Momma didn’t raise no angel, but when a trip to Seoul offers you a set of wings, you take it.
Name: Eric Winter
Primary Occupation: Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS.
Secondary Occupation: Freelance designer
Tertiary Occupation: Advisory Board - AIGA Kansas City
Favorite Pastime: Saving treasures from the past, one estate sale at a time.
I’ve been exploring the world of design for almost two decades now. It’s been quite an adventure. I’ve met many cool clients, traveled to distant locales to present research, and had the privilege of guiding students on their own design journey.
As a visual communicator, I have a passion for design activism, sustainability, and design's effect on both built and natural environments. My graduate school experience was steeped in the Design for Good ethos, and what can I say, I totally drank that Kool-aid. I think I’m pretty good at designing logos. I know there is always more to learn about design. And that’s what keeps this ever-expanding world so stimulating.
As an educator, my number one goal is to prepare students for professional practice. I’ve taught freshman, seniors, and everyone in-between. I’m equally comfortable guiding a speculative brainstorming session as I am sitting down next to a student and really diving into the weeds of a project. Along the way, I hope to pass along my love for socially conscious design and to get students thinking outside of the university bubble.
I am also extremely active in the Kansas City design community. Sometimes higher ed feels isolated from the “real world.” My many years on the board of AIGA KC (read more about that here) have been crucial to remaining tapped into the scene. Over the past decade, I’ve built a size-able network of design buddies who keep me abreast of industry best practices, graciously serve as guest lecturers, and hook students up with paying gigs from time to time. Thanks guys!