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Spencer Ladd

faculty

Spencer Ladd

Professor

Art & Design

Contact

508-999-8048

508-910-6977

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College of Visual & Performing Arts 251

Education

1994Rhode Island School of DesignMFA Graphic Design
1988Cranbrook Academy of ArtMFA Photography
1982Georgia Southern CollegeBA Studio Art

Teaching

  • Graduate Seminar I
  • Advanced Typography
  • Typography
  • Graphic Design Capstone
  • Photography Capstone

Teaching

Programs

Teaching

Courses

Forum for exploring contemporary art and design issues and learning from peers about developments in various art fields. Representative critical writings are discussed.

The major studios involve intensive work and research in the student's area of concentration. Students investigate the aesthetic, conceptual, technical, and structural properties of chosen media through an individualized study program developed under the guidance of their major advisors. Through questioning and experimentation, students are expected to consolidate technique with the development of strong, expressive ideas. Informal critiques and individualized discussions are scheduled.

The major studios involve intensive work and research in the student's area of concentration. Students investigate the aesthetic, conceptual, technical, and structural properties of chosen media through an individualized study program developed under the guidance of their major advisors. Through questioning and experimentation, students are expected to consolidate technique with the development of strong, expressive ideas. Informal critiques and individualized discussions are scheduled.

Graphic Design basics. Introduction to icon development, packaging design, information design. Students are introduced to communication concepts of audience, form and content, and semiotics. Handcraft is reinforced and vector-based design technology is introduced.

Typography basics. An introduction to the history and creation of letterforms and the relationship between content, typefaces, and the page. Assignments focus on the beauty and structure of text, use of basic letterforms, expressive typography, typographic grids, contrast and legibility.

Typography basics. An introduction to the history and creation of letterforms and the relationship between content, typefaces, and the page. Assignments focus on the beauty and structure of text, use of basic letterforms, expressive typography, typographic grids, contrast and legibility.

Advanced Typography. Students explore the communicative and structural aspects of typography, experimenting with these aspects to enhance meaning. Building on previously covered typographic skills, students work on practical applications of advanced typographic systems. Projects focus on narrative and story-telling, and may result in print and/or screen-based solutions.

Advanced Typography. Students explore the communicative and structural aspects of typography, experimenting with these aspects to enhance meaning. Building on previously covered typographic skills, students work on practical applications of advanced typographic systems. Projects focus on narrative and story-telling, and may result in print and/or screen-based solutions.

Capstone course. Students focus on their self-directed, multi-dimensional degree project. Students are encouraged to develop a personal approach to design, exploring their individual strengths and interests in the field. Guest critics and lecturers are in integral part of the course, which culminates in the Senior Exhibition.

Study under the supervision of a faculty member in an area not otherwise part of the discipline's course offerings. Conditions and hours to be arranged.

Teaching

Online and Continuing Education Courses

A forum for establishing a community of PBC students from Artisanry, Fine Arts and Design. This seminar introduces the student to the greater art world, and issues of the professional artist and designer. Students will develop critical thinking skills and understanding of other  media through cross-disciplinary critique. The seminar deepens and enriches the students¿ awareness of personal direction seen in the context of historic and contemporary art and design. Through writing, assigned readings, lectures, and discussion, students refine their awareness of individual voice and the implications of their formal and conceptual choices.

Research

Research interests

  • Photographic Documentary, Shade Tobacco
  • Photographic Documentary, Red Spruce
  • Photographic Documentary, Ecuadorian Páramo
  • Photographic Documentary, Plant Identification Archives
  • Graphic Design, Book Design, Poster Design

Additional links

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