A Jordan
Assistant Professor, Design
School of Design
College of Art and Design
Office Location
A Jordan
Assistant Professor, Design
School of Design
College of Art and Design
Select Scholarship
Museum Collection Acquisition
Jordan, A. Boom Times for the End of the World. Book Cover Design. The Museum of Avant-garde, Mendrisio, Switzerland. (2023).
Jordan, A. Good Men. Book Cover Design. The Museum of Avant-garde, Mendrisio, Switzerland. (2023).
National/International Competition Award Winner
Jordan, A. C2A Creative Communication Awards. Four book covers selected as award winners: Mothers Don’t, Boom Times for the End of the World, The Entanglement, and Sonnets to Orpheus. Los Angeles, California, 2023.
Jordan, A. Graphis Design Awards. Four book covers selected as award winners: Solenoid, The Entanglement, and Boom Times for the End of the World. New York, New York, 2023.
Jordan, A. DNA Paris Design Awards. Two book covers selected as award winners: Boom Times for the End of the World, and Good Men. Paris, France, 2023.
Jordan, A. International Design Awards. Two book covers selected as award winners: Solenoid, and Good Men. Budapest, Hungary, 2023.
Jordan, A. C2A Creative Communication Awards. Four book covers selected as award winners: Solenoid, Good Men, Black Village, and A Story That Happens. Los Angeles, California, 2023.
Jordan, A. Communication Arts Typography Annual 13. Good Men. Belmont, California, 2023.
Invited Keynote/Presentation
Jordan, A. "Visiting Designer Lecture." 2023–2024 Hollander Visiting Artist, Design, and Scholar Lecture Series. Michigan State University. Lansing, Michigan. 14 Nov. 2023. Keynote Speech.
Jordan, A. "AUP Book, Jacket, and Journal Show Panel." Association of University Presses Annual Conference. Association of University Presses. Online Meeting, Online Meeting. 8 Jun. 2023. Conference Presentation.
Jordan, A. "Recent Work." Visiting Designer Lecture. The College of New Jersey. Ewing Township, New Jersey. 24 Oct. 2023. Guest Lecture.
Jordan, A. "Recent Work." Visiting Designer Lecture. American University. Washington, DC. 25 Oct. 2023. Guest Lecture.
Jordan, A. "Recent Work." Visiting Designer Lecture. Ontario College of Art and Design. Toronto, Canada. 8 Mar. 2023. Guest Lecture.
Jordan, A. "Recent Work." Visiting Designer Lecture. Kansas City Art Institute. Kansas City, Missouri. 24 Feb. 2023. Guest Lecture.
Shows/Exhibits/Installations
Jordan, A. Good Men. 20 Mar. 2023. ARTIFACT [BOLD] Exhibition, The Sechrest Gallery of Art, High Point University, High Point, North Carolina. Exhibit.
Invited Article/Publication
Bosler, Denise. "Three book covers selected for publication: This Could Have Become Ramayan Chamar’s Tale, Good Men, and A Story That Happens." Mastering Type: The Essential Guide to Typography for Print and Web Design. (2023). Print.
Wagstaff, Dan. "Book Covers of Note October 2023." The Casual Optimist. (2023). Web.
Currently Teaching
VCDE-617
Experimental Workshop
3 Credits
The course focuses on implementing advanced, newly developing ideas in visual communication design. The specific subtopic for this course varies each time it is taught. As a result it may be repeated with a different subtopic. The subtopic is determined by the instructor. Potential topics include the creation of interactive installations, adaptive/responsive interface design, tangible media design, digital performances, cyber fashion, network art, locative media, scientific visualization, information visualization, event design, projection design, or any new area in digital design. Students can take more than one Experimental Workshop in a term, as long as the subtopic is not repeated.
VCDE-702
Materials and Methods for Advanced Graphics
3 Credits
This course will examine methods of synthesizing analog and digital tools to create visual works that communicate complex information through compelling visual interactions. Projects will prompt students to remix materials, techniques, and design elements in unexpected ways to create new hybrid forms. Course content will cover analog and digital image-making techniques, 2D and 3D design, photography, coding, experimental visual manipulation, and unconventional design tools. Students will research, design, and implement their own unique processes that capitalize on a variety of form-making tools, and move fluidly in and out of the computer. At the completion of this course, students will have developed a vast library of interdisciplinary ideas and techniques for visualizing design that integrate a wide range of materials, forms, and methods.
VCDE-708
Typography
3 Credits
This course examines the historical, theoretical, and perceptual aspects of typography for print and screen use. Grid structure, composition, hierarchy, message conveyance, and formal aspects of typographic design are explored with an emphasis on developing harmonious type and image integration into cohesive, sequential design applications. How temporal structural elements such as rhythm and pacing affect visual communication in a dynamic medium is also investigated and applied.
VCDE-717
Design Systems
3 Credits
This course investigates a systems thinking approach for the purpose of clear, unified communication. The complexity of multiple components are integrated into a common framework to solve graphic design problems. Conceptual mapping, design process strategies, user-centric goals, visual symbolism, the balance of design with cultural, environmental and technological factors, design writing, and design evaluation are integrated into the course. Both theoretical and applied problems will be developed.
VCDE-742
Information Design
3 Credits
This course explores the importance of reader and user responses to written and visually presented information. Problem-solving, functional requirements, information transmission, accessibility and design structure are integrated while investigating a variety of formats (i.e. charts, diagrams, business forms, tables, maps, instructional materials, wayfinding systems, and technical data.) Applied problems are solved through principles of language, structure, diagrammatic interpretation and the visual display of information. Solutions will be developed for both print media and digital use (i.e. mobile devices, computer screens, kiosks, etc.).
VCDE-790
Thesis: Research and Planning
3 Credits
Research is the backbone for any project. This course will focus on the design research and planning stages of a thesis project. Students will define a design problem that provides a significant addition to the design field while addressing needs in the local, regional and/or global community. Course content addresses establishing content, planning, scheduling, and research seeking innovative solutions through the process of concept development, ideation, and in-process evaluation.
VCDE-799
Visual Communication Design Independent Study
1-4 Credits
Visual Communication Design Independent Study will allow students to obtain instruction in specialized areas of interest to enhance their individual course of study. Working with a faculty adviser, students will propose a focused curriculum related to their academic and/or future career interests. Visual Communication Design Independent Study students must obtain permission of an instructor to enroll.**NOTE: Student must have a minimum 3.0 GPA **
In the News
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June 2, 2026
RIT continues strong showing in international design awards
Twenty-three students from RIT's graphic design and visual communication design programs were recognized in the 2026 Graphis New Talent Awards, a juried showcase of emerging creatives around the world. A number of the honored projects from RIT designers will also be featured in the awards' companion publication.
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June 3, 2025
Design MFA program featured heavily in global creative showcase
More than two dozen students from RIT's visual communication design MFA program had creative work selected for the Graphis New Talent Awards 2025, a juried global exhibition of the best and boldest student work in categories of Advertising, Design, Film/Video, Photography, and Print. In total, the students and recent graduates captured 44 awards.
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January 23, 2025
Celebrating creativity: MFA students capture international design honors
Five RIT visual communication design MFA students and recent alumni had design projects — from typographic works to event branding and advertising — recognized in the global Design Masterprize showcase.
Featured Work
Students and Faculty Featured in Typography Book
A Jordan
RIT's presence is widespread in the second edition of Mastering Type, hailed as a crucial guide to typography for print and web design.