Kimberly Elam

Kimberly Elam is an American author, graphic designer, and professor of design. She is best known for her critically acclaimed book, Graphic Design Thinking: Beyond Brainstorming, which has won awards from the Type Directors Club and the Art Directors Club. She has also written extensively on topics related to graphic design, creativity, and design education.

Elam was born in Saginaw, Michigan, and she has remained in the Midwest ever since. She studied visual communication at the University of Michigan, before going on to earn an MFA in graphic design from the Rhode Island School of Design. Following that, she began a successful career in the field, working primarily in corporate branding and instruction.

In 2009, Elam published Graphic Design Thinking, which has become a classic text for students of graphic design. In it, she focuses on the conceptual rather than the technical aspects of design: how to come up with original ideas, how to make the most of collaborative process, and how to bring about meaningful and lasting design solutions. In the book, she emphasizes the importance of research, observation, and analysis in the production of groundbreaking design outcomes.

In addition to Graphic Design Thinking, Elam has had her work featured or printed in books such as Typographic Design: Forms and Functions (2011), Codex: The Book in Corporate Identity (2012), and Innovations in Magazine Design (2013). She has also worked as a consultant for such firms as Pentagram, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and Disney.

Currently, Elam is an Associate Professor at the University of Cincinnati where she has been teaching since 1999. At UC, she teaches a range of courses relating to graphic design, including typography and layout, concept visualization, and branding. Additionally, she lectures internationally on topics of design leadership, design thinking, and collaboration.

In 2020, Elam authored the book Creative Training for Graphic Designers: An Essential Guide for Graphic Designers, which was published by Adobe. In it, she explores the idea of creativity and how to build professional and personal skills in the realm of graphic design.

Kimberly Elam is without a doubt one of the most influential and important figures in the field of graphic design today. Her passion for design and her commitment to teaching and challenging her students to reach their full potential has helped shape the lives of many aspiring designers and professionals across the globe. Her work continues to be a valuable source of inspiration for anyone who wants to push the boundaries of design, think beyond the box, and create meaningful, effective communication solutions.