Lorrie Frear
Professor
School of Design
College of Art and Design
585-475-6904
Office Location
Lorrie Frear
Professor
School of Design
College of Art and Design
Education
BFA, MFA, Rochester Institute of Technology
Bio
Lorrie Frear is a Professor in the School of Design in the College of Art and Design at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she is committed to creating collaborative learning experiences for students representing different departments in the college, other colleges at RIT and other universities. In all of Lorrie’s classes, there is an emphasis on current design issues and challenges, creativity, critical thinking, individual development and a passion for life-long learning. Lorrie’s specific areas of expertise include typography, calligraphy, packaging design, design systems, design literacy and contemporary lettering.
585-475-6904
Areas of Expertise
Graphic Design
Calligraphy
Lettering
Typography
Packaging Design
Editorial Design
Systems Thinking
Select Scholarship
Published Conference Proceedings
Frear, Lorrie and Kelly Murdoch-kitt. "Connecting Campus to Community Through Creative Collaborations." Proceedings of the A2RU. Ed. self. Boston, MA: A2RU, 2017. Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "Delve into Design Thinking with STEAM." Proceedings of the ICERI. Ed. ICERI. Sevilla spain, Spain, international: ICERI, 2017. Web.
Frear, Lorrie. "Learning Calligraphy Informs and Reinforces Typographic Fundamentals." Proceedings of the INTED 9th Annual International Technological, Education and Development Conference, March 2-4, 2015 Madrid Spain. Ed. iated.org/inted. madrid, spain, spain: n.p., Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "Generate STEAM: The Power of Design Thinking." Proceedings of the Ninth International Conference on Design Principles and Practices, Chicago, Illinois, March 12-14, 2015. Ed. designprinciplesandpractices.com. chicago, illinois: n.p., Web.
Frear, Lorrie. "CALLIGRAPHY ENGAGES DIGITAL NATIVE TYPOGRAPHY STUDENTS." Proceedings of the 26th Annual International Conference on College Teaching and Learning, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, March 30-April 2, 2015. Ed. teachlearn.org. Point Vedra Beach, Florida: n.p., Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "Title: Collaboration as a Teaching Model." Proceedings of the Third Annual RGD Design Educators Conference, Toronto, Canada, November 14, 2015. Ed. RGD Toronto. Toronto, Canada: n.p., Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "Interactive Teaching and Learning in the Graphic Design Studio." Proceedings of the ICERI 8th Annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation, Sevilla, Spain, November 16-18, 2015. Ed. iated.org/iceri. Madrid, spain, Spain: n.p., Web.
Frear, Lorrie. "Team Design: Collaborative Multidisciplinary Learning Experiences for Graphic Designers." Proceedings of the Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanities, Honolulu HI, January 2014. Ed. Unknown. University of Louisville, KY: n.p., 2014. Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "Collaboration, Cooperation and Competition with Design Thinking." Proceedings of the 25th International Conference on College Teaching and Learning Point Vedra Beach FL, March 2014. Ed. Unknown. Point Vedra Beach, FL: n.p., 2014. Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "Design Thinking in a Collaborative Learning Environment." Proceedings of the International Journal of Arts and Sciences Conference May 2014, Boston MA. Ed. International Journal of Arts and Sciences. Boston, Massachusetts: n.p., 2014. Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "Intersections of Tradition and Technology=Experimental Typography." Proceedings of the SECAC Conference (Southeastern College Art Conference) Sarasota, FL. Ed. SECAC. Columbia, South Carolina: SECAC, 2014. Print.
Frear, Lorrie. "Design and Photography Students Share a Vision: Positive/Negative Magazine." Proceedings of the Canada International Conference on Education. Toronto, Canada: Canadian International Conference on Education, 2013. Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Denis Defibaugh. "Designers and Photographers Pursue a Vision: An Interdisciplinary Editorial Design Experience." Proceedings of the University and College Designers Association (UCDA). Ed. UCDA. Smyrna, Tennessee: UCDA, 2013. Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "Crossroads: Merging Traditional Typography with Digital Technologies." Proceedings of the Design Educators Conference with York University. Ed. RGD (Hub for Graphic Design). Toronto, Canada: RGD (Hub for Graphic Design), 2013. Web.
Frear, Lorrie. "Designers and Photographers Pursue a Vision: an Interdisciplinary Editorial Design Experience II." Proceedings of the iCERI 6th Annual Conference on Education, Research and Innovation. Ed. iATED (International Association of Technology, Education and Development). Sevilla, Spain: iATED, 2013. Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "Jump on the Typographic Carousel." Proceedings of the UCDA Design Education Summit Catch 22. Ed. UCDA. Smyrna, TN: University and College Design Assocation, 2012. Web.
Frear, Lorrie, Alex Lobos, and Sandra Turner. Proceedings of the Model for Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Package Design. Ed. Design Principles and Practices. Champaign, IL: Design Principles and Practices, 2012. Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "Creativity in Motion." Proceedings of the International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities. Ed. International Conference on New Directions in the Humanities. Champaign, IL: Internationl Conference on New Directions in the Humanities, 2012. Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Alex Lobos, Sandra Turner. "Model for Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Package Design II." Proceedings of the Industrial Designers Society of America Conference Boston. Ed. IDSA. Herndon, VA: IDSA, 2012. Web.
Frear, Lorrie. "Teamwork+ / Active and Integrated Learning in Multidisciplinary Collaborations;." Proceedings of the Niagara University International Conference on Teaching and Learning, Lewiston, New York, January. Ed. Committee on College Teaching and Learning. Niagara University, Lewiston, New York: Niagara University, 2011. Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "When Convergent and Divergent Thinking Meet." Proceedings of the International Journal of Arts and Sciences Multidisciplinary Conference, Las Vegas, Nevada, March. Ed. Joseph Bonnici. International Journal of Arts and Sciences: International Journal of Arts and Sciences Multidisciplinary Conference, 2011. Print.
Frear, Lorrie. "Collaboration, Cooperation and Competition in Multidisciplinary Learning Experiences." Proceedings of the UCDA Design Education Summit, Jersey City, New Jersey, May. Ed. The University & College Designers Association. New Jersey: UCDA, 2011. Web.
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "Get Your Sidebearings! The Typographic Carousel Project." Proceedings of the TypeCon 2011: Surge Conference. Ed. Society of Typographic Aficionados. New Orleans, LA: Society of Typographic Aficionados (SOTA), 2011. Print.
Frear, Lorrie and Nancy Ciolek, Chris Jackson, Shaun Foster. "Design is One: Creating a Blended Graduate Curriculum." Proceedings of the UCDA Design Education Summit, Jersey City, New Jersey, May. Ed. UCDA. UCDA: UCDA, 2011. Web.
Peer Reviewed/Juried Poster Presentation or Conference Paper
Frear, Lorrie. "Interdisciplinary Collaboration in the Classroom." Proceedings of the International Journal of Arts and Sciences. Ed. International Journal of ARts and Sciences. Toronto, canada, international: IJAS.
Invited Article/Publication
Frear, Lorrie. "What are Optotypes? The Eye Chart In Focus." Ilovetypography.com. (2015). Web.
Frear, Lorrie. "Learning to Love Letters! The Magic of Introducing Calligraphy in Typography Courses." ilovetypography.com. (2014). Web.
Shows/Exhibits/Installations
Frear, Lorrie. When the Cats are Away, the Mice Will Play. n.d. ation: The twelve 2015 International Winners will be on display in the lobby of the National Association of Letter Carriers headquarters building, 100 Indiana Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 beginning in July 2015 for a year, Washington DC. Exhibit.
Frear, Lorrie. Mingle. By Carol Fillip. 31 May 2013. Western New York Book Arts Center, Buffalo, New York. Exhibit.
Frear, Lorrie. Music is Art Promotional Poster Series. By Carol Fillip. 1 Mar. 2012. Vignelli Center for Design Studies, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester. Exhibit.
Frear, Lorrie. Celebrate Good Times. Aug. 2011. Graceful Envelope Contest, National Association of Letter Carriers Headquarters, Washington, DC. Exhibit.
Invited Keynote/Presentation
Frear, Lorrie. "Calligraphy Basics for Personal Projects." Western New York Book Arts Center, Buffalo, New York. Western New York Book Arts Center, Buffalo, New York. Buffalo, New York. 18 Apr. 2015. Lecture.
Frear, Lorrie. "Italicize Your Communications!" Rochester Brainery. Rochester Brainery. Rochester, New York. 22 Apr. 2015. Lecture.
Frear, Lorrie. "Letters to Love: An Introduction to Script Lettering." Rochester Brainery. Rochester Brainery. Rochester, New York. 6 May 2015. Lecture.
Frear, Lorrie. "Lettering: An Expressive, Exciting Lettering Adventure!" Western New York Book Arts Center, Buffalo, New York. Western New York Book Arts Center, Buffalo, New York. Buffalo, New York. 20 Jun. 2015. Lecture.
Frear, Lorrie. "White Space is Our Friend: How to Compose a Powerful Page." Genesee Valley Calligraphy Guild. Genesee Valley Calligraphy Guild. Rochester, New York. 1 Jul. 2015. Lecture.
Frear, Lorrie. "Calligraphy Workshop: Italicize Your Communications." Calligraphy Workshop. SI Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University. Syracuse, NY. 12 Apr. 2014. Guest Lecture.
Frear, Lorrie. "Calligraphy in Context: Teaching and Learning." Workshop for Graduate Education Majors. Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development, University of Rochester. Rochester, NY. 11 Jun. 2014. Guest Lecture.
Frear, Lorrie. "Margaret Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York,." Western New York Book Arts Center Workshop. Western New York Book Arts Cente. Buffalo, NY. 18 Oct. 2014. Guest Lecture.
Frear, Lorrie. "Letterforms and Literacy for Children." Spring Meeting of Genesee Valley School Librarians. Genesee Valley Educational Partnership School Library System. Genesee Valley Educational Partnership School Library System Headquarters, Le Roy, New York. 10 May 2011. Guest Lecture.
Journal Paper
Frear, Lorrie, Alex Lobos, and Sandra Turner. "Model for Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Packaging Design." The International Journal of Designed Objects Volume 7. Issue 1 (2013): 1-16. Web.
Invited Paper
Frear, Lorrie and Carol Fillip. "A Typographic Carousel; Showcasing Pre-digital Typographic Techniques and Processes to Lure in Digital Natives." BLOG: ilovetypography.com. (2013). Web.
Formal Presentation
Frear, Lorrie and Kris Holmes. “Scribal Practices usingModern Tools.” Future of Reading Conference. Rochester, NY. June 2010.Presentation.
Frear, Lorrie, and Carol Filip. “Letterforms and Literacy in Children.” TypeCon2010: Babel Conference. Los Angeles, CA. August 2010. Presentation.
Frear, Lorrie. “Student Collaborations Within and Between Universities: Experiential Learning and Teamwork Prepares Students for the DesignProfessions,” and “Point/Counterpoint: theDance of Teaching Typography andCalligraphy in a Graphic Design Environment.” Hawaii International Conference on Arts and Humanitites. Honolulu, Hawaii. January 2010. Presentation.
Installation/Exhibit/Performance
Frear, Lorrie. “LEAF/leaf” in The Bookmark Project 2010: Amulet. 34th Annual Toronto Jewish Book Fair. Koffler Centre of The Arts. Toronto, Canada. 23 -31 October 2010. Exhibition.
Frear, Lorrie. “Streamlined Creativity.”The Graceful Envelope Contest 2010. National Association of Letter Carriers Headquarters. Washington, DC. August 2010-August 2011. Exhibition.
Frear, Lorrie. “Love Letters in Letters.” LoDi Project Gallery. Raleigh, NC. January 2010. Exhibition.
Frear, Lorrie. “Life’s Work. 2010.” The Wallace Center, RIT, Rochester, NY. Permanent Installation.
Published Article
Frear, Lorrie. “Teaching Calligraphy in a Graphic Design Environment.” Letter Arts Review, 24.3 (2010): 28-35. Print.
Currently Teaching
GRDE-201
Typography I
3 Credits
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles of typography (the visual representation of language) to effectively convey information and ideas to specific audiences. Focus is on the communicative function and aesthetic nature of typographic problem-solving. Course content and lectures will cover typographic terminology, type anatomy, history of typography as well as type classification, type measurement, and issues of legibility and readability. Once students are introduced to the fundamentals of typography, they will include imagery as appropriate. Students will also refine their skills using relevant software.
GRDE-307
Design Systems I
3 Credits
This course will provide students with conceptual, organizational, and aesthetic problem-solving methods to create unified and effective design systems, such as corporate identity systems, icon sets, poster and/or packaging series. Students will have an opportunity to synthesize graphic design principles from their previous courses into more advanced and in-depth projects. Research, concept generation, and relevant aesthetic principles will be emphasized. Presentation, writing, and professional skills will be a focus to prepare students for senior year coursework . Teamwork strategies and skills are implemented throughout the semester.
GRDE-308
Experiential Graphic Design
3 Credits
This course will focus on design problem solving for three-dimensional spaces and environments. Design process, initial concepts, and final design solutions are developed to assist users in negotiating various interior and exterior environments. Areas of application may include: architectural graphics, signage systems, exhibit design, themed museum experiences, and dynamic environments. Two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and digital design attributes are incorporated using appropriate materials and software.
GRDE-418
Editorial Design
3 Credits
This course will explore the role of a graphic designer in developing effective and innovative communication for editorial design. Students will work on interdisciplinary teams (with photographers and/or illustrators) to create visual solutions for in-class projects and/or a magazine produced by the class. Design development processes and aspects of production methods will be implemented, and innovative techniques in digital publication design will be explored.
GRDE-421
Design Systems II
3 Credits
This course will provide an overview of branding and identity design. Processes, theories, design methods, brand strategies, positioning, touch-points, research, and management are introduced in creating comprehensive branding and identity systems. Case studies will provide students with historical context. Students will explore current and future trends related to branding.
GRDE-431
Packaging Systems Collaborative
3 Credits
This course focuses on the design of physical packaging for the protection and marketing of goods. Aspects of visual, structural, ergonomic and environmental issues are considered in the design of rigid and flexible containers. Taught as a team/collaborative course, students from graphic design, packaging science, and industrial design will work together to develop effective packaging design solutions.
GRDE-432
Packaging Systems Projects
3 Credits
This course will focus on the design of physical packaging for the protection and marketing of goods. Aspects of visual, structural, ergonomic and environmental issues are considered in the design of rigid and flexible containers, in order to develop effective packaging design solutions.
GRDE-498
Graphic Design Internship
1 - 6 Credits
This course exposes students to the professional environment through outside job opportunities in graphic design studios, advertising agencies, corporate communications departments, and other acceptable organizations. Students will work under the guidance of art directors, creative directors, senior graphic designers, or marketing communications managers and perform creative work that is educational and meaningful for their short-term academic goals as well as their long-range career preparation. Documentation of the experience is required and final review from employer is obtained. The appointed faculty adviser will meet with the student upon completion for final evaluation for a grade. Students must obtain pre-approval of their department and complete the Internship Approval Form. Credit earned is used toward elective credits.
GRDE-599
Graphic Design Independent Study
1 - 6 Credits
Graphic Design Independent Study will provide students with the ability to focus in a specialized area of graphic design with an individual faculty member. Students, with the assistance of a faculty adviser, will propose a course of study. The independent study student must obtain permission of an instructor and department by completing the Independent Study Proposal Form to enroll.
IDDE-501
Senior ID Studio I
3 Credits
This course will explore the application of design methods and skills to projects addressing large-community and global problems requiring team-based, trans-disciplinary collaborations.
IDEA-150
Topics in Art and Design
1 - 3 Credits
This course will introduce students to selected topics in the areas of art and design. The course content will vary according to topic. A topic course description will be published each term the course is offered. Students may take this course multiple times with different topics.
IDEA-216
Calligraphy
3 Credits
This course will introduce students to a calligraphic hand for the purpose of acquiring a comprehensive understanding of letterform design and application for personal and professional application. Students will learn to letter using traditional and current tools and techniques. This course is open to anyone who is interested in learning more about lettering, the historical evolution of calligraphy as a precursor to typography and about past, present and emerging styles and practitioners in the fields of lettering, calligraphy and typography.
ILLS-364
Editorial Illustration
3 Credits
Students will take an in-depth look at creating images for the newspaper and magazine publishing industry. Emphasis will be placed on creating a wide variety of finished illustrations. The course will focus on the visual interpretation of editorial subject matter. Critical thinking, visual criticism, and rhetoric will also be a required component of work generation and conceptualizing. Presenting thumbnails that explore a variety of concepts is emphasized. This course may be retaken one time.
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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October 27, 2022
![A group of students write in notepads.]()
RIT students assist local community with EUREKA! workshop
Thirty-two students from a variety of majors used their design-thinking skills to solve hiring and retention challenges faced by local nonprofit CP Rochester.
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May 18, 2022
![A glass design with the Rochester skyline.]()
Student-crafted beer glass wins competition sponsored by Belgian brand Duvel
Emily Castrichini, winner of the graphic design program's beer glass design competition in partnership with Belgian beer brand Duvel, created a Rochester-inspired goblet.
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May 10, 2022
![A group of students pose in front of a mural.]()
Projects from EUREKA! design workshop see real-world application
Non-profit partners from RIT's annual interdisciplinary workshop have recently implemented ideas developed by teams of students working to use their skills for social good.
Featured Work
Typography / GRDE 201 American City Posters
Sophomore Typography Students
The final project involved the research of an American city and the selection of a typeface that exuded the personality or energy of the city. Students wrote headlines and body copy to promote their...
Typography / GRDE 201 Twentieth Century Posters
Sophomore Typography Students
Students were given randomly a 12-15 year period of the 20th Century to research. Students edited this information to pursue a topic of interest related to an art style or period, typographer, or...
Typography / GRDE 206 Various Projects
Sophomore Typography Students
The students were challenged this semester by diverse projects; a poster for a play on campus, a spread on a life-changing innovation of the 20th Century, book cover design, and playing cards using...