Creation of Brand Narrative Course
I was originally brought in to rewrite the advertising courses within the George Brown College School of Design. But once that was done I looked to fill what appeared to be a glaring need in the Graphic Design Program - a deep dive into brand narrative and its critical role in the design process.
The course I created has been very well received, and students leave with an understanding that all design decisions are part of a greater narrative fuelled by empathy, and grounded in an organization’s emotional connection to its customers.
“Steve is a great professor. He's open–minded, encouraging, and very knowledgable. He teaches in an engaging way that helps us stay focused, even though we had to be online.“
“Steve is an amazing teacher and person! His classes were always so fun and entertaining. He’s very down to earth and makes the process of ideation and creating something that pushes you to think in many different ways! I would take another course with him at any time and am super grateful for all the help he gave in this class!“
“Steve is an amazing teacher. Very fun and approachable. It never felt like a class because the teacher made the class so fun and easy. I really liked how the assignments were broken down. It made it really easy to work because I had the clarity what the professor really needs.”
“One of the best professors I've had studying here. Please hire more like him.”
“Steve is a great teacher! Super engaging. He made me really love copywriting. Honestly feel bad that I couldn't be more engaged every week as I was doing thesis, but throughly enjoyed the class and felt accomplished with my work with his feedback every week.”
“Steve is an amazing professor with a positive attitude, super helpful feedback, and easy–going nature. It was a pleasure to learn from him!”
“I really enjoyed the course. You are one of the best and most engaging teachers I have had at GBC. Thanks again for a great term.”
All quotes from Student Feedback Questionnaire - Spring ‘22.
Original document readily available.
Student Feedback Verging On Horn Tooting
Creation of the Student Design Agency - FRESH SoD
Because of my experience in the specialty food industry, I was aware that George Brown College was home to one of the top food incubators in Canada - The Food Innovation and Research Studio, also know as FIRSt.
I saw an opportunity shortly after I started teaching that was win-win-win, where startups and small-to-medium sized companies who were clients of FIRSt could have access to top student designers to help them with everything from branding to packaging to running their social media accounts.
The cost would be a fraction of a design agency. The students would get paid, get real world experience, and build their portfolios. The School of Design would get recognized for being an innovative creator of student employment opportunities.
COVID had other ideas, however. Between pandemic restrictions and the subsequent exit of two key stakeholders, the agency launch was put on hold right as things were about to take off. It’s not yet certain whether the final chapter of this story has been written.
