The Basics of Teacherhood in Graphic Design

The purpose of this article is to review the theoretical and practical basis of teacherhood in graphic design education. Experiences in the art teacher education program inspired us to discuss and analyze the essence of teacherhood in graphic design. In Finland, graphic designers are currently trained at the Aalto University, Helsinki, and at the University of Lapland, Rovaniemi. The review is based on research on and other literature discussing graphic design education. In addition, experiences in graphic design education provided at the University of Lapland provided the basis for the analysis of the essence of teacherhood in graphic design. The most essential expertise in the work of teachers of graphic design includes natural artistic skills and creativity and the ability to get pupils to throw themselves into the world of creativity. I will discuss the phenomenon from two points of view: What internal and external factors do teacherhood in graphic design education theoretically and practically consist of? By answering these questions my aim is to create a model of the basics of teacherhood in graphic design education that can help the study and development of graphic design education and the profession of teachers of graphic design education. The teachers of graphic design who have a clear understanding of the goals and contents of their work can handle their work without support by leaning on their strong professional identity.