Connie Larson
Teaching Area:
Graphic Design Technology
Biography:
- Taught Jurnior High and High School science and math for 7 years.
- Stay at home kids for 11 years.
- Came to Dakota County Technical College for commercial art graduated and worked in industry for three years.
- Has taught at DCTC for 15 years.
Education:
- BA in Biology and Chemistry
- BA in Studio Arts
- MA in Technical Education
Peter Skoro
Teaching Area:
Graphic Design Technology
Biography:
I like people. I like learning. I consider teaching as much a learning experience for me as an opportunity to guide people toward applying their skills to an industry. I get to watch them build their talents into a career.
Although infrequently recognized by most people, marketing and visual communication is what makes even mediocre products become popular. Without it even a great idea just sits. Art and advertising expresses our culture. It has been appearing that digital communication alone is not successful, a measured combination of print and digital-resources is necessary. It appears evident that more digital gizmos to communicate will continue to grow.
My dad’s employment was in graphic design and my brothers found employment in art and printing. My family culture has been art oriented. I have had employment in commercial printing and as a commercial artist. My work included point-of-purchase design, annual reports, college view books and much more.
Education:
- 1982, Certificate, Graphic Arts (Printing), from Minneapolis Technical College
- 1990, BFA, Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Minneapolis
- 2003, MA, St. Scholastica College, Duluth, Minnesota
- Ceramics classes at Minneapolis Community & Technical College and The Northern Clay Center
Hobbies:
Artistic – Ceramics, watercolor painting, drawing/graphite, photography
Other – General fitness, motorcycling, camping, sailing
DeAnn Engvall
Teaching Area:
Graphic Design Technology
Biography:
I like teaching because of the variety. The students are always new and so is the curriculum. I teach a wide range of courses including print and multimedia and am learning along with my students everyday because everything is constantly changing. Students often amaze me with their ideas and use of the technology. I am never bored. It is never the same day twice.
I especially like teaching multimedia because it can be a great combination of design and computer skills. When you get a program to do what you want, it can be quite a rush. Interactivity, video, audio and animation mean that your options are practically endless in how you present information to an end user.
Work Experience:
I started out as a K-12 Art teacher in the public school system but decided to try something new and went back to school for Graphic Design Technology here at DCTC. Right after graduation, I got a job as a multimedia designer working in print and multimedia for a company that did medical education. I worked there for over 5 years and then accepted a position to teach at DCTC and have been here ever since. I also freelance do print and web design occasionally.
Education:
- BS in Art Education, Mankato State University
- AAS in Graphic Design Technology, Dakota County Technical College
Hobbies:
I like to read (mostly mysteries) and work in clay as my counter balance to computer work. I also paint and draw when the spirit moves me and have tried just about every art medium at some time or another. I am very visual and love to explore that side. I also teach clay classes (for young and old) at a local art center.
Mary Megan
Teaching Area:
Graphic Design Technology
Biography:
Starting in the ‘90’s, I did design work for small businesses and non-profit organizations in the Twin Cities Metro Area. My clients have included Park Square Theatre Company, The Metropolitan Arts Commission, and the Minnesota Humanities Commission.
My largest client was Norwest Bank, for whom I design their Community Re-Investment Act Report. I taught in the mid-90’s at MCTC before attending graduate school. After getting my MA I started teaching at DCTC.
Education:
- BA Education, University of Minnesota
- Commercial Art Certificate, MCTC
- MA Design, University of Minnesota