David Lustgarten
Program Director: Graphic Design & Digital Media
Learning graphic design from a master
"A unique confluence of professional priorities and intellectual rigor," is how David Lustgarten describes Champlain's Graphic Design and Digital Media Program. "We prepare our students for real professional practice and at the same time we make sure that they're well-versed in creative conceptual development, visual literacy and sensitivity, critical analysis and historical perspective. They are taught by practicing professionals who have been drawn to teaching." David was an independent graphic designer for 14 years before coming to Champlain full-time in 2000. "I prefer to teach," he says.
The individualized nature that is a hallmark of a Champlain education extends to GDD, as well. "We build that working one-on-one relationship with students into the structure of the courses," David says. "Each student gets the opportunity on an ongoing basis to get help in applying the lessons covered in class to their projects. Faculty are very available, even the adjuncts, the working professionals."
GDD retains its relevant edge in part because students use the latest software. "It's always relevant," David says. "We teach visual lessons that are consistent with art school instruction. And we teach lessons that incorporate real-world projects. For example, to coincide with the Champlain's annual Community Book Program, senior graphic design students design their own book jacket for the book being read. This process exactly replicates book jacket design in the industry. It's a great example of real-work scenarios that our students experience before graduating. It gives them a heads-up on what they'll encounter on the job."
In senior seminar, each student pursues an independent study of their choice. Previous work includes creating a logo for the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps and for New England Tradeswomen, the Burlington Bike Map for the Burlington Bike Council, the Bike Safe Campaign for a joint effort between the Burlington Police Department and the Burlington Public Works Department and a television public service announcement.
"There's no ivory tower here," David says of Champlain. "These are regular folks learning exceptionally good material. I want students to leave Champlain with technical mastery and a confidence in their abilities to solve problems with creative solutions. Our students engage in real, contemporary issues with a global perspective.
"I like teaching at Champlain," David says, "because it's an avenue for getting a lot of information to students who are very excited about going out into the world and making their mark."
Play a Flash game created by Champlain game design student