Josh Ege

Assistant Department Head & Associate Professor of Visual Communication

Over his career, Josh has had the opportunity to work as a Designer and Art Director at a variety of creative companies including ad agencies, design boutiques and in-house design departments. He has created concepts and campaigns for regional, national and international clients including Dallas Center for Performing Arts, Niven Morgan, Champion Athletic, Orators/Kosta Boda, BMW and Fossil to name just a few. Josh has been active in the Dallas design community through the Dallas Society of Visual Communications (DSVC) for over 20 years and spent over 17 years on their board of directors. While volunteering for DSVC, he has served as chairperson of Public Relations, Editorial Content, Student Outreach and President (2009-2010). Josh is sought after as a speaker on concept development and creative environments at design and advertising clubs, universities and design conferences. His work has been recognized by DSVC, GD USA Magazine, Art Directors Club of Houston, Print Magazine, How Magazine, Logo Lounge, Communication Arts and Harper Collins, among others.

A Conversation With Josh Ege

What would you tell a student who is thinking about attending A&M-Commerce?

This is the perfect time to level up your knowledge, experience and education. Be willing to take chances while you learn. A&M Commerce is a great place to do it. We provide an environment that allows you to express your creativity in meaningful ways. In Visual Communication, we will guide you to build an inspiring portfolio focused on conceptual thinking and put you in the position to start your career as a Graphic Designer, Art Director or Motion Designer. You might even win a few awards along the way.

What do you like most about your career?

What I like most about Visual Communication is I get to use my life experiences and research to help convey messages to the public. When I create a poster, logo, publication or advertisement, I get to see my work interacted with by my community. I have something tangible for all of my efforts.

I create things that inform, entice and make people feel something. That is special to me. As an educator, two things make my day. One is being present for the ah-ha moment when a student begins to understand creative thinking and the impact they can have when put to good use. The second is seeing my students find success. It can be winning awards at national or international competitions, seeing them accept an internship or landing their first job in the industry.

What are you most proud of?

The biggest honor of my career {so far} was winning the Golden Apple Award in 2021. The Golden Apple Award is a national visual communication educator of the year award. Nominations come from students. It was touching.

What are your research and creative interests?

My research and creative activities focus on professional practice as a graphic designer and serigraphy. I love poster design. Posters can visually tell stories in a matter of a few moments. It is fun to talk about visual language and the meaning behind the choices that are made in design. It is a graphic study of culture.

Would you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born and raised in the DFW area. I grew up in Carrollton, Texas. In High School, I was the Entertainment Editor of the student-run newspaper and played on the Basketball team for a season before dedicating myself to the Arts. In college, I studied Communication Design and minored in Radio, Television and Film.

When not in the classroom or practicing design, I search out craft root beer and pinball machines. I also enjoy putting together puzzles with my family and watching movies.

Educational Background

• MFA, Visual Communications, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2012
• BFA, Communication Design, University of North Texas, 2002

Academic Positions

• Assistant Department Head, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2021-Present
• Professor of Visual Communication, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2024-Present
• Associate Professor of Visual Communication, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2019-2023
• Assistant Professor of Visual Communications, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2013-2019
• Adjunct Faculty, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2007-2013

Professional Organizations Positions

• President, Dallas Society of Visual Communications Foundation, 2018-2021
• Vice President, Dallas Society of Visual Communications Foundation, 2017-2018
• Member Board of Directors, Dallas Society of Visual Communications Foundation, 2016-2017
• Chairman, Board of Directors, Dallas Society of Visual Communications, 2010-2016
• President, Dallas Society of Visual Communications, 2009-2010
• Vice President, Dallas Society of Visual Communications, 2008-2009

Recent Awards & Honors

• Silver Award, 2022 Graphis Poster Annual, Awarded Work: Forged by Craft, DSVC Foundation
• Honorable Mention, 2022 Graphis Poster Annual, Awarded Work: Alice!!! Poster
• Golden Apple, 2021 National Visual Communication Educator of the Year, 17th Annual National Student Show & Conference
• Winner, Creative Quarterly Magazine 60 Awarded Work: Forged by Craft: DSVC Foundation
• Gold Award, 2020 American Federation of Dallas Addys, Awarded Work: She Kills Monsters Poster
• Winner, Creative Quarterly Magazine 57, Awarded Work: She Kills Monsters Poster

Research & Creative Activities Interests

• Poster Design
• Branding
• Concept Development Using Visual Metaphors
  

Professional Organizations

• Dallas Society of Visual Communications
• American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)

Featured Courses

• ART 365 Design Communications I
• ART 458 VisCom Professional Practice
• ART 466 Design Communications II
• ART 472 Art Direction
• ART 497 Packaging for Visual Communication (Special Topics)