Sam Coulter Assistant Professor & Freelance Creative, Lewis-Clark State College
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-coulter
What do you do?
I teach graphic design and print technology under the umbrella of Career Technical Education, so not only do my students learn creative problem-solving skills, but how to accurately apply them both in digital and print workflows. To stay industry-relevant, I freelance illustrate, and design on the side.
What investments have you made in your professional career development?
I’ve invested heavily in my education, and it’s certainly paid off. I now get to discuss design and its applications daily, and I’m always researching old and new print production methods and creative workflows to bridge the gaps between graphic design and technical production. Learning about design, the engineering and science of print, and the psychology of how we interpret and engage in visual communications is fascinating to me!
What investments have you made in your personal development?
Investing in mental and physical health. It’s so easy to let both go by the wayside, and it’s difficult to recover once you’ve hit that point. So I’m trying to be better about being healthy both physically and mentally.
How can the industry proactively invest in women, and why should this be a priority?
I think encouraging the technical aspect of graphic communications is key. Allowing creatives to create something from concept to print can change lives, but it takes technical knowledge and practice to do so. This is what can set a professional creative apart from a crowd, and as we continue to see the integration of hybrid work environments, technical know-how is going to be imperative in allowing for this kind of flexibility. Investing in women and hybrid work environments can foster that positive relationship between physical and mental health, allowing for greater autonomy and passionate and dedicated designers and printers.
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