowalski.com
Introduces students to the elements of business conducted via the Web, which is the paradigm of 21st century business transactions. Focused on the development of a database in MS Access and the design and deployment of a web site, this course integrates the information management and communications aspects of the digital business environment. Taught in an interactive hands-on computer classroom. The WEB represents a new business paradigm – the creation of virtual stores where you can shop, compare prices and make purchases from any internet connection – support for your social networks, your access to email, location-based searches etc. These activities depend on three interdependent technologies; Databases, HTML code and some connecting technology such as PHP or ASP. Our objective is to learn the individual technologies and then to integrate them in a way that creates database driven web sites.
History of Deign Communication
http://history.professor-kowalski.com
In this course students examine the development of graphic design communication and tis relationship to the larger social, economic, political and cultural contexts through the course of human development. Although emphasis is placed on the rapid development of the discipline for the industrial revolution through the end of the twentieth-century, a broader historical analysis is necessary to provide a strong foundational context in trends and trendsetters, innovations and innovators. Course requirements include an intensive series of reading and writing assignments.
Web Design Communication
A web site is constructed from concept to completion. Typography, photography and animation are manipulated to create interactive designs for display on the World Wide Web. Advanced assignments encourage continued intellectual and technical mastery. Emphasis is placed on image quality and usability. Progressive lectures on multi-media and web design are presented. Course focusses on authoring HTML 5 and CSS3.
Advanced Design Communication
https://rwudesign210.wordpress.com
This course builds upon fundamental skills acquired in previous design courses. Projects assigned have interrelated parts requiring the student to broaden the application of visual information across multiple pieces. Advanced computer skills are applied to visual presentations. Graphic design history is discussed with slide presentations and visual support material.
Intro To Design Communication
http://intro.professor-kowalski.com
Introduces students to fundamental graphic design principles and applications. Students are exposed to both the intellectual and technical challenges of graphic communication through the creation of a series of visual presentations. Each project addresses different aspects of design development such as electronic imaging, composition, and typography. Graphic design history is discussed with slide presentations and visual support material.
Electronic Communication
https://electroniccomm.wordpress.com
Conducted in a lab setting, this class allows students to learn how to navigate variously software programs and to appreciate and understand key issues related to the electronically mediated office. Facilitation, demonstration, and one-to-one interaction are used to guide students through the various programs, however students are expected to bring a “problem-solving” attitude to the classroom. Goals for this course include; provide a broad understanding of how electronic communication has transformed and impacted contemporary organizational settings. To help students develop autodidactic strategies for learning the most common software programs that they will encounter as a communication professional. To develop creativity, problem solving and project management skills related to electronic communication. To enhance and refine writing skills relevant to an electronically mediated communication environment. To enable students to create professional-looking, user-centered print and web-based materials.
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Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth – Dartmouth, MA
College of Visual and Preforming Arts
September 2015 – Dec 2015
Typography Three: Web Type
http://type3.professor-kowalski.com
Typography 3 is a course in typographic theory and practice… for the web. Through readings, lectures and projects/critiques, students are introduced to various theoretical approaches to the typographic page, as well as various approaches to using typography to design for the web. Students will also learn current technological standards. This course emphasizes the importance of connotation, content, audience and purpose, as well as research. The course work for this class includes the following:
- Readings provided in class on the history of typography and type theory, with an accompanying design (postcard) project.
- Completing a series of introductory web typography lessons
- Researching, designing & producing a web site (with a writing component)
Visual Language FOU 115
Studio course that explores two dimensional form at a fundamental level. Assignments develop skills in composition, color theory, figure and ground, proportion, contrast and scale. In addition, attention to craftsmanship in various media, such as drawing, painting, photography and collage, develop patience, concentration, and the necessary work ethic for all forms of visual communication. A fundamental goal for this course is to investigate the communicative
power of art.
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Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design
Stonehill College – Easton, MA
September 2014 – May 2015
Graphic Design Foundations
https://gdfoundations.wordpress.com
This course is an introduction to the field of graphic design. Students learn the various processes involved in graphic design from initial ideas/concepts through working stages to finished presentation, applying the principles of design to projects pertaining to the design and production of primary print and also screen-based solutions. Students sharpen basic computer skills in preparing their projects using the Adobe software Illustrator and InDesign. Basic Adobe Photoshop is also introduced.
Typography
http://type.professor-kowalski.com
Students learn about the development and use of typefaces. Legibility, readability, history and perception will be examined. The impact of images accompanied by text will be explore. Students use computers and traditional methods to develop visual projects. Learning objectives include; encouraging critical thinking by evaluating and analyzing one’s visual environment; engaging visual environments through readings, writings & visual projects; experimenting using digital and hand-created methods to visually problem solve; practicing process (research, sketch, reflect, revise, critique) as part of visual problem solving; demonstrating rules of typography before breaking them; describing and discussing one’s work using a visual vocabulary in writing and speaking.
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Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design
Mount Ida College -Newton, MA
September 2013 – May 2014
Web Development
A studio course where students learn to use some of the most popular web applications and explore the complete creation process for a modern, accessible, standards compliant website from planning to publishing. Students will continue to develop their skills in authoring HTML and CSS. Students will utilize tools Dreamweaver, Edge Code, Edge Reflow, Edge Animate and Illustrator, the leading programs in the web design field which is becoming increasingly prevalent in studios worldwide. Javascript may be added to projects aid in site usability and visual presentation. Mastering these techniques and software will be done by class exercises and projects.
Vector Graphics
http://vector.professor-kowalski.com (no longer live)
This is an advanced course in Adobe Illustrator and includes more difficult techniques such as illustrations comprised of shapes, blending modes, and gradient mesh. Projects will be constructed entirely in Illustrator or with imported images from Adobe Photoshop using filters, posterizing, live trace,or hand tracing of images for conversion to vector-based art. The use of typography in Illustrator will be employed in producing quality projects for the portfolio. A final project will be built featuring gradient mesh for photo realistic effects.
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Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design
Salve Regina University – Newport, RI
September 2012 – May 2014
Concentrated Study: Branding
https://gd3branding.wordpress.com
Each student develops an integrated brand experience for a new and unique company of their choice. All students will begin with the design of the company’s visual identity. Each student will have the opportunity to formulate a design strategy tailored to the needs of their particular company. Design applications may include, but are not limited to, brochures, catalogs, direct mail, publication ads, subway ads, bus shelters, packaging, store signage, gift cards, labels, bags, menus and website comps.
Concentrated Study: Typography
https://advtype.wordpress.com
This is an advanced studio class where the emphasis will be placed on a concentrated topic. Primarily these subjects are associated with specific design intent, such as poster design, packaging, typography, motion graphics and information display. Since there are numerous aspects to the graphic design profession, topics will vary each time the course is offered. Students may take this course more than once for different topics. Lab Fee. Prerequisites: ART241
and ART100.
Creativity And Technology
https://creativitytechnology.wordpress.com
This course introduces students to visual technology used in art and design. Emphasis is placed on creative problem-solving through sketching and research. Final ideas are brought to fruition utilizing the computer as a creative tool. Course activities will clarify the proper use of painting, drawing and page layout software. All students create and display work in an online portfolio.
Dreamweaver: Workshop
A one credit, two day workshop course. Students are given a high-level overview of the web design process and Dreamweaver’s role in website creation. Students engage in the creation of self promotional webpage and publish the results online using Dreamweaver’s built in FTP functionality.
Silkscreen: Workshop
A one credit, two day workshop course where students engage in the silk screen print production process. Students utilize the photo process screen printing method to create prints on paper, tea-shirts, bags, etc.
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Adjunct Professor of Graphic Design & Photography
Community College of Rhode Island – New Port, RI
September 2011 – May 2012
Intro To Graphic Design
This studio course introduces students to the visual thinking process involved in graphic communication. Students gain an understanding of design principals and their application within a specific visual communication. Using combinations of two-dimensional elements, a simple message can be manipulated to have very different meanings. Understanding and using basic typographic elements and graphic images is a necessary part in the process of learning the discipline which allows a designer to communicate in a clear, intentional method for a specific audience.
Intro To Digital Photography
The course will cover the operation and manipulation of digital cameras in order to capture images. Students will learn how to enhance, correct and manipulate their images using the most current industry standard photo editing programs. Through demonstrations and assignments, a survey of work by contemporary artists, and a final portfolio, students will be introduced to the vocabulary, concepts, tools and aesthetic possibilities of digital photography.
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Instructor of Record
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
College of Visual and Preforming Arts
September 2010 – May 2011
Visual Language FOU 115
Studio course that explores two dimensional form at a fundamental level. Assignments develop skills in composition, color theory, figure and ground, proportion, contrast and scale. In addition, attention to craftsmanship in various media, such as drawing, painting, photography and collage, develop patience, concentration, and the necessary work ethic for all forms of visual communication. A fundamental goal for this course is to investigate the communicative
power of art.
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LECTURES
Artists Talk
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
College of Visual and Preforming Arts
Senior Photography Five: December 9th 2011
“Presented my portfolio to class, and discussed
photography from a fine art and commercial perspective”
Guest lecture
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
College of Visual and Preforming Arts
Senior Photography Six: March 31st 2011
“Integrating Lightroom into effective
work-flows for digital photographers”
Lecturer
Bridgewater State University
2-D Design: November 30th 2012
“2-D design from a professional perspective”
Speaker
SelectAll: Student Design Mini-Conference and Competition
Roger Williams University
“fueling creativity and sense of play for designers, with cut paper sketch books
Guest lecture
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
College of Visual and Preforming Arts
Digital Photography: October 5th 2017
“Discussion of Architectural photography and the influence of graphic design on my work as a photographer”
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RELATED EXPERIENCE
Photographer
Elin Photography, Mattapoisett, MA
2010-2015
Assist in photographing weddings and events
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Graphic Designer
Fuse Interactive, Laguna Beach, CA
October 2006 – June 2009
Project experience and clients include:
Kawasaki Motorcycles – website
Verizon Wireless – website
Startrac Exercise Equipment – website
Japan Airlines – graphic user interface design
Philippine Airlines – graphic user interface design
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Graphic Designer – Web Designer – Photographer
Laguna Cyclery, Laguna Beach, CA
June 2008- June 2009
Created web site and blog that featured new
products, events and special offers. Photographed
new merchandise featured on the blog.
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS
AIGA – Boston Chapter
Mattapoisett Area Artists – Board Member
SERVICE, AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Merit scholarship
Laguna College of Art & Design: 2003
Honors College, Cum lade
Laguna College of Art & Design: 2007
Honors College, Magna Cum lade
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth: 2011
Reviewer
Junior Portfolio Review, Graphic Design
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
College of Visual and Preforming Arts: 2009
Graduate Assistantship
Downloaded and tested font files for
the development of GoodWebFonts.com
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
College of Visual and Preforming Arts: 2010
Reviewer
Junior Portfolio Review, Graphic Design
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
College of Visual and Preforming Arts: 2010
Visual Design Representative
Graduate Council
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
College of Visual and Preforming Arts: 2010 – 2011
EXHIBITIONS
The Drawing Room
Featured Artist
Frangadis Associates
Marion, MA
anthif.com
Ongoing
Gallery 244
“The Crafted Page”
Group Show
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
College of Visual and Preforming Arts
November 5-13th, 2009
The Ginger Grill
“Photographic Prints by Erik Kowalski”
Solo Show
779 Purchase St.
New Bedford, MA
November 12th – December 12th 2009
Ettinger Gallery
“Array”
Alumni Group Show
Laguna College of Art & Design
January 20th – February 12th, 2011
University Art Gallery
“2011 Graduate MFA Thesis Exhibition”
Group Show
University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth
College of Visual and Preforming Arts
April 2nd – May 12th, 2011
Vacant Spaces Project
“East Meets West”
Group Show
106 William Street
New Bedford, MA
May 12th – May 20th, 2011
Art in the Windows
“Turning Vacant Spaces into Artful Places”
Group Show
Sponsored by Fuller Craft Museum
60 Main Street
Brockton, MA
May 20th – June 17th, 2011
88 Hatch Street Studios
“2011 Holiday Sale”
Group Show
New Bedford, MA
November 25-27th , 2011
Mattapoisett Historical Society
“Small town Big Art show”
Group show
Mattapoisett, MA
June 13-14th, 2014
Ropewalk Gallery
“Mattapoisett Area Artists”
Mattapoisett Area Artists Group show
Mattapoisett, MA
June 1-31th, 2014
Tinkamtown Gallery
“Mattapoisett Area Artists”
Mattapoisett Area Artists Group show
Mattapoisett, MA
August 20-31th, 2014
Gallery 65
“Decentralized Arrays and Natural Corruption”
Solo Exhibition
gallery65onwilliam.com
New Bedford, MA
June 1-27, 2015
The Kings Lens and Friends
“Ocean, Sky, Earth, Air: Aerial Photography Exhibition”
Solo Exhibition
thekingslens.com
Newport, RI
October 15-21, 2017
The Kings Lens and Friends
“Ocean, Sky, Earth, Air: Aerial Photography Exhibition”
Solo Exhibition
thekingslens.com
Newport, RI
July 15-21, 2018