I learned how to design at design school. But I learned how to be a designer from Massimo Vignelli.
michael bierut • pentagram partner, famed designer and authorMy teaching career in higher education began in 2018 at the School of Art and Design at Texas State University. During five years, I taught the following courses: Trademark Design, Branding Systems, Environmental Graphic Design, and Senior Portfolio. In the Fall of 2023, I began my tenure track appointment as an Assistant Professor of Art at Baylor University, where I continue to teach Graphic Design.
My focus in teaching and professional practice is human-centered design (HCD), enterprise-scale design, and a robust approach to critical thinking. I find the correlation between understanding and offering a solution to address the core of the problem fascinating. Thus, I avoid only providing an immediate—sometimes temporary—solution.
Lastly, I approach design with a systems-based mentality, an essential component of the HCD philosophy. This approach provides a 360° solution instead of focusing on isolated materials. Furthermore, it influences the designer to find cohesive solutions that effectively communicate one message in different communication channels.
Exploration in visual communications is excellent, but students must learn the rules first. Moreover, graphic design is all about visual communication. Hence, a strategic approach to every project delivers consistent, effective, and successful solutions. Finally, storytelling and conceptual strategies are fundamental to achieving successful communication designs. The concept is always king!
I sustain that student design competitions are great for promoting the students’ work, course outcomes, and design program reputation. Due to design competitions, I witnessed a significant increase in student and faculty rapport during my tenure at Texas State and now at Baylor University.
Furthermore, my approach to teaching has led to numerous student work adjudications in regional, national, and international design competitions. These design competitions are the American Advertising Federation, AIGA FLUX, CMYK, Communication Arts, GDUSA, Graphis, LogoLounge, and National Student Show & Conference. As a result, my teaching methodology and student work were prominently featured in two highly-regarded design international publications—Graphis Journal #371 and LogoLounge 12 book.
Lastly, I ensure my students understand I am always available beyond the classroom and my official courses. This approach to teaching has allowed me to mentor and continue to help students even after they graduate.
I had the privilege of being taught by Genaro in multiple courses during my time at Baylor. A professor like Genaro Solis Rivero doesn’t come around often. Genaro’s leadership and mentorship is one of a kind. He leaves a lasting impact on his students’ personal and academic lives. Professor Solis Rivero completely changed my outlook on design; sparking realization of the value in my untapped potential. He supports you, yet challenges you. He is incredibly wise, yet knows when to inject humor. He creates an atmosphere where creativity, drive, and your best work are encouraged. The way Genaro invests in his students is unmatched. His care and authenticity helps every student feel seen and valued. Whether Genaro is in your college career for one year or four, he will be in your corner for a lifetime. He is a remarkable leader and role model but is an even better friend. Genaro has left a lasting impact on my life. Anyone who has Genaro in their corner is genuinely lucky. I am forever grateful for his guidance and unwavering support.
Genaro was my professor for 2 classes while in the TXST ComDes program. The first time I took his class was for Trademark Design in my junior year. This class played a pivotal role during my time in the program. Yes, it was a great class in general, but Genaro taught me to think more conceptually and creatively. His passion for design showed in his teaching and interaction with his students. When picking my schedule for my last semester, I sought out retaking Genaro for my portfolio class because I knew he would push me to create projects I was proud of and help set me up for success after graduating. Genaro was a great mentor to me and played a big part in the designer I am today. I am very grateful for the time I spent learning from the best! Thanks, Genaro, and good luck with your next adventure at Baylor!
Genaro is one of the most inspiring and dedicated professors I had at Texas State. I learned the technical skills of design and the importance of creativity, experimentation, and perseverance. He challenged me to push beyond my comfort zone and take risks in my work, and his feedback and support were instrumental in helping me grow as a designer. What set his classroom apart was his ability to infuse energy, passion, and humor into his teachings; it was the kind of environment that drew good work out of everyone. I feel fortunate to have taken two of his classes. Thank you for your hard work, Genaro!
Genaro was my professor for multiple courses throughout my Communication Design program at Texas State University. He hasn’t only inspired me to view design differently. But through his lightheartedness and humor, he pushed me to become a more sensible and passionate creator. Genaro encourages his students to go deeper into their work and define the impact of what they’re trying to create. He was a mentor and leader to me, and his teaching has truly changed me.
Genaro is an excellent professor and designer whose passion and drive are seen tremendously throughout his teaching and work. He is the kind of teacher that pushes you to reach your fullest potential and instills knowledge and confidence in you along the way. Throughout my journey as a graphic design student at Texas State, I can truly say that without having Genaro as a professor, I would not have the same quality of work or found my true passion for design. Through Genaro’s guidance, kindness, and dedication, I will forever be grateful to have met and been one of his students. Thank you, Genaro!
Genaro’s superpower is his passion for design and for his students. Even after years as a design student, I felt he quickly strengthened my confidence during one semester of his Trademark class. Leaving his class had me feeling like I could take over the world of design, and I know my classmates felt the same way. Genaro has a special gift as a professor, where he not only encourages your creativity but makes you strive for excellence that is attainable. He is always available to give constructive feedback and never lets you feel left behind. Genaro’s accolades prove that you’re learning from an excellent designer and one of the best teachers around. Thank you for the guidance and the wonderful learning experience!
Genaro cares so much about design and takes great pride in his students. He is so involved in providing his students not only the tools and skills to succeed but the encouragement and pressure to succeed as well. Genaro can be tough, but he loves seeing students rise to the occasion and compete and that process instilled in myself so much confidence in my own work and abilities. He is an amazing person to have in your corner, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to learn under him.
Genaro is one of the most dedicated, helpful professors I’ve had the pleasure of having. He knows how to push his students to be successful in the design field because he believes each student has the potential. His feedback and advice are valuable and he knows what he is talking about.
Genaro is a great professor who really cares about the success of his students and genuinely wants for them to become better in their design skills and succeed in the design profession. He sees great potential in all of his students, which is something that has helped me gain confidence in my design. He has helped me become the strong designer I am today. I give him +5 stars as a professor, and a +4.99 stars for his good sense of humor.
Genaro unites his passion for teaching with his experience in the design industry. He does not only listen to his students but knows when to challenge their ideas and when to let them grow. I have witnessed Genaro build community within the university. He established an adjudicated student work exhibition and hosted numerous workshops for students of all levels to attend. His teachings go farther than the walls of the classroom.
I have known Professor Genaro Solis since the Fall of 2018. I was a student in one of his first branding classes as a new educator. Even though he was new, the outcome was surprisingly remarkable. Professor Solis kept the class engaged, providing resources and his vast knowledge in the subject of communication and design; helping students navigate through his class and the Communication Design program. Personally, his class awakened my aspiration to continue this study as a student and as a professional.
Genaro is tough and extremely meticulous; he only wanted greatness out of his students. This transpired through his teaching methods and constant motivation to enter competitions. He made all of his students realize that anything can be achieved through perseverance and hard work; nothing was impossible. Because of him, I gained a love and respect for Design that I never thought I could have.
Students don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
John C. Maxwell • American Author