Alma Hoffmann
Biography
M.F.A., Iowa State University
B.A., University of Puerto Rico
Alma Hoffmann is a bilingual design educator, designer, artist, and author. Her book,
Sketching as Design Thinking discusses the history and relevance of sketching in the
design process featuring interviews with current designers in a variety of disciplines
and exercises. Her work involves combining analog and digital tools to maximize the
visual impact and strength of the work she produces. As an avid letterer and calligrapher,
her work has garnered her international recognition. Her most recent award included
being selected among the Best 100 artworks of 2021 by Creative Quarterly, an international
juried publication focusing in fine arts, graphic design, illustration, and photography.
Her interest in writing about design has led her to become the editor of the design
section at Smashing Magazine. This work has also involved editing design and UX design
books published by Smashing Magazine.
Publications
Books
Sketching as Design Thinking (Routledge, 2019)
Articles
Hoffmann, A. (2022). Typographic Hierarchies. Smashing Magazine, 40. https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2022/10/typographic-hierarchies/
Hoffmann, A. (2022). The Empowered Program. Message Graphic Communication Design
Research, 5(Special C-19 Edition), 20-23. http://hdl.handle.net/10026.1/18929
Hoffmann, A. (2019). Alma Hoffmann on passion projects and publishing her book
AIGA Mobile, AL. https://mobile.aiga.org/alma-hoffmann-on-passion-projects-and-publishing-her-book/
Hoffmann, A. (2017). Left-Handed Brush Lettering: How To Get Started. Smashing Magazine.
https:// www.smashingmagazine.com/2017/06/left-handed-brush-lettering/
Hoffmann, A. (2016). Im獺genes, lenguaje, y s穩mbolos en una mente biling羹e La Palabra
(8). http://revistalapalabra.org/?page_id=3710.
Hoffmann, A., (2016). Brush Lettering: It Only Gets Better After Practice (Part
2). Smashing Magazine. https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2016/12/brush-lettering-it-only-gets-better-after-practice-part-2/
Hoffmann, A. (2016). Brush Lettering: It Only Gets Better After Practice (Part 1).
Smashing Magazine. https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2016/11/brush-lettering-it-only-gets-better-after-practice-part-1/
Hoffmann, A. (2015). Sketching and the mindful designer. The International Journal
of Design Education, CG Publishers.
Hoffmann, A. (2013). The City of Ethnos. The International Journal of Design in
Society, CG Publishers.
Hoffmann, A., (2012). Drawing Pictures All Day. Smashing Magazine. https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2012/08/i-draw-pictures-all-day/
Hoffmann, A. (2012) Culture, society and politics interpreted through a designers
bilingual filter. The City of Ethnos: my filter Athens: ATINERS Conference Paper
Series, No: ART2012-0077.
Hoffmann, A. (2011). The benefits and perils of working as a subcontracted designer.
Web log post. WeGraphics. Web. <http://wegraphics.net>.
Hoffmann, A. (2010). Finding Alternative Sources Of Typographic Layout In Our Surroundings.
Smashing Magazine. https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2010/09/finding-alternative-sources-of-typographic-layout-in-our-surroundings/
Awards
2023: Alphabet. Literary Arts Review Annual Juried Issue. Seahill Publishers.
2023 & 2022: Alphabet, Artistic Excellence, Circle Foundation for the Arts.
2022: Micah 4. Liturgical and Sacred Art. Springhill Art Association, Springhill,
IL
2022: Poster Watch, Wave, Wait, Merit award, iJungle.
2022: Type Calendar, Honorable Mention, Creative Quarterly 67
2022: Micah 4, Honorable Mention, Creative Quarterly 66
2021: 100 Best Artworks, Creative Quarterly.
2021: Micah 4 Best of show. Online show: Design and Composition Exhibition. A collection
of work.
juried by Rodrick Whetstone, The In Art Gallery, Illinois, US.
2022, 2021, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2009 & 2008 American Graphic Design Award.
2011: Career Education Corporation Teaching Award, Harrington College of Design
(Five finalists from
5,000 educators nominated).
Courses taught
ARS 123 Two Dimensional Design
ARS 271 Introduction to Graphic Design
ARS 272 Typography
ARS 372 Printing Processes
ARS 374 Publications
ARS 373 Identity Systems
ARS 375 Digital Design
ARS 472 Senior Studio
ARS 473 Web Design
ARS 479 Business Practices
ARS 488 Graphic Design Senior Thesis
ARS 490/590 Special Topics Lettering
ARS 496 Graphic Design Internship
ARS 499 Honors Graphic Design Senior Thesis
ARS 570 Graduate Studio
ARS 571 Advanced Typography
ARS 572 Divergent Research Methods