Karen Zimmerman
MFA-Virgina Commonwealth University
Karen Zimmermann is the Assistant Director of the School of Art and a professor in the ID: Graphic Design and Illustration Division at the University of Arizona. She teaches Typography, Information Graphics, Design, Cutlure and Langauge, and Letterpress & the Multiple. Courses explore technique and practice as well as theoretical, historical, and critical issues. Previously Karen taught at the University of Hawai’i and VCU. Karen has received numerous grants and awards for her design and art work including an Arizona Project Grant by the Arizona Commission of the Arts, UA Deans fund for Excellence, and UA Faculty Fellowship.
Her writing has been published in “The Education of a Graphic Designer,” “The Education of an E Designer,” “The Education of a Motion Designer”, JAB (Journal of Artists’ Books), “Design Education in Progress: Methodology and Process”, American Institute of Graphic Arts, Adobe Magazine, FATE, SIGGRAPH and Zed.
Selected design clients include: The Center for Creative Photography, The University of Arizona, Fort Lowell Historic Board, and Tinfish Press. Her artwork examines the relationship between art, design, culture, and technology within the context of the environment. More recently her research has produced visual works that examine, compare, and contrast visual and typographic signs in public and private spaces from both sides of the Arizona/Mexico border.
She has been on the planning committees to organize several conferences, panels and events including and participated in: College Book Arts (CBAA) Annual Meeting and AIGA Geopgraphics; and presented work in: “Action/Interaction” Panel, Columbia College; Design Studies Forum (DSF) College Arts Association “Collaboration in Design” Panel; the UA Digital Arts Education Symposium; “Women, Identity and Borders” video screenings and presentations; “Alternate Routes” Video Art Series; and “Departure/Arrival A Reflection on Diaspora” Lecture and Visiting Artist. She is a elected member on the AIGA Design Educator National Board as well as the College Book Art Association.