Teaching Statement + Experience

Joshua Pridemore is a graphic designer with a visual identity focus and a keen interest in the interplay between design and societal constructs. His professional journey is characterized by a commitment to exploring how design shapes and is shaped by social narratives, particularly in the realms of gender and masculinity.
Pridemore holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Emerging Media, specializing in Graphic Design, from the University of Central Florida and a Master of Fine Arts in Design for Responsible Innovation from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. His research interests include gender design, the impact of design on social issues, and the concept of “Discontainment of Masculinity” through design practices.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Pridemore teaches core courses in design methods and design foundations for undergraduates and non-major in Graphic Design. His approach to teaching blends practical design skills with an exploration of design’s role in addressing social issues and promoting responsible innovation. Pridemore’s teaching philosophy centers on the belief that design education transcends technical skills, nurturing critical thinking and an understanding of design’s societal role. He advocates for a student-centered approach that values diversity, encourages questioning of societal norms through design, and emphasizes ethical practices. By integrating interdisciplinary learning and practical application, Pridemore cultivates a learning environment where students are not only technically adept but also socially conscious, ready to innovate responsibly in the real world. Central to his philosophy is fostering reflective practice, ensuring students become thoughtful, adaptable, and impactful designers committed to lifelong learning.