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

Web Design and Development 15 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 content on Bright Space

Web Design

This course introduces the student to the design principles and basic markup languages used to create web pages. We will examine the components of positive user experience in terms of interface design, information hierarchy, page navigation, typography, color, and the effective use of responsive layout grids.

Enrolled students: View the course content on Bright Space

Web Design III

This course builds on the student’s existing knowledge of markup and programming syntax to build proficiency in the design and development of user interfaces that feature interactive and dynamic content.

Enrolled students: View the course content on Bright Space

A career in design?

here's what you need to know:

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of graphic designers in computer systems design and related services is projected to grow 21 percent from 2014 to 2024. With the increasing use of the Internet, companies are increasing their digital presence and graphic designers will be needed to help create visually appealing and effective layouts of websites. Employment of web developers [graphic designers with programming knowledge] is projected to grow 27 percent from 2014 to 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand will be driven by the growing 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. Come to class. Come to class 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. Come see me.

«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