Graphic Arts Instructor Transforms Love for his Craft into an Inspiring Teaching Career

EOC Tech’s Graphic Design Instructor, Ricardo Herrera, Jr. worked in the Graphic Design Industry for over a decade before he transitioned to teaching at EOC Tech four years ago. While he had never taught high school students prior to EOC Tech, he brought extensive knowledge of the industry to the classroom – giving his program an inside glimpse into the world of Graphic Design. 

Herrera earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts for Graphic Design from the University of Central Oklahoma. After interning for a design group, he continued work as a Graphic Designer and held various titles ranging from Art Director, Freelance Designer, to Senior Graphic Designer. Herrera’s wide range of experience spurred him forward in his career. 

 “The Lord blessed me with a variety of different graphic design roles at various workplaces and at each role and place, I gained a unique experience with a different set of responsibilities, which allowed me to be well versed in how to handle clients and bosses, troubleshoot software, and manage in-office expectations,” Herrera said. “My education, expertise, and experience is a mixture of more than a decade as a professional, which strengthens my lectures and feedback to students.”

The ‘24-’25 school year marked the start of Herrera’s 4th year of teaching at EOC Tech and throughout the last few years, a spark for teaching ignited within him, one he hoped for when he transitioned from doing what he loved, to teaching about what he loved.

“A love for teaching flourished while being here at EOC,” he said. “Prior to applying, I thought I was ready for a career change on account of several negative realities about my industry, but I wasn’t ready to completely leave it because I loved Graphic Design. I spent much time praying for the guidance, for peace of mind, and for an increased excitement for teaching.”

Something Herrera said he’s learned through his time in the classroom is how capable students are of handling intensive workloads – even if they feel intimidated at first.

“Students at this age are capable of meeting my high expectations,” he said. “So, I like to raise the bar high then lower it if needed.” 

Herrera said what drew him to the Graphic Design career field was that he loved being behind a computer and being creative all day, every day and he hopes his students find that same passion along with a few other essential skills.

“Students need to be able to think like a designer, receive feedback without taking it personally and develop a strong concept first before they try to make their work look pretty,” he said. “I love seeing young designers and artists flourish in their passion and my goal is to help my students figure out if graphic design/graphic art is right for them by providing knowledge, skills and guidance to better prepare them to go to work and or go to college.”

When Herrera isn’t teaching in the classroom, he is most likely spending time with his wife Veronica and their two children, Elias and Mia huddled around a board game, which is his favorite pastime or around the table, hosting get-togethers with his family and friends. 

Eastern Oklahoma County Technology Center’s Graphic Design program is available to junior, senior and adult students who are interested in an exciting career in Graphic Design, Direct to Garment Printing, and Large Format Vinyl Graphics. The program teaches the necessary steps of conceptualizing artwork to how it is applied in the industry and students receive hands-on training with modern, industry-standard equipment and the latest software available. 

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