Saeri Dobson
Professor of Graphic Design and Chair of Studio Arts, College of Communication and Fine Arts
Biography
Dobson's academic path encompasses a BFA in Communication Design from Parsons School of Design, New York, and an MFA from Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, imparting depth to her creative journey. Complementing her creative foundation, she attained an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the Charter College of Education, California State University, Los Angeles, underscoring her steadfast dedication to knowledge advancement.
A pivotal juncture in Dobson's journey was marked by the prestigious City of Los Angeles Artist-in-Residence grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs. This transformative experience ignited her exploration into art-making with adults grappling with intellectual disabilities, fostering an intrigue at the nexus of creativity and accessibility.
Dobson's recent dissertation delves into teaching strategies within studio-based higher education environments for students with disabilities. Centered on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), culturally responsive pedagogy, and equity in education, her research underscores a resolute commitment to catalyzing positive transformations within educational contexts.
In parallel with her academic contributions, Saeri is an accomplished graphic designer with a prominent national and international presence, exhibiting work across diverse countries, including Italy, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, and Switzerland.
Beyond her professional engagements, Dobson serves as a member of the Board of Directors for the Al Wooten Jr. Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational and enrichment opportunities for underserved youth in South Los Angeles. Through this role, she actively participates in fundraising initiatives to bolster scholarships, after-school programs, and mentorship opportunities for marginalized students. This engagement offers her a direct perspective into the transformative impact of education on young lives.
Education
California State University, Los Angeles
Ed.D
Educational Leadership
Art Center College of Design
M.F.A.
Communication & New Media
2000
Parsons School of Design
B.F.A.
Communication Design
1996
Social
Areas of Expertise
Industry Expertise
Affiliations
- Speak Up for the Poor
- New Horizons in North Hills (Artist-In-Residence)
- LAMP Community
- Los Angeles High School of Arts (Mentor)
- Al Wooten Jr. Youth Center
Links
Languages
- English
- Korean
Research Grants
Artist-in-Residence
City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs
2016-07-01
A year-long grant (2016-2017) to work with adults with intellectual disabilities as the focus for her human-centered design. A culminating public event will be curated at the end of the grant period.
Articles
Hope is in the bag: Saeri Dobson designs handcrafted purses in support of displaced Bangladeshi girls
ArtCenter2014-07-21
The following letter pays tribute to Art Center alum Saeri Dobson’s tireless and selfless work on behalf of Bangladeshi girls who have been rescued from brothels. Dobson (MFA 00 NEWM), whose ethically-minded creative practice is embedded right in her company name: By SaeRi: Design + Humanity.
Alumni Spotlight: Saeri Dobson (MFA, Communication & New Media ’00)
Designmatters at ArtCenter College of Design2014-07-28
Saeri Cho Dobson (Communication and New Media ’00) is a graphic designer, educator and social entrepreneur. Over the past 18 years as she pursued her artistic and typographic voice, Saeri embarked upon an introspective journey which reconnected to her cultural roots as she searched for a higher purpose for design. Her MFA from Art Center not only enabled her to teach, but also to find her passion: design that makes a difference in the world. As Cho-Dobson explored social causes that were meaningful to her...
My 10 Best (and One Worst) Design Items of the Half-Year
PRINT2010-12-10
The best prediction at TypeCon during the last half of this year: Roger Black‘s declaration that in the future, through Google and other such systems, everyone with a computer will be able to have their very own signature web fonts, at 99¢ each per year...