Emily Russell
Academic Staff Member
Design
Contact info
Phone
Location
About
Awards
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Design (with first class Hons), Wintec
- New Zealand Certificate in Adult Tertiary Teaching (ATTP), Wintec
Areas of expertise
Industry experience, affiliations, and achievements
Research activity
Select publications
What do you enjoy about teaching/your job?
Through my experience teaching Design at Wintec and Chengdu University, I have had the great pleasure of interacting with students and sharing their sense of accomplishment. The most rewarding part of my job is inspiring, encouraging, and guiding our next generation of creatives. Our design department hums away with creative students working on assignments, creating new eye-catching ways to communicate content. I enjoy being in a learning environment, helping motivate students on their learning journey to achieve their goals. I began teaching in 2010.
What do you love about your area?
From the very beginning, I knew I would end up working as a creative and I was fortunate to have teachers growing up who nurtured and encouraged this. I love working in collaboration with our excellent team in the design department and I particularly enjoy working in this industry because no two days are the same! For me, design is about communicating through clarity, creating that visual harmony while juggling elements. I enjoy the process of problem-solving to create an authentic outcome.
Tell us about your experience in the industry
In 2009, I launched a community publication in Kirikiriroa/Hamilton called RIFF RAFF published biannually. I became the editor and designer distributing it for five years. The publication celebrated the success of those who were achieving their innovative endeavours and helped to enable visibility for versatile arts practices. RIFF RAFF launched issues locally and internationally.
A pivotal moment in my career would be working with Alan Deare at Area Design; this was where I further developed my passion for publication design and typography. Since then, I’ve gone on to self-publish and publish a range of publications under Ramp Press.
What keeps you busy outside of Media Arts?
My go-to for inspiration is to travel, to explore new places, experience new cultures and get to know others in creative practices. Outside of media arts, you will find me sewing, cooking, and renovating. I also have my own illustration business that keeps me busy in my home studio. To see my work, visit My Portfolio