Brian L Slawson

Brian L. Slawson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Graphic Design at the University of Florida’s School of Art + Art History. He has taught over 500 undergraduate students since 1990, specializing in studio-based courses such as Visualization & Creativity and Senior Design Studio. His research focuses on the intersection of technology, culture, typography, and education, with notable presentations including a 2019 talk on Cherokee printing history and a 2014 workshop on design thinking in historical visualization. He holds a BFA and MFA in Graphic Design from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor.

Slawson has chaired over 30 MFA design committees and advised students now working at institutions like Auburn University and LSU, as well as design firms like IDEO and L’Oréal. He frequently collaborates across disciplines, serving on committees linking the arts with engineering, business, and science. His teaching extends to online typography courses and design education for K-12 educators. Despite no formal awards listed, his contributions to interdisciplinary education and historical design research are significant.

Advising and service include over 50 graduate committees (MFA, PhD, MA) across departments such as English and Museum Studies. His work emphasizes practical application of design thinking in both academic and professional contexts, fostering connections between historical practices and modern creative industries.