Amy D
@amyd
Experienced art instructor passionate about empowering creative students.
What I'm looking for
As an accomplished Art Instructor with over a decade of teaching experience, I specialize in digital media, video production, and graphic design. My journey has been dedicated to empowering students to excel in their creative pursuits while fostering an innovative and dynamic learning environment. I am committed to enhancing educational quality through curriculum development and inspiring student success.
My professional experience includes roles as a Graphic Designer and Website Developer at Russo Partners LLC, and as a Curator and Studio Manager for renowned artist Paul Manes. Additionally, I have operated my own photography business, Canvas Life Photography, where I manage all aspects of client relations and project coordination. This entrepreneurial experience informs my teaching, providing real-world insights into client relations, project management, and creative production.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Instructor
Southern New Hampshire University
Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 6 months)
Taught courses in film history, digital photography, the history of photography, and innovations in photography. Created and delivered engaging course content, including lectures, readings, assignments, and assessments.
Adjunct Graphic Design
College for Creative Studies
Jan 2020 - Present (5 years 6 months)
Crafted and delivered a comprehensive introduction to two-dimensional design's foundational principles, vocabulary, and mechanics, encompassing the intricate exploration and application of color theory. Guided students in the discovery and application of design concepts through interactive lectures, insightful readings, engaging discussions, immersive studio assignments, and expert critiques.
Leo Lecturer
University of Michigan
Jan 2018 - Present (7 years 6 months)
Enhanced student learning outcomes by implementing a comprehensive curriculum on interaction design, spatial and temporal design, digital imaging design, typography, calligraphy, studio 4D, motion graphics, video design and editing, video production, digital photography, and advanced typography. Enhanced students' design methodologies by integrating user research, participatory design skills, prot
Owner and Lead Photographer, Videographer
Canvas Life Photography
Jan 2008 - Present (17 years 6 months)
Managed all aspects of a professional photography business, including client relations, project coordination, and marketing. Specialized in portraiture, event photography, and creative photo series, blending artistic vision with technical expertise.
New Media Workshop Instructor
Educational Video Center
Mar 2021 - Present (4 years 4 months)
Led and facilitated a diverse team of 16 high school students from a historically marginalized community in an intensive, collaborative process of creating a documentary film on mental health. Taught collaborative research, shooting, and editing of a social issue documentary, ensuring students gained valuable technical and creative skills.
Assistant Professor Photojournalism
Washtenaw Community College
Jan 2019 - Present (6 years 6 months)
Guided students through traditional and non-traditional uses of photographic imagery in the media. Taught students to conduct assessments of images, determining the correct mode of publication for maximum effectiveness.
Instructor
Art Institute of Michigan
Jan 2017 - Present (8 years 6 months)
Led students through special projects, photography design applications, advanced photographic design, studio lighting, the Senior Thesis Show, and the history of photography. Directed course readings, lectures, and demonstrations addressing photography’s history including photography as an artistic medium, its social context, and cultural relevance.
Adjunct Professor
Delta College
Jan 2017 - Present (8 years 6 months)
Taught Digital Photography focusing on technical skills, aesthetic considerations, and historical context. Emphasized project-based learning to encourage creative problem-solving and critical thinking among students.
Assistant Professor, Department of Art & Art History
Michigan State University
Jan 2016 - Present (9 years 6 months)
Provided expert instruction to students on photography and studio lighting, with a strong focus on digital workflow and advanced Photoshop techniques. Introduced students to a diverse range of artwork to inspire and cultivate their unique artistic styles.
Graphic Designer and Website Developer
Russo Partners LLC
Jan 2014 - Present (11 years 6 months)
Developed branding strategies and curated projects that aligned with industry trends. This role involved a strong focus on visual communication and digital presence.
Studio Manager, Archivist
Paul Manes Studio
Jan 2013 - Present (12 years 6 months)
Oversaw operations and managed studio activities for the renowned artist. This included archiving and organizing artistic works.
Teaching Assistant
International Center of Photography
Jan 2012 - Present (13 years 6 months)
Gained comprehensive experience teaching a broad range of workshops for adults and teens including the Teen Academy and Digital Photography I. Planned lessons and prepared teaching modules, acquiring comprehensive experience on the importance of curriculum.
Teaching Assistant
School of Visual Arts
Jan 2011 - Present (14 years 6 months)
Performed critiques, conducted Adobe Photoshop lessons, and assisted the instructor with lectures. Cultivated an online archive for lectures and lesson plans.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
School of Visual Arts
Master of Fine Arts, Photography, Video & Related Media
Completed a Master of Fine Arts in Photography, Video & Related Media. Focused on advanced techniques and theoretical frameworks in visual arts.
Michigan State University
Bachelor of Arts, Journalism and English
Activities and societies: Member, Michigan State University Honors College & School Of Journalism; Member, Society for Photographic Education
Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and English. Member of the Michigan State University Honors College & School Of Journalism.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Website
amydavis.photographyJob categories
Interested in hiring Amy?
You can contact Amy and 90k+ other talented remote workers on Himalayas.
Message AmyFind your dream job
Sign up now and join over 100,000 remote workers who receive personalized job alerts, curated job matches, and more for free!
