Faculty

Jacob Ricks

Associate Professor of Art; Art & Design Program Coordinator

“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

  • Design 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

  • Faculty Member, Southern Virginia University, 2018
  • Graphic Design Teacher, Brigham Young University-Idaho, 2017–18
  • Creative Director, Black Card, 2009–17
  • Graphic Designer, McNeil Development, 2006–09
  • Owner and Creative Director, Direction Marketing and Design, 2005–09
  • Graphic Designer, DocuTech Corp, 2005–06

Scholarship & Creative Work

Awards, Leadership & Service

  • Online Course Representative, Information Design, Brigham Young University-Idaho, 2017–18
  • 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