Jessica Greenfield is a graphic designer and visual artist, working fluidly across the threshold between the two. Her work explores the expressive capacity of human gesture, building intimate relationships with physical materials, and new methodologies for combining analog processes and digital technology.

As an educator, she teaches an embodied approach to graphic design, encouraging students to work with their hands through sketching, collage, drawing, and printmaking. She endeavors to strike a balance between cultivating an appreciation for the structure and history of graphic design, and inspiring students to embrace their creativity and broaden their perspectives. Previous to Appalachian State University, she has taught at the Rhode Island School of Design, Arizona State University, and UCLA Extension.

Before joining the faculty at Appalachian, Jessica accrued over 10 years of professional experience focused on branding and publication design. As Senior Designer at both Hillstone Restaurant Group and RIOS, she developed comprehensive brand identities for a variety of clients nationwide. Her freelance design practice specializes in brand development and graphic identities for boutique restaurants. She holds an MFA in Graphic Design from the Rhode Island School of Design and a BFA in Painting and Printmaking from Carnegie Mellon University.

In her studio art practice, Jessica creates abstract paintings that evolve from an intuitive mark-making process. Strongly influenced by the forms and colors of the natural landscape, she frequently completes long walks as a source of inspiration. Her distinct practices in design and studio art continually inform each other and she is curious how the conventional methods of the artist can open up new opportunities for graphic design pedagogy.