Teaching Portfolio

SKILLS SUMMARY

Education

I graduated from the National Art Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria, with my bachelor's and master's degrees in painting in 2004 and 2006, respectively. Throughout those formative years of study, I had the privilege of honing my skills under the guidance and mentorship of Professor Valentin Kolev in his esteemed studio. Under his tutelage, I delved deep into the world of painting, exploring various techniques and styles that would eventually become the foundation of my artistic journey.

Following my master's degree, I embarked on a path of intellectual exploration fueled by a passion for understanding the dynamics of contemporary painting within the broader Balkan region. This pursuit led me to delve into the intricacies of art in Macedonia, a country with a rich artistic heritage, where tradition and innovation intertwined in fascinating ways. In June 2012, I proudly defended my Ph.D. dissertation titled "Contemporary Painting in Macedonia – Innovations and Tradition" at the National Art Academy. Professor Svilen Stefanov, a distinguished artist, scholar, and a true luminary in art theory and history guided me with wisdom and expertise throughout this research endeavor.

My academic journey, which emphasized the traditional creative studio model, played a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of my creativity. Embracing the time-honored approach of working in a studio environment, I immersed myself in an atmosphere where artistic expression and exploration were encouraged and celebrated. This classical approach, known for producing some of the most significant achievements in art, nurtured my creative spirit and provided a solid foundation upon which I built my artistic identity.

Looking back at my journey from the halls of the National Art Academy to the present day, I am filled with gratitude for the education and support that shaped me into the artist I am. I am excited to continue this lifelong pursuit of creativity, constantly learning and growing, and leaving my mark on the ever-evolving tapestry of the art world.

Teaching Interest and Philosophy

My passion for art extends beyond my creative pursuits to the realm of education, where I find great fulfillment in sharing my knowledge and expertise with aspiring artists. With over a decade of experience at the higher education level, I have had the privilege of guiding and mentoring countless students on their artistic journeys.

One of the cornerstones of my teaching philosophy is embracing the interdisciplinary nature of art. I firmly believe that by integrating traditional art disciplines with the boundless possibilities of new digital media and technology, we can unlock innovative avenues of creativity and expression. I encourage my students to explore and experiment, bridging the gap between the tangible and the virtual and discovering their unique artistic voice along the way.

My comfort with various digital art forms allows me to offer my students a well-rounded education that encompasses a wide range of skills. Whether delving into the intricacies of graphic design and visual communication, harnessing the power of digital photography and image editing/manipulation, digital videography, or mastering the art of 3D modeling and animation, I am eager to impart the technical knowledge and artistic sensibilities required to excel in these fields. Beyond the confines of traditional studio settings, I also have considerable experience in the realm of art installation. This exciting form of artistic expression allows us to transcend the confines of canvas and screen, engaging with space, light, and various materials to create immersive and thought-provoking art installations. I encourage my students to think beyond the conventional and embrace the limitless possibilities that art installation offers.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of playing an active role in the creation and implementation of undergraduate programs. This has allowed me to shape the curriculum, infusing it with my interdisciplinary approach and ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and contemporary art education. I take great pride in seeing my students grow and thrive, knowing that I have contributed to their artistic development and prepared them for success in the ever-evolving art world.

As technology continues to advance, I remain committed to staying at the forefront of digital art and its various applications. I avidly explore emerging trends and tools, continuously enriching my own skills so that I can inspire and guide the next generation of artists with confidence and insight.

ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE

University of Information Science and Technology “St. Paul the Apostle”, Ohrid, Macedonia

Associate Professor of Digital Arts, June 2020 – Present

Assistant Professor of Visual Arts, Sept 2014 – Aug 2017

Lecturer, Dec 2009 – Oct 2013

Academic responsibilities:

Member of Senate
Head of the Center for Digital Art
Courses Taught
- Digital Arts
- Graphic Design and Visual Communication
- 3D Modeling and Animation
- 2D and 3D Techniques for Concept Art
- 3D Character Modeling and Animation
- Digital Media – An Introduction
- Introduction to Digital Video and Audio Technology
- History of Art
Supervision of Bachelor theses
In-house visual artist (graphic design, digital photography, motion graphics/video)

University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Lecturer of Digital and New Media Art, Aug 2017 – June 2020

Academic responsibilities:

Member of “UKZN Strategic Planning Committee-Digital Art and Media”
Member of the committee for developing the discipline of Digital Arts and for developing a post-graduate program in GAMING, ANIMATION, and NEW MEDIA ART, School of Arts, College of Humanities
Member of “Higher Degrees and Research Committee”, School of Arts, College of Humanities
Member of “Teaching and Learning Committee”, School of Arts, College of Humanities
Courses Taught
- DIGA101: Introduction to Digital Arts (Practical: laboratory-based)
- DIGA110: Introduction to Digital Media (Theory)
- DIGA301: Advanced Digital Arts (Practical: laboratory-based)
- DIGA302: Advanced Digital Arts 2 (Practical: laboratory-based)
- DIGA311: Advanced Digital Theory
- DIGA701: Digital Arts Studio Work I
- DIGA710: Critical Methodologies
- DIGA702: Digital Arts Studio Work II
- DIGA7RP: Research Paper
Supervision of Honours students
Supervision of MSc students

Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria

Lecturer, Oct 2013 – Aug 2014

Academic responsibilities:

Courses Taught
- History of Performing and Film Arts
- Introduction to Film Arts
- Desktop Publishing
In-house visual artist (graphic design, digital photography, motion graphics/video)

STUDENT WORK

Graphic Design and Visual Communication

Graphic design occupies a considerable portion of my teaching experience. My classes in graphic design cover the form and function of graphic design. The main focus is on utilizing principles of visual perception, dynamic balance, gestalt, etc., to enhance visual communication. The course is built on the idea that a solid understanding of graphic design should start with a grounding in basic design principles and theory.

Throughout the course, we delve into using computer technology as a powerful and versatile tool in the design process. However, it's essential to recognize that the ultimate success of a graphic design project relies heavily on the strength and creativity of the underlying concept driving it. In other words, mastering the tools is crucial, but the idea behind the design is what truly elevates the end product.

As a dedicated graphic design educator with over a decade of experience, I have had the privilege of engaging with and instructing students in almost all fundamental types of graphic design: visual identity design, advertising and marketing design, publication and typographic design, motion graphics, vector drawing and illustration for graphic design, website design, UI design.

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Displayed here are splendid examples showcasing the creative prowess of my students as they embark on the captivating journey of designing trademarks and book covers.

The trademark design project is undoubtedly one of my students' most exciting practice-based experiences. The process commences with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of visual gestalt, explained and examined through its practical application to symbol and logo design. Following this, students are tasked with crafting a combination mark, fusing symbols and logos to represent their chosen companies. They delve into personal and Internet research, seeking to understand the essence and purpose of the company, as well as the desires and expectations of their audience.
The fertile ground of creativity comes to life as students passionately develop their ideas, penning them onto small, preliminary thumbnails and sketches. In this phase, they skillfully integrate Gestalt principles, such as similarity, proximity, continuation, closure, and figure/ground, to infuse their designs with unity and harmony. Additionally, they focus on the relationship between form and content, seeking a profound visual and intellectual bond, complemented by exploring Semiotics and the categories of icon, symbol, and index.
From this bountiful array of ideas, a few exceptional thumbnails are selected to develop into full-size roughs. As the journey progresses, one outstanding solution emerges to be finalized into the final version, accompanied by creating a comprehensive presentation.

Digital Photography

As an instructor, I touch upon photography's history, technical, technological, and aesthetic aspects. Digital Photography includes technical topics such as mechanics of shooting (image capture, defining the camera, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, lens and focal length, exposure and lighting, etc.), as well as composition and compositional techniques, framing, and seeing photographs, i.e., exploring the concepts behind visual storytelling through the use of images.

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The photographs showcased are created by first-year students in the Department of Digital Arts, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, academic year 2019.

Image Editing and Manipulation

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to master image manipulation, photographic retouching, photo-montage, and compositing. It includes topics such as Editing Controls, Layers, Adjusting Color, and Value (Histogram, Levels, Curves), Selection, Masking, Using Filters (Blur and Sharpen), etc. The course includes a wide diversity of projects: improving the lightness and contrast of an image, color balance, stylizing photographs, creating an illusion of a shallow area of focus, reconstructing paintings by using found photographic imagery, and so on.

3D Modeling

My classes in 3D Modeling develop the foundational skills for creating CG imagery. They include working with the program interface's essential elements, the basic geometry types (polygons, NURBS, and subdivision surfaces), modeling workflows, topology, texturing, lighting, and rendering. By combining technical and art education, my classes provide students with the basic skills needed for the gaming industry, the field of 3D animation, the entertainment industry, etc.

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Regarding the work showcased here, the students managed to create these fantastic renders after only a semester of being part of my class in 3D Modeling, with no prior knowledge and skills.

3D Animation

My 3D Animation classes give insight into the field, considering 3D Animation as a tool for storytelling. By combining technical and art education and teaching, students learn about the 3D Animation production pipeline and how to create their unique 3D animated films.

The teaching program covers:

Working in 3D animation preproduction (Idea/Story, Script/Screenplay, Storyboard, Animatic/Pre-visualization, Design)
Working in 3D animation production (Modeling and Texturing, Rigging and Animation, Understanding Visual Effects, Lighting, and Rendering)
Working in 3D animation postproduction (Compositing, 2D visual effects (VFX)/motion graphics, Color correction, Final output)

3D Animation - Digital Arts Honours Project

The Digital Arts Honours Program at UKZN focuses on individual specialization within the field of Digital Arts practice. Students are required to research and produce a creative digital art project in a chosen area of practice. Students are encouraged to draw on various skills learned in the undergraduate program.

"Anthropomorphous", by Limo Velapi, Hloniphani Buthelezi, Nosiphi Caluza, Thoba Magubane, Xolani Mnguni, 2019.

Animation - Digital Arts Honours Project

"Tenant and Mouse", by Sizwe Mthwethwe, 2018.

Advanced Digital Arts

Project: Site-specific digital installations, UKZN, 2017.

The installations consist of a pedestal (and tablet PC or mobile phone) on which a virtual sculpture is displayed via AR (Augmented Reality) technology. The augmented reality system consists of a camera, computational unit, and a display. The system is run on a tablet PC (or mobile phone) using a built-in camera. By using marker-based tracking, it captures the marker placed on the pedestal, hence displaying the previously created virtual sculpture. Visitors can look at the virtual sculptures from all sides by moving the monitor around the pedestal. The installations are dynamic, interactive, and participatory, and they address the interplay between virtual and physical structures.

Digital Drawing and Painting - Digital Arts Honours Project

My student Jethro Settler, explores Afrofuturism in his work, aiming to cultivate a distinct space for young African voices to envision a future that truly belongs to them. His creative endeavors strive to foster a sense of pride in their cultural heritage without compromising their identity to conform to modern ideals. Part of the work was showcased at the International Symposium for Electronic Arts, ISEA2018, hosted by the City of Durban, South Africa. In October 2019, the School of Arts hosted a Student Excellence Awards event where Jethro was rewarded for excellent academic performance in Digital Arts.

"Afrofuturism", by Jethro Settler, 2018.

3D Visualization of Archaeological Sites and Monuments

Project: 3D Visualization of the Three Nave Basilica – Archeological Site “Plaoshnik”, Ohrid, Macedonia, 2012.

Project coordinator: University of Information Science and Technology “St. Paul the Apostle”, Ohrid, Macedonia.
Project partner: Department for Protection of Cultural Monuments and Museum, Ohrid, Macedonia.

Students: Ermira Aliu, Vlatko Dojchinoski, Gjoko Momir, Aleksandar Ruseski, Georgij Lazarevski.

Under the mentorship of the world-renowned archaeologist Vlado Malenko.

Academic Award, Oct 2017

Certificate of recognition for best professor according to the students’ evaluation. University of Information Science and Technology “St. Paul the Apostle”, Ohrid, Macedonia.