
Biography
B.A., Universidad de Puerto Rico
M.F.A., Iowa State University
Diploma, Web Design, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online Division
Diploma, Photography, New York Institute of Photography
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Alma Hoffmann joined the Visual Arts Department in
2013. Her research focuses on how sketching or any other graphic expression such as
doodling, are thinking and problem solving processes. As a bilingual designer, she
is also interested in how cultural identity is reflected or defined through visual
messages. While at USA, Professor Hoffmann has taught a variety of undergraduate and
graduate courses. Professor Hoffmann is also writing a book about sketching. As a
designer she has worked with a diverse range of clients and has won several awards.
Publications
Articles and Chapters
“Brush Lettering: It Only Gets Better After Practice Part 2.” Germany: Smashing Magazine. 2016
“Brush Lettering: It Only Gets Better After Practice Part 1.” Germany: Smashing Magazine. 2016
“Sketching and The Mindful Designer.” The International Journal of Design Education, Volume 10, Issue 2, pp.1-8. 2016
“The City Of Ethnos.” The International Journal of Design in Society, Volume 9, Issue 1, March 2015, pp.1-12. 2015
“I Draw Pictures All Day.” Creativity Lessons for Web Designers. Freiburg: Ing Media GmbH, 2013. 19-29. Print. 2013
“I Draw Pictures All Day.” Germany: Smashing Magazine . 2012
“Culture, Society and Politics Interpreted Through A Designer’s Bilingual Filter. The City Of Ethnos: My Filter” Athens: ATINER’S Conference Paper Series, No: ART2012-0077. 2012
“The Benefits And Perils Of Working As A Subcontracted Designer.” Web blog post. WeGraphics. Web. <http://wegraphics.net>. (2011)
“Finding Alternative Sources For Typographic Layout In Our Surroundings.” Germany: Smashing Magazine . 2010
Honors and Awards
2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2009 & 2008 American Graphic Design Award
Runner Up, Light, Creative Quarterly 42, 2015
Peer Reviewed Exhibitions
2016: Group Exhibition. Art:Work. Bay Area Art Educators, Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile, AL.
2015: Solo Show: Incomplete Memory. Garrett Museum of Art, Garrett, IN
2015: The Art Of Teaching. Eastern Shore Art Center, Fairhope, IN
2014: Self. Garrett Museum of Art, Garrett, IN
2013: Group Show: Heaven And Earth. Grace Community Church, Mobile, AL
2013: Solo exhibition: On The Border: The City Of Ethnos, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
2009: 25th Anniversary College Of Design, Online Gallery, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
2009 & 2008: Faculty Exhibit - Harrington College, Chicago, IL
2007: Solo Exhibition, Wheaton College, Wheaton, IL
2004: Group Show. Octagon Center for the Arts , Ames, IA
2004: Faculty Exhibit – Iowa State University, Ames, IA
Courses
ARS 271 Introduction to Graphic Design
ARS 271 Typography
ARS 373 Graphic Design Identity Systems
ARS 374 Publication Design
ARS 375 Digital Design
ARS 472 Senior Graphic Design
ARS 473 Digital Design
ARS 479 Design Business Practices
ARS 488 Graphic Design Thesis