Elle for Short
Ellesandra's Teaching Philosophy
As a collegiate instructor, I strive to equip students with the technical skills, creative strategies, and critical thinking abilities needed to thrive in a dynamic, media-rich world.
My teaching bridges the gap between design and strategy, encouraging students to think beyond individual assignments and consider how their work contributes to broader goals.
I emphasize understanding the “big picture” by guiding students to analyze how their designs align with audience expectations and communication goals. In courses such as Strategic Writing for Advertising and Visual Communication Modules, I teach students to balance creativity with strategic intent, integrating lessons on audience behavior, brand strategy, and media ecosystems. This approach encourages flexible design solutions for modern media placement while fostering adaptability across diverse channels.
Artificial intelligence and the ethical concerns of rapidly advancing technology and the subscription-centric model adopted by design software companies are all concerns worth exploring with students. I believe these rapid changes and shifts in cost reinforce the importance of foundational design skills so students are prepared to thrive in environments where cost is no object and those in which a sketchbook and a Staedtler may be the only available tools. Creativity and design-thinking are not inherently technology dependent, but opportunities scale infinitely when the appropriate technology and proficiency is at an artist’s disposal.
Authenticity is a foundational consideration that artists must confront both as students and professionals, and I make space for conversations about attribution, inspiration, and infringement early and often with students.
Recognizing that designers and advertisers rarely work in silos, I prepare students for the collaborative nature of modern design. Through group assignments and critiques, I help students navigate cross-functional dynamics, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and contribute meaningfully within larger strategic frameworks.
Hands-on learning is central to my teaching. In Visual Communication Core courses, I guide students through industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite and advanced multimedia equipment. In Visual Communication Project, I challenge them to synthesize these skills into multimedia group projects, mirroring real-world design processes where collaboration, adaptability, and attention to detail are essential.
I structure assignments to support progressive development, incorporating work sessions, group critiques, and iterative feedback before final submission. This iterative process refines student work and builds confidence in creative and technical decision-making.
My goal is to cultivate a classroom environment that fosters curiosity, innovation, and empathy, amplifying diverse voices and empowering students to share their ideas in a supportive and inclusive space where mentorship is a top priority both among classmates and between instructor and student.