J. Blake Johnson

About J. Blake Johnson

J. Blake Johnson is a professor, department chair, and founder of Cardinal Solutions, an interdisciplinary experiential learning initiative at Saginaw Valley State University that connects students with real-world community and industry partners. His work focuses on innovation in higher education, AI literacy, and developing scalable learning models that bridge academic programs with workforce and community needs.Johnson is a Professor of Graphic Design at Saginaw Valley State University. He holds a BFA from ArtCenter College of Design and an MFA from the University of Idaho and brings more than 30 years of professional experience from corporate and academic environments.Prior to entering higher education, he worked for several design firms on the West Coast. Clients included Nike, Sony, NBC, XBOX, Microsoft, Adidas, and Columbia Sportswear, as well as hospitals and universities in the Pacific Northwest.In 2006, Johnson began working as a Graphic User Interface designer for several technology companies, including Pillar Data Systems and Oracle Corporation.In 2013, he founded SVSU Cardinal Solutions, an interdisciplinary experiential learning program that brings together students and faculty from multiple disciplines to work with nonprofit organizations and businesses on real-world projects. The initiative operates similarly to a consulting and design firm while providing students with applied learning experiences that prepare them for professional careers.Johnson currently teaches courses including Digital Imaging, Typography, Packaging Design, Graphic Design History, Web Design, Portfolio Development, Graphic User Interface Design, and experiential learning.SpecialtiesArtificial Intelligence in EducationAI Literacy and Responsible AI ImplementationExperiential Learning and Applied Learning ModelsInterdisciplinary Program DevelopmentInnovation in Higher EducationCommunity and Industry PartnershipsCurriculum Innovation and Educational TechnologyHuman–AI Collaboration and Prompt EngineeringVibe Coding and AI-Assisted DevelopmentUX / UI Design and Information ArchitectureDigital Communication and Interface DesignBranding, Identity, and Visual CommunicationPackaging Design and Product CommunicationEnvironmental Graphics, Signage, and Wayfinding

Experience

1. Department Chair

   Saginaw Valley State University

   Jul 2025 — Present · University Center, MI, US

   Provide leadership for the Department of Art, supporting faculty development, curriculum planning, and strategic program initiatives. Current efforts focus on expanding experiential learning opportunities, integrating artificial intelligence into design and communication curricula, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaborations across campus.Work includes mentoring faculty, supporting student recruitment and retention efforts, and helping align academic programs with emerging industry needs and career pathways.

Education

• ArtCenter College of Design

  Bachelor of Fine Art, Graphic and Packaging Design

  1995 — 1997

• University of Idaho

  Master of Fine Arts, Design

  2004 — 2007

• ArtCenter Europe (1986–1996)

  Graphic Communications

  1995 — 1995

• Brigham Young University - Idaho

  Associate, Arts and Sciences

  1991 — 1993

Skills

• Video Editing
• Premiere
• Web Design
• Dreamweaver
• Illustrator
• Poster Design
• Corporate Identity
• Graphics
• Adobe Illustrator
• Typography
• Visual Communication
• Fine Art
• Painting
• UX Design
• Posters
• Mac
• Packaging
• Indesign
• After Effects
• Photoshop
• Brochures
• Teaching
• Layout
• User Experience Design
• Digital Illustration
• Image Manipulation
• Digital Media
• Art Direction
• User Interface Design
• Higher Education
• Creative Direction
• Art
• Page Layout
• Adobe Acrobat
• Interaction Design
• Image Editing
• Drawing
• Photography
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Logo Design