“Teaching is my passion, and I am dedicated to nurturing the creative potential of my students.”
Christopher Murphy, MFA
I am an Associate Professor of Design at Grand Canyon University's College of Arts & Media, bringing over 20 years of industry expertise and a passion for education to bridge the gap between design practice and academic excellence.
Education
Heading
2002-2004
MFA Illustration as Visual Essay
School of Visual Arts, New York
2000-2002
BA Visual Communications
SUNY Farmingdale, NY
1998-2000
Studied Fine Art & Illustration
Long Island University at C.W. Post, NY
Transferred to SUNY Farmingdale
Subjects Taught
Heading
Advertising
Graphic & Web Design
Typography
User Experience (UX) Design
User Interface (UI) Design
Senior Capstone
Portfolio Development
Subject Matter Expert
Grand Canyon University
DDN-255 Interface Design 2: Web Design
ADV-355 Image Creation
DDN-476 Portfolio 2
DDN-475 Advanced Design Practicum
DDN-335 Web Applications
DDN-420 Advanced Animation
DDN-340 History of Design
DDN-355 Content Management Systems
DDN-440 Interactive Web Design
DDN-455 Designing for New Technologies
DDN-460 Advanced Web Projects
DDN-240 User Experience Design
Judson University
DES331 Web Design 1
DES332 Web Design 2
Faculty Advisor
Canyon Creative
I serve as the Faculty Advisor for Canyon Creative, the student-run design agency within the College of Arts & Media, where I oversee various projects and mentor students on real-world design challenges. Over the past 2 years Canyon Creative has grown to be a recognized creative agency, winning 3 student AAF Phoenix Addy Awards.
Current Courses
Advanced Web Projects
Senior Capstone Course
DDN-460
Student Examples
Tory Barden, Forte
Olivia Ice, Sage
Alyssa Prentiss, Figure8
In this course, I guided students in creating self-directed web projects focused on solving real-world problems through interface design. We explored identifying user needs, conducting thorough research, and applying design thinking to develop innovative solutions. Through hands-on exercises, students gained proficiency in wireframing, prototyping, and implementing design solutions using modern web technologies, with an emphasis on usability, accessibility, and iterative testing. By the end, students had developed robust portfolios showcasing their skills in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design.
DDN-460
Portfolio 2
Senior
STUDENT EXAMPLES
Suzanne Thompson
Phoenix Irwin-McCabe
In this course, I guided students in creating a self-marketing plan and comprehensive portfolio to launch their job search in their chosen industry. We examined market trends to understand employer expectations and improved their past work to meet industry standards. Students refined their digital portfolios, learned effective presentation skills, and created assets for their personal brand, including a polished print portfolio. By the end, students were fully prepared to enter the job market with confidence and a professional, strategically crafted personal brand.
DDN-455
Designing for New Technologies
Junior
Student Examples
Nicole Nowakowski, Optiqs
Alyssa Prentiss, Spar
In this course, I guided students in forecasting new technologies to enhance user experience. We explored emerging trends and innovations, examining how to create more intuitive and engaging user interfaces. I encouraged critical and creative thinking about the future of technology, helping students adapt to the changing digital landscape. Through research, case studies, and hands-on projects, we analyzed how cutting-edge tools can solve real-world UX challenges. By the end, students were adept at predicting and integrating new technologies into their designs, positioning them at the forefront of the UX field.
DDN-255
Interface Design 2: Web Design
Sophomore
Student Examples
Zoe West, Web Icons
Kate Davison, Event Website
In this course, I guided students through the entire web design prototyping process, from initial research and wireframes to design comps and interactive mock-ups, all centered around a creative brief. We emphasized thorough research and planning before visual design and interactivity. I taught efficient website production, focusing on best practices and modern techniques. By the end, students had a solid grasp of the web design process, equipped to create functional, attractive, and SEO-friendly websites.
DDN-250
Interface Design 1: User Experience
Sophomore
Student Examples
Brynn Miller, Outspoken
Paige DeVries, Wellcast
In this course, I led students through the fundamentals of User Experience (UX) for mobile applications, focusing on prototyping and user testing. We explored the historical context of UX and its evolution into modern design. Students applied the Laws of UX to create intuitive mobile interfaces and used various usability testing methods to refine their prototypes. By the end, students were well-versed in mobile UX design principles, equipped with practical prototyping and testing skills, and appreciated the field's historical foundation.
Previous Courses
Title
ROLE
Institution
Date
ADV-350 Digital Advertising Communication
Assistant Professor
Grand Canyon University
2016-2021
ADV-355 Image Creation
Assistant Professor
Grand Canyon University
2017-2019
ADV-110 Fundamentals of Advertising
Assistant Professor
Grand Canyon University
2016-2021
DDN-350 Web Applications
Assistant Professor
Grand Canyon University
2016-2021
DDN-355 Content Management Systems
Assistant Professor
Grand Canyon University
2016-2021
DDN-300 Web Design 1
Assistant Professor
Grand Canyon University
2018
DDN-210 Designing with Type
Assistant Professor
Grand Canyon University
2016
DDN-101 Design Thinking
Assistant Professor
Grand Canyon University
2016-2020
GD211 Portfolio
Adjunct Instructor
Art Institute of Phoenix
2015-2016
WDM230 Fundamentals of Authoring
Adjunct Instructor
Art Institute of Phoenix
2015-2016
ARTD 319 Interaction Design II
Adjunct Instructor
Northern Illinois University
2013-2015
GD211 Portfolio
Adjunct Instructor
Illinois Art Institute of Art at Schaumburg
2011-2013
WDM230 Fundamentals of Authoring
Adjunct Instructor
Illinois Art Institute of Art at Schaumburg
2011-2013
GD211 Digital Prepress
Adjunct Instructor
Illinois Art Institute of Art at Schaumburg
2011-2013
DES497 Senior Project
Assistant Professor
Judson University
2010-2013
DES496 Senior Proposal
Assistant Professor
Judson University
2010-2013
DES327 History of Graphic Design
Assistant Professor
Judson University
2010-2013
DES332 Web Design 2
Assistant Professor
Judson University
2010-2013
DES331 Web Design 1
Assistant Professor
Judson University
2010-2013
DES321 Graphic Design I
Assistant Professor
Judson University
2010-2013
DES231 Digital Design Fundamentals
Assistant Professor
Judson University
2010-2013
DES228 Typography
Assistant Professor
Judson University
2010-2013
Writing, Workshops & Guest Lectures
Title
ROLE
Institution
Date
UX/UI Webinar
Webinar
Grand Canyon University
Jun 20, 2024
Intentional Creativity: Principles for a Strong and Memorable Brand Identity
Guest Speaker
5 Stones
May 22, 2024
Article on Graphic Design jobs
Interview
Zippia
Apr 10, 2024
College of Arts and Media Writing Retreat
Host
Grand Canyon University
May 26, 2022
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