Welcome to the #DragonFamily: Nan Hu

Meet MSUM’s new Assistant Professor in the School of Media Arts & Design, Nan Hu. With her past experience in graphic design education and in the data and design industry, Nan hopes to inspire her students and show them the importance in the relationship between logic and design.

Start Date: August 18, 2020

Q: What drew you to MSUM?
A: Many universities have a very limited curriculum in graphic design and new medium. At MSUM, the School of Media Arts & Design has a fully-loaded graphic design program.

Q: What unique experience or skills from your last job do you bring to MSUM?
A: I have a very hybrid background. Before joining MSUM, I worked in my last job with marketing data and I also have my MFA degree in graphic design, in which science and research are focused. This experience makes me think logically, which makes my designs logical as well. I like to bring this to my classroom and then my students can understand designs to solve problems with logic.

Q: What’s your go-to productivity trick?
A: I am a person who is sensitive to the environment, so I often like to set up a nice and comfortable table, chair, and lighting to make a cozy and quiet space for me to concentrate. Once the space is comfortable, it makes me want to work.

Q: What is your most used emoji? Why?
A: The smile. In messages, people do not see your face and they may misread your message and mood. So, I like to use the smile to tell people I’m happy and make the conversation easier and more friendly.

Q: What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
A: The best advice I received is from my major professor when I was in my MFA program. She said the future is about technology and artificial intelligence. Designers should respond to that. Her advice sets a clear direction for my future research, especially in my case, with a hybrid background.

Welcome to MSUM, Nan. We’re glad you joined the #DragonFamily!