GRAPHIC DESIGN / DESIGN EDUCATION
Teaching through visual inquiry.
I’m John Haller, a graphic designer and educator with an MFA in Visual Communication Design from Kent State University. I’ve taught graphic design at Kent State University, the University of Akron, and Marietta College.
Teaching Philosophy
I teach design as a way of thinking, not just a set of tools. In my classroom, students explore, think critically, and develop their own design voice through a studio process built on sketching, iteration, and honest critique. I ground that exploration in the fundamentals of typography, layout, hierarchy, craft, and concept development, because strong foundations give students the freedom to take creative risks. Drawing on a lifetime in theatre, I run critique as a collaborative rehearsal where every voice contributes and every draft moves the work forward. My goal is measurable growth in each student’s skills, judgment, and professional standards, and work they’re proud to show.
Teaching interests: Design Foundations; Typography I/II; Branding/Identity; Studio Foundations; Design Software/Workflow
Where I’ve Taught
Kent State University (School of Visual Communication Design) · The University of Akron (Myers School of Art) · Marietta College
Courses
Foundations / Intro: Introduction to Design; Design Principles, Process, and Practice; Design Foundations
Studio: Introduction to Visual Communication Design, Studio
Typography: Introduction to Typography; Typography I
Branding / Identity: Logo Design & Branding
Graphic Design: Graphic Design I; Graphic Design II
Design Tools: Software for Design
Sample Syllabus
Sample syllabus for Typography I (VCD 23001), taught at Kent State University’s School of Visual Communication Design, Spring 2021 — including learning outcomes, the project sequence, and the assessment rubric.
Student Work
Selected student projects from graphic design courses taught by John Haller, from foundations composition to typographic booklets, posters, editorial layout, and event identity. Work is credited to its creators and shown with permission.
Student Evaluations
Rated 4.7 out of 5 by students on Rate My Professors (18 ratings, 95% would take again)
View all selected student work · Curriculum vitae · Teaching inquiries
