teaching design

After 37 years in the industry, a series of fortuitous events led me to become a Lecturer in the Graphic Design Program @ SUNY Cobleskill.

I have studied how the migration of visual design to the online environment has changed the basic structure of the communications industry and the potential success, or failure, of its professionals.

I love my job and am passionate about the subjects that I teach. My teaching philosophy is pretty straight forward: Learn it. Do it. Learn more. Do that. Repeat.

Contact me

Design Experience

My career in graphic design began shortly before the emergence of desktop computers. I've operated and cleaned printing presses, taught myself typesetting, platemaking, and how to paste-up mechanicals for press. I began using Apple computers as a design tool in 1986. Since then, technology has produced an ever-changing landscape. One thing that has remained constant… the foundational principles of good design.

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Creative Direction and Brand Management

Since the mid-nineties, the focus of my work has centered on brand development, strategy and creative direction for a broad range of industries. Specifically, the design and production of brand identity, corporate communications, marketing strategies, multimedia advertising campaigns and print collateral.

Web Design and Development

I worked on my first corporate website for a global brand in 1996. Since then, I've been involved in site-management, SEO, interface design, and social media strategy. Results included a Best Creative Non-Fiction Award in 2008 and a Webby Award for Best Magazine in 2009. Most recently, I've focused on front-end development.

Design Experience 35 years

Creative Direction and Brand Management 25 years

Interface Design and Development 20 Years

«a student
review»

"Miller not only taught me the tools of the trade but showed me how to view the world through the lens of a designer. I can still count on him to answer any questions concerning my career or design in general."

—Eric DeFreitas

Digital Imaging

This course examines the artistic principles of photography, the mechanics of photographic exposure, the studio environment and the technical processes involved in the preparation of photographic images for use in print and screen-based media.

Enrolled students: View the course information for GART 270

Web Design

This course introduces the student to the design principles and basic markup languages used to create the layout of web pages. Particular attention is paid to the role that visual design plays in user experience.

Enrolled students: View the course information for GART 265

Web Design II

This course builds on the student’s knowledge of markup languages and introduces the design principles and programming languages used to create basic dynamic content and interactivity.

Enrolled students: View the information for GART/CITA 330

Web Animation

This course provides comprehensive instruction into the creation and application of interactive animation for web pages and on-screen media. Students will develop and design interfaces using advanced animation techniques, coding languages and supporting applications.

Enrolled students: View the information for GART 385

Portfolio Prep & Presentation

This course guides students through the assembly, design and execution a digital portfolio, resume and portfolio website. Preparation and presentation skills for job interviews are also covered. This course represents a culmination of the coursework in the Graphic Design Technology A.S. Program.

Enrolled students: View the information for GART 280

A career in design?

here's what you need to know:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of web developers [graphic designers with programming knowledge] is projected to grow 8 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand will be driven by the continued popularity of mobile devices and ecommerce.

Keys to Success

Follow these simple steps to pass my class.

I learned what I teach during the years I spent as a creative professional. There are three things that helped me to manage my projects and stay successful:

01.

Suit Up | Show Up

I know, that's two things. But they belong together. Participate in all BB Collaborate sessions. Come to these sessions prepared. Participate. Be creative. Contribute.

02.

Keep Up

Manage your time wisely. Keep pace with the assignments. Turn them in on or before the deadline. If you get stuck, try to work it out. Or, see Step 3.

03.

If you fall… Get Up

If you are struggling with the material in any of my courses, ask for help. I'll get you through it. I have lots of office hours. Email me to set up an appointment.

«There are three responses to a piece of design – yes, no, and WOW!
Wow is the one to aim for.»

Milton Glaser

«It’s through mistakes that you actually can grow.
You have to get bad in order to get good.»

Paula Scher

«The life of a designer is a life of fight. Fight against the ugliness.
Just like a doctor fights against disease. For us, the visual disease is what we have around, and what we try to do is cure it somehow with design.»

Massimo Vignelli

Contact me

Any questions?

Fill out this form. Hit the submit button. I'll respond as soon as possible.

millergj@cobleskill.edu
Old Gym 104
125 Schenectady Avenue
Cobleskill, NY 12043
Office: 518-255-5343