Head shot of Ross McClain

Ross McClain

Professor of Art and Design

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Ross McClain is a distinguished design educator committed to excellence and innovation. He has many skills, including identity design, branding, UI/UX design, Design Systems Thinking, Agile Methodology, and facilitating collaborations. Ross served as the Chair of the Art Department at Furman University for ten years, playing a crucial role in elevating the department's relevance within a liberal arts education. Ross fostered a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity through the practice of making and observation, and his visionary approach led to the establishment of the Master of Arts in Strategic Design program at Furman, where he served as its first Director. Additionally, Ross is a Co-Faculty Director with The Hill Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, leading workshops and contributing as a guest writer and lecturer on various design-related topics. Ross has inspired countless individuals to pursue meaningful and impactful design practices through his contributions.

Honors & Awards

  • What Really Matters, LD Johnson Lecture Series, 2018
  • Arts in the Community Grant, 2017
  • Grand Prize Winner for the SMART paper/Smithsonian Graphic Design Kite Competition, Washington, D.C., 2003

Education

Ross began teaching graphic design courses at Furman University in the fall of 1999. He is a Full Professor of Art and Design in the Art Department at Furman. Ross completed his undergraduate work at Western Kentucky University, receiving a BA in Advertising and Graphic Design in 1993. He received his MA and MFA in Design from the University of Iowa in the spring of 1999.

Research Interests

Ross believes in the transformative power of art and design. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the broader social context when addressing complex societal issues, taking a humanity-centered approach. Ross firmly believes in the significance of connecting individuals and entire communities empathetically. His philosophy focuses on designing for humanity, considering the welfare of local and global ecosystems in conjunction with meeting defined business objectives.

Publications

  • Reframing the Arts within the Liberal Arts Community: Teaching an Arts Entrepreneurial Mindset to Achieve Transdisciplinary Outcomes, Artivate, 2022
  • Reframing the Arts within the Liberal Arts Community 2020
  • Foundations in Art: Theory and Education Conference (FATE) 2021
  • Class E Podcast: The 10 Things You Can Do to Be More Creative/Innovative 2021
  • Changing the Conversation: The Relevancy of Arts Thinking for 21st-Century Students, 2020
  • Is The Pen Mightier Than The Keyboard graphicology.com, 2010; Gonzaga Women’s Basketball graphicology.com, 2009
  • The Gift of Song graphicology.com, 2009
  • Graphic Design 101: Logo vs. Symbol graphicology.com, 2008
  • Reverse Actualization, 1999; The Reality of Consumption, 1998

Exhibitions

2008

  • Faculty Show, FYI Gallery, Greenville, South Carolina
  • Untitled, k - 96" x 72" digital print on fabric
  • Untitled, g - 96" x 72" digital print on fabric
  • Untitled, g - 24" x 36" digital print on plexiglass and sentra board
  • Untitled, k - 24" x 36" digital print on plexiglass and sentra board
  • Untitled, k - 22" x 30" digital print on plexiglass and sentra board
  • Untitled, g - 22" x 30" digital print on plexiglass and sentra board
  • Untitled, uppercase - 96" x 9" digital print on 10 oz banner material
  • Untitled, lowercase - 96" x 9" digital print on 10 oz banner material

2007

  • Greenville Technical College, Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Greer, South Carolina
  • Untitled, k - 96" x 72" digital print on fabric
  • Untitled, g - 96" x 72" digital print on fabric
  • Untitled, g - 24" x 36" digital print on plexiglass and sentra board
  • Untitled, k - 24" x 36" digital print on plexiglass and sentra board
  • Untitled, k - 22" x 30" digital print on plexiglass and sentra board
  • Untitled, g - 22" x 30" digital print on plexiglass and sentra board
  • Untitled, uppercase - 96" x 9" digital print on 10 oz banner material
  • Untitled, lowercase - 96" x 9" digital print on 10 oz banner material

2004

  • Furman Art Department Faculty, Lipscomb Gallery, Greenville, South Carolina
  • The South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities
  • The Cazbah International Wine Festival 2004, offset poster
  • The Cazbah International Wine Festival 2003, offset poster
  • The Cazbah International Wine Festival 2002, offset poster
  • Form #1, collage
  • Form #2, collage
  • Form #3, collage
  • Form #4, collage

2003

  • The Smithsonian Institution's Arts and Industries Building, Washington D.C.
  • SMART Paper/Smithsonian Institute Graphic Design Kite Completion
  • Entry Form Box Kite, offset print with wood and wire

2000

  • Furman Faculty Exhibition, Thomas Roe Art Gallery, Greenville, South Carolina
  • Self portrait, acrylic and silkscreen on board.
  • Self portrait, acrylic and silkscreen on board.
  • Fresh Needs, acrylic, silkscreen and wax on canvas
  • Inconspicuous Consumption, acrylic on canvas
  • Holiday, silkscreened wood chairs

1999

  • Reverse Actualization, Eve Drewlowe Gallery
  • Iowa City, Iowa
  • Reverse Actualization, (installation)

1998

  • Graduate Design Student Show, The Checkered Space
  • Iowa City, Iowa
  • Self portrait, silkscreen and wax on canvas
  • Sleep Walking, silkscreen on fabric
  • Dinner Table, silkscreen and oil on canvas

1997

  • Summer Show, University of Northern Iowa
  • Cedar Falls, Iowa
  • Geometric Study/McClain, mixed media

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