Keynote Speaker
RJ Thompson is a tenured Assistant Professor of Graphic + Interactive Design in the Department of Art at Youngstown State University. His current research focuses on community and economic development through the creation of brand identity campaigns for cities and neighborhoods.
RJ has presented on various design topics at University and College Designers Association Design Educators Summit, Southeastern College Art Conference, Design Principles and Practices, Design Incubation Colloquium, AIGA Design Education Conference, and more. In 2015, he and a few of his peers at Youngstown State University were one of several recipients of the National Endowment for the Arts “Our Town” grant, valued at $100,000, for the INPLACE project, which enabled artists to implement creative placemaking projects in the downtown district of Youngstown.
RJ is a Co-Founder and Creative Strategist with +Public, which implements branding and communication solutions to communities of all sizes.
Thinking Creatively in the Digital Age
Employers want to hire nimble thinkers—people who are not only content experts but who also are agile in adapting to new technology and new directions in their fields. With rapid technological changes and globalization, the ability to think creatively and strategically is crucial.
What employers want are creatives who can generate big ideas—platforms that build community, branded utilities, unique content as branded entertainment that is so good it competes with all entertainment, disruptive business models that benefit everyone, marketing as service, and products that make lives better.
Design education must incorporate problem finding and imagination preparation so that students learn to be content creators, storytellers, and nimble thinkers.
Integrating AR/VR Concepts into Graphics Curriculum
As the rise of AR/VR continues, how are graphics educators to prepare students to build these experiences for industrial use? Discussion and demonstrations of student created experiences will be provided showing utilization of equipment such as Oculus Rift and HoloLens.
Graphic Freelance
Step by step worksheet to help guide new freelancers through the process of servicing a client. Topics include organization, Pricing, Design Brief & Agreement, Project Terms, Timeline, Invoice, Client Relations and Taxes.
Mobile Media Development & Delivery
Discussion on different approaches to creating and pushing digital content to consumers.
Search Engine Optimization with Keywords
Finding relevant search results online has become an essential part of our daily lives. Keywords are the foundation that makes this possible. This session explores methods to optimize online web content for search.
3D Drone Mapping
This presentation will cover 3d drone mapping using Drone Deploy software, and the DJI Inspire 2 drone.
Teaching Photography On a Budget
Teaching photography can be challenging without the correct equipment. Understanding how to properly utilize equipment and techniques used in photography that are widely available and affordable can help ease the burden.
Video on the go: what's in your mobile media tool kit?"
This talk will explore the various types of equipment and techniques used to create video content in a mobile environment.
CONTACT US at Pittsburg State University: College of Technology.
Phone: 1 620-555-5555 1701 S Broadway St, Pittsburg, KS 66762
Website: GCEA