Gill Johnson

Having worked for over 20 years as a Graphic Designer I have subject specialisms in design, typography, illustration, advertising, branding, and editorial areas. I am a strong creative thinker and communicator and see design as problem-solving, through visual communication. I have worked with a range of clients both in the UK and abroad, and have gained a breadth of experience that has enabled me to teach from an informed perspective and an understanding of industry practice. Achieving a learning experience for the student that is a balance of creativity, individuality, experimental practice, subject understanding and practical skills is core to my beliefs as an educator. I understand the importance of answering a clients brief, rather than avoiding it, but to do so in a way that offers ideas they would not have considered, that break boundaries and exceed expectations. Communication is key to all successful design and visual communication is an incredibly powerful tool. By producing students who are armed with all of these skills we give them the best opportunities for employment following graduation.

Through my work in teaching, I have developed a special interest in the pedagogy of visual arts, and the understanding of how students of creative subjects benefit from different teaching styles and methods. This is an area of my work that I am very interested in developing through further engagement with research.

Practice

• 2011 – to date: Commissioned to produce designs for a range of decorated glassware for leading producers of engraved glass – Michael Virden Engraved Glass – and create an identity for a new sub-brand ‘Animo’ who sell these designs to retailers across the UK
• 2001 – 2013: Self-employed Graphic Designer, branding, identity, packaging, advertising, editorial and illustration
• 1996 – 2001: International Marketing Services Coordinator for Sinclair International. Providing design, advertising, branding, promotional print and editorial services for worldwide agents structure covering over 35 countries

Other Activities

• Member of D&AD