Clinton Carlson is a designer, illustrator, researcher, educator, husband, and father.

A Brief History

I was born to a science professor that taught me the value of observation, and a mother who taught me to care for community by her own volunteerism.

I dreamed of being a second basemen for the Los Angeles Dodgers. At a young age, I began avidly drawing horses, then baseball players, then cowboys until I went to college and found visual communication design to be a good fit.

After marrying my best friend, we moved to Seattle and I spent several years continuing to work in a variety of design settings while also taking a few classes in counseling. My interest in exploring new applications for design led to grad school at the University of Alberta.

In Canada, I received my MDES in Visual Communication Design and also a son, who is part American, part Canadian, and 70% Jedi—although he occasionally turns to the dark side.

I currently teach at the University of North Texas—a program that has a rigorous, professional undergraduate program, an innovative graduate program and recently funded the Design Research Center in downtown Dallas. At UNT, I’ll be teaching a variety of courses and researching participatory design methods for health communication in small communities (among other things).

I get a little more enthusiastic about life when I am teaching, doing research, designing, investigating complex communication challenges and hitting baseballs.

That’s me. Thanks for stopping by,

Clinton Carlson

My Process

My design process includes linear user-centered design methods; creative lateral methods of conceptualization; and participartory processes for inclusion of non-designers. All three have their benefit and place in my design practice.

My Perspective

I am practical. I try to solve real human problems. I question technology when it complicates rather than simplifies or delights. I am always aware that motivation comes before action and that empathy is critical for good communication design.

Design Objective

The focus of my design practice is in cultural change: in corporate settings through the brand identity process; in small communities through participatory health communications; and in the general public through information design solutions.

Teaching Objective

I aim to find an academic position that allows me to teach within a program that has both a diverse and in-depth curriculum that prepares students for a variety of directions within the design field.

Research Objective

I have several areas of interest in research, including design methods for micro-community health issues and design pedagogy for secondary education. I hope to find a position that will assist in the further exploration of these and other interests.