Ian communicates directly and purposefully with students; this is the most rewarding aspect of his career. He is a teacher keenly interested in advertising and design being studied, understood and practiced at ever higher levels. Alongside teaching, he consults to the Alberta advertising industry, building on decades of experience as a copywriter, producer and creative director in radio, television and ad agencies.
Education
Master of Arts, Professional Communication, Royal Roads University
Certified Advertising Agency Practitioner, Institute of Canadian Advertising
Selected Professional Activity
Creative
After cutting his teeth writing radio and television commercials in Otttawa and Montreal, Ian came west to Calgary. He worked in electronic media again before moving into print: direct mail, magazines and newspapers etc. After working with several ad agencies, Ian became principle and creative director at AdFarm. This specialized agency expanded into the U.S. during Ian's tenure.
Teaching
Ian began teaching at ACAD in 1986 and continued through 1990.
After a decade and a half in the private sector, he returned to teaching both at Mount Royal University and ACAD.
Selected Publications
Horse of a Different Wheelbase The AdFarm Story, 2005
Colonizing the digital landscape for fun & profit: Specialization at Critical Mass. (thesis), 2009