Patricia Childers

Patricia Childers is a NYC-based designer and professor of graphic design, typography, and design theory. She serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Continuing & Professional Studies department at Pratt Institute, The New York City College of Technology (Citytech), and The Fashion Institution of Technology (FIT). Her professional practice, P Childers Design, encompasses both digital and print design for media, education, arts, and science clients.

Her educational background includes:

• MFA in Graphic Design from Vermont College of Fine Arts
• BFA in Graphic Design from Rhode Island School of Design
• Studies in critical theory at NYU's Graduate School of Arts and Science

Patricia's research interests center around the symbiotic relationship between culture and design, and design's power to reshape cultural narratives. She explores design as paratextual elements and emphasizes critical thinking in design education. Her work bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, examining how visual communication shapes cultural understanding and social discourse. She is particularly interested in how design can serve as a tool for social change and how historical design practices inform contemporary approaches.

Her recent scholarly work demonstrates a strong focus on design education methodology, visual essays as research artifacts, and the intersection of design with social justice issues. She has been actively contributing to the field through peer-reviewed conference presentations and publications that explore innovative approaches to design pedagogy and research.

Her notable achievements include:

• AIGA DEC Design + Writing Fellowship (2022-23)
• AIGA Wiki Scholars (2022)

Patricia serves in leadership roles including on the AIGA Design Educators Community (DEC) Steering Committee (2022-2025) and as Co-Chair of the AIGA DEC Design Conference (2023). She co-directs Tipo, Cibo, Vino, a letterpress workshop in Italy, which combines typography, food, and wine experiences through travel in northeastern Italy to view graphic archives and typography museums.