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