As an art director, Craig Kunce hired many technical college graduates. He wanted the opportunity to mentor students, pass along what he had learned and prepare them for employment so he became an instructor.
“I’ve been where they are,” he says. “I struggled at times.”
Kunce graduated from Alexandria Technical College with a two-year associate degree in Commercial Art. Later he earned a bachelor’s degree from Viterbo University and a master’s degree in education from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
For 15 years, Kunce worked as art director for a sports and movie licensing company creating products for clients like the NFL, NBA and Nickelodeon. While researching for work on the 2002 Winter Olympics, he got a chance to try out the bobsled run. Another highlight was a creative brainstorming session with Jim Davis, creator of the Garfield cartoon character.
“It was an experience of a lifetime that forever impacted how I view the creative process,” Kunce recalls.
Since 2002, Kunce has taught full-time in the Graphic Design Department at Western. He brings a wealth of experience, inspiration, and love for his craft and for teaching to his classes.
“To ensure I continue to remain relevant and inspirational to my graphic design students, I license my artwork to be used on retail products, and I write, illustrate, and publish children's books,” he says.
Craig and his wife, Jeanna, formed their own publishing company. His fun and adventurous picture books entertain younger children, while Jeanna writes chapter books for older elementary and middle grade students. They collaborated on Darien and the Lost Paints of Telinoria.