"Hi! I’m John, a multi-disciplinary Creative Director based in Los Angeles. I have over 20 years of experience in UI/UX design, illustration, motion graphics and 3D animation. Applications I use on a daily basis include Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, XD, and Blender. I also have professional experience in Figma, Procreate, InDesign and 3D Studio Max. I enjoy working with students, junior level designers and hobbyists in their quest to better understand the tools of the trade, while also building a strong foundation in the fundamentals of design, color theory, typography and composition. I was awarded a grant to study abroad in New Zealand where I taught first year animation students from Singapore and Malaysia. As a Creative Director, I have mentored many professional designers and developers on a broad range of projects.

I received a BA in Industrial Design from The Minneapolis College of Art and Design. My formal education also includes graphic art, fine art and illustration.

My approach to tutoring is hands on and inclusive. I am a firm believer in learning by doing. My goal is to create a learning environment that is both creative and informative. I look to identify each student’s individual expectations and customize my teaching approach to meet them. Design is supposed to be fun, but being creative and meeting deadlines while learning new tools can be overwhelming. I can help you understand project requirements, conceptualize creative approaches and establishing a clear set of steps to accomplish your desired goals.

Whether you are a student working on a class project, junior level designer looking to level up your design chops, or a hobbyist dipping your toes into the world of design, I look forward to being a part of your creative journey!" less...