Brian Alves

Brian Alves serves as an Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Art + Design Department at Salem State University, bringing over two decades of multidisciplinary experience as an educator, installation artist, graphic designer, art director, museum technician, and gallery curator. His career spans 24 years since earning his MFA from the University of Iowa's Intermedia department in 1996, positioning him at the forefront of digital design education from the web's earliest days.

Academic Background:

• Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Intermedia, University of Iowa, 1996

Research and Creative Focus: Professor Alves specializes in Graphic Design, Web Design, and User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX), with significant contributions in Motion Graphics, Animation, and iOS App Design. His practice extends to Installation Art, Video Art, Painting, and Drawing, informed by early studies with Allan Kaprow, pioneer of the "Happening" movement. Professional memberships include AIGA (since 2005) and the American Alliance of Museums (since 2016), reflecting deep industry engagement.

Student Mentorship and Curriculum Development: He directs advanced courses including ART 375 (User Experience and Interface Design), ART 384 (Web Design), and ART 416 (Graphic Design Portfolio), guiding students through professional portfolio development. His portfolio course requires students to create comprehensive visual identity systems culminating in Career and Portfolio Day with industry professionals. Under his mentorship, students produce motion graphics for institutional campaigns like #SSUgivesback and Global Day of Service awareness projects, with notable alumni including Mariah Pike, Molly Porciello, and Ryoko Nagano.

Professional Engagement: Alves maintains active creative output through brianalves.com and documents student work at students.brianalves.com. His experimental approach bridges traditional art forms with emerging digital platforms, evidenced by student projects in Vine animations, Giphy creations, and mobile app design pitches that address real-world applications.