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Michelle Bowers

faculty

Michelle Bowers

Professor / Co-Chairperson

Art & Design

Contact

508-999-8558

508-910-6977

College of Visual & Performing Arts 310A

Education

2004Cranbrook Academy of Art
1996University of ArizonaMFA
1990Grand Valley State UniversityBFA

Teaching

  • Typography
  • Graphic Design
  • Professional Practice
  • Community Engagement

Programs

Courses

Provides fundamental knowledge needed to develop course content, curriculum, and project planning for studio classes taught in the foundation program.

An integrated approach to the challenges of repeat pattern design. Through abstract concept development, hand, and digital techniques, students translte their ideas into repeat patterns for fashion, interiors, graphic and industrial design applications. Projects emphasize portfolio development aimed at designing patterns for market-directed collections.

Idea development through the process of making. The course encourages students to set aside conventional graphic design problem-solving techniques and explore the realm of ¿what if?¿ Students learn new conceptual and material methods for producing work ¿ creating iterative methodologies, systems, tools, and participatory operations through physical, digital and hybrid activities. The course challenges assumptions about Design practice and creativity.

Pragmatic business aspects, skills needed for a career in design. Students create self-promotional materials and portfolios; write resumes, proposals, contracts and correspondence; and improve presentation, interview and job search skills. The course includes production practices, marketing methodologies, and professional etiquette and ethics; field trips to printers/vendors and design studios; and presentations from visiting professionals.

Study under the supervision of a faculty member in an area not otherwise part of the discipline's course offerings. Conditions and hours to be arranged.

Michelle Bowers is an interdisciplinary designer, artist and educator, with a background in design from Cranbrook Academy of Art and The University of Arizona. Currently a professor at The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, she has also conducted workshops and courses across the US, including at renowned institutions such as RISD and SAIC.

Michelle's expertise lies in blending handmade and digital processes, particularly in lettering and collage work. Through her unique approach, she merges human narratives and graphic elements, to construct intricate and symbolic imagery.

Professionally, she collaborates with arts, academic, and non-profit organizations, producing impactful campaigns and publications. Her work has been featured in numerous national and international exhibitions and has been recognized by the TDC (Type Directors Club), STA (Society of Typographic Arts,), PRINT Magazine, Adobe, AIGA (The Professional Association for Design), SOTA (Society of Typographic Aficionados), UDA (United Designs Alliance) and the UCDA (Univ. & College Designers Assoc.). Most notably her work is published in Typography 41: World’s Best Typography, STA 100, Typo/graphic Posters, Type Campus: Fight for Kindness, Typism Book 3 and Graphic Design: The New Basics.

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