What would happen if talented, motivated high school students were given the option of taking college freshman graphic design coursework?
So wondered Brian D. Miller and Alex W. White, partners in the Fairfield County-based MillerWhite School of Design. The partners are accomplished, award-winning designers and have taught for years at prestigiuous design programs in New York City and New England.
Their students learn how to use the computer and software in a way that puts them ahead of their classmates in developing outstanding portfolio samples for admission to universities and art schools. Their assignments also dramatically increase students’ sensitivity to, as White says, “seeing and thinking as an artist.”
The course content is a close replica of the material covered at, among others, Parsons, FIT, Syracuse and Hartford Art School — where Miller and White have taught or currently teach.
“Our assignments do not duplicate our students’ regular curriculum, because they are designed to reveal a process, not just produce a result,” says Miller.
“That’s why,” adds White, “we have found notable improvement in our students’ overall academic interests. Our not-so-secret mission is to help our students develop an ability to define and achieve excellence for themselves.”
Their students are drawn from across Fairfield County, and they seem to consciously develop a sense of community in their classes. “Yes, we do actively encourage cooperation in our students. Everyone has something special to contribute to each others’ education,” says Miller.
The MillerWhite School of Design offers a three-week intensive class in the summer and semester-long classes that meet once a week during the school year.
More information can be found at their website, millerwhiteschool.org.