Jacob Ricks

  • Assistant Professor of Art

Education

  • M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Academy of Art University, 2020
  • B.F.A. in Graphic Design, Brigham Young University-Idaho, 2005

I ultimately decided to teach because of my own love of learning and I strive to bring infectious enthusiasm to design because I believe in the potential it has as one of the most powerful forms of communication. Graphic design, at its core, is not about making things look beautiful. It is about solving problems and communicating ideas. My courses utilize experiential learning to encourage students to develop professional skills through a combination of gained knowledge, consistent practice, and applied expertise.


Education

  • M.F.A. in Graphic Design, Academy of Art University, 2020
  • B.F.A. in Graphic Design, Brigham Young University-Idaho, 2005

Courses

  • Art Major: Graphic Design I, II & III, Typography I & II, Data Visualization, Identity Design, Introduction to Adobe Suite, Applied Arts, User Experience Design, Artist Business & Marketing

 


Teaching Positions & Professional Experience

  • Joined the Southern Virginia University faculty in 2018
  • Taught Graphic Design Courses at Brigham Young University-Idaho, 2017–2018
  • Creative Director at Black Card, a global credit card company, 2009–2017
  • Graphic Designer at McNeil Development, 2006–2009
  • Owner and Creative Director of Direction Marketing and Design, 2005–2009
  • Graphic Designer at DocuTech Corp, 2005–2006

Scholarship & Creative Work

  • Featured in the book “The Graphic Design Process: How to be successful in design school” by Anitra Nottingham and Jeremy Stout
  • Commissioned to create the new signage at Boxerwood Nature Center and Woodland Garden
  • Unpublished book: “Audubon’s America” — showcasing the journals and art of John James Audubon
  • MFA Thesis designs to be implemented by the National Parks Service in 2024

Awards, Leadership & Service

  • Online Course Representative, Information Design, Brigham Young University-Idaho, 2017–2018
  • Missionary, Long Beach, California Mission, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1999–2001

Memberships

  • American Institute of Graphic Arts
  • College Art Association of America