About RJ

Practicing Designer, Educator, and Entrepreneur

MFA, Graphic Design, Savannah College of Art and Design, 2011
BS, Graphic Design, California University of Pennsylvania, 2007
AD, Specialized Technology in Visual Communications, Intl. Academy of Design & Technology, 2004

RJ Thompson is a practicing graphic designer, graphic design educator, and entrepreneur currently teaching graphic, web, and interactive design at Youngstown State University. RJ, formerly taught at Edinboro University as a Full-Time Temporary Professor, Adjunct Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, and La Roche College as a Visiting Professor of Graphic Design.

He has owned and operated his design practice, Zola Design LLC since 2008. Before entrepreneurship and education, RJ was a graphic designer for the H.J. Heinz Company – a Fortune 500 worldwide company.

As an educator, RJ is able to combine his hobby with his job to present design in a fun and easy to understand way, not only to students, but clients as well. RJ’s entrepreneurial spirit and initiative drive him to do work that positively impacts the community. Volunteering with the Western Pennsylvania Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Pittsburgh East Rotary Club (and many, many more organizations) has not only solidified his personal interest in community engagement but has instilled the need to include promote service work amongst his students and peers alike.

RJ served on the Board of Directors for AIGA Pittsburgh, the professional association of design, from 2007-2010. With AIGA’s mission “to advance designing as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force,” RJ certainly understands the needs of AIGA’s ideals amongst his students, colleagues, clients, and the industry in totality. Ever the learner, RJ seeks to learn as much he can in order to bring cutting edge knowledge of technology and design practices to the classroom.

RJ is a 2004 graduate of the International Academy of Design and Technology, where he secured an Associate Degree in Specialized Technology in Visual Communications, and is also a 2007 graduate of California University of Pennsylvania, securing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Graphic Design. RJ received his Master of Fine Arts Degree in Graphic Design from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2011.

RJ and his wife, Erin, live in Bellevue, PA.

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