Work example by Precious Bugarin. Peep more of her work at the end of this interview
Please tell us a little about your education?
I went to the University of San Francisco (BFA) where I was a part of a cooperative program where you attend both a liberal arts university and and an art school (Academy of Art). The work load almost killed me—in hindsight I believe it exposed me to a wide variety of ideas, professionals, creatives, thinkers, and students that I would not have met otherwise. The intensity of study helped to build my work ethic.
How did you break into the field?
Before graduation I was offered an internship by a creative director who attended one of my class critiques. During the internship, I was offered a full time job by another firm—owned by a previous instructor and mentor, Paul Tsang. I left the internship soon after.
Please tell us a little about your design work history?
I lived and worked in San Francisco for five years after graduating from USF. I worked with Paul for two years before becoming a freelance designer. I was represented by an agency at the time that helped to place me at various companies but I received most of my work through word of mouth. I found the most joy in working with various local fashion designers with Paul--though my experience in San Francisco was quite diverse and hectic during the dot com.
I began teaching part time at the Academy one year after I graduated with my BFA through Paul's encouragement. I enjoyed it and found I was most at home in a class setting.
I moved to Portland in late 2001 and have been teaching part time while maintaining a short list of clients who find me through word of mouth. I recently opened a studio in northwest pdx, which is where you can find me most days making things.
Where have you taught design?
Adjunct faculty at the Academy of Art (4 years)
Full time faculty Northern Arizona University (1 year)
Portland State 2002-present
Portland Community College 2002-present
What is the focus of your creative research?
The potential/future of print design—the first press check you attend is quite shocking. There are mountains of paper ready to be tossed out. I make it a point to design pieces that can exist beyond their immediate purpose; to consider how work can live past its deadline.
What is your teaching philosophy?
Give students the freedom to create their personal voice
Strive for constructive criticism
Be honest and firm
Stay positive
The classroom is the safe space for experiments and errors, use your time in school to explore.
What classes are you teaching this year?
ART 472 Portfolio
ART 320 + 321
Who inspires you?
The Eameses
Adrian Shaughnessy
Please share some links to sites that inspire you.
Do you have a favorite typeface?
Today it is trade gothic
Please share a favorite book (design or not design related).
That's a tough one and depends on my mood. I recently finished the graphic novel American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang, food for thought.
Please share links to your web site.
Self Portrait!
Comments