J. Blake Johnson is an educator and independent designer
with a passion for quality graphic design.

Profile

Professor Johnson holds a BFA from The Art Center College of Design and MFA from The University of Idaho. He has 16+ years professional experience in corporate and freelance settings.


Prior to teaching design he worked for a number of design firms on the West Coast. Clients included Nike, Sony, NBC, X-BOX, Microsoft, Adidas and Columbia Sportswear, as well as hospitals and universities in the Pacific Northwest.


In 2006 he began Graphic User Interface design for Pillar Data Systems (a division of the Oracle Corporation) and continues to contract with Pillar. Professor Johnson also continues to practice graphic design, allowing such varied projects as sports mascot design to stage performance promotion material and costuming.


Professor Johnson currently teaches a broad range of classes such as: Digital Imaging, Typography, Packaging, Graphic Design History, Web Design, Portfolio Design, and Graphic User Interface Design.

POSITIONS HELD

Graphic User Interface Designer - Independent Contractor

Oracle Corporation & Pillar Data Systems

Senior Graphic Designer

IDL Merchandising Solutions & Spectra Entertainment

Freelance Designer / Owner

Th!nk Design & A Rational Animal Board Graphics

Marketing/Promotions Graphic Designer

San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group

Graphic Designer

Anderson Krygier Inc. & Graphic Services


PREVIOUS CLIENTS INCLUDE

Nike, Sony, NBC, X-BOX, Microsoft, Adidas, Columbia Sportswear, Oracle Corporation, Pillar Data Systems, as well as hospitals and universities in the Pacific Northwest.


EDUCATION

University of Idaho

Master of Fine Art

2007, Emphasizing Graphic Design

Art Center College of Design

Bachelor of Fine Art

1997, Emphasizing Graphic and Packaging Design, Honors Graduate

Art Center Europe

La Tour-de-Peliz, Switzerland

Fall Term 1995

Brigham Young University-Idaho

Associate Degree

1993, Arts and Sciences, Honors Graduate


PROFESSIONAL - INSTRUCTOR

Associate Professor

Saginaw Valley State University

June 2012 – present

Exchange Professor

Shikoku University

April 2013 – July 2013

Assistant Professor

Saginaw Valley State University

June 2007 – May 2012

Instructor of Record

University of Idaho

August 2004 - April 2007


PROFESSIONAL - DESIGN

Graphic User Interface Designer

Oracle Corporation

July 2011 - February 2013

Graphic User Interface Designer

Pillar Data Systems

June 2006 - June 2011

Senior Graphic Designer

IDL Merchandising Solutions

April 2002 - August 2004

Graphic Designer

Anderson Krygier Inc.

March 2001 - March 2002

Freelance Designer

Th!nk Design

November 2000 - March 2001

Senior Graphic Designer

Spectra Entertainment

May 1998 - October 2000

Marketing/Promotions Graphic Designer

San Gabriel Valley Newspaper Group

October 1996-May 1998

Graphic Designer

Graphic Services

September 1991 - April 1993