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Biography

Ben Hannam is an award-winning designer, educator, design consultant, and small business owner. His education includes an MFA in Visual Communication from Virginia Commonwealth University and a BFA from Old Dominion University. Ben has lectured both nationally and internationally on topics such as typography, freelance, graphic design pedagogy, and experiential learning environments. In addition, Ben has won numerous awards for his graphic design work and teaching.
imageCurrently, Ben is an Assistant Professor in the Visual Communication Design program at Virginia Tech and has helped shape this program. Recently, Ben founded Accomplish

Studios, LLC as an opportunity to extend his graphic design research and to help bridge the gap between academia and the graphic design profession. Prior to Ben's appointment at Virginia Tech, he worked internationally at VCU–Qatar for three years. During this time he helped establish and promote the graphic design community in Qatar—a process that was formative and left an indelible mark on him.
imageBen thinks of himself as a design tactician and problem-solver. He believes that creative solutions to everyday problems reinforces the value of graphic design and helps make the world a better place.

Education

2002Virginia Commonwealth University
MFA: Visual Communication. Richmond, VA
1996Old Dominion University (Cum Laude)
BFA: Graphic Design. Norfolk, VA
1993Central Virginia Community College
AAS: Science. Lynchburg, VA

Professional Practice

2011-10Sole Proprietor: Accomplish Studios, LLC.
Blacksburg, VA
2007-06Creative Director & Consultant: Futprint.
Lynchburg, VA
2000-98Graphic Designer: Davis Mick Design.
Lynchburg, VA
1998Studio Artist: Spun Earth Pottery.
Lynchburg, VA
1998-97Graphic Designer: Gulfstream Graphic Arts &
Publishing. First Flight, NC
1997Graphic Designer: North Beach Sun Advertising.
Kill Devil Hills, NC
1997-96Graphic Designer & Pre-Press Technician: Donning
Printing. Virginia Beach, VA
1993-91Paste-up Artist: The News & Advance.
Lynchburg, VA

Teaching Positions

2011-06Assistant Professor, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
2006-03Assistant Professor, VCU–Qatar
Doha, Qatar
2003-02Adjunct Faculty, VCU
Richmond, VA

Recent Awards

2011American Graphic Design & Advertising Competition.
Best of Self-Promotions Category for "The Nutcracker
Sweet" holiday promotion.
•American Package Design Award. Award of
Excellence for "The Nutcracker Sweet".
•AIGA GRADE 6: Award of Merit for "The Nutcraker
Sweet" and "VT AIGA Chapter Valentines Day Card".
•Saba Do Graphix: Award of Excellence for "The
Nutcracker Sweet" and "2009 Holiday Promotion".
2010American Design Awards. First place, Self-Promotion
Design: 2010 Winter Semi-Annual contest for "2009
Holiday Promotion".
•Graphic Design USA: Award for "2009 Holiday
Promotion"—one of 200 pieces chosen.
•American Graphic Design & Advertising Competition.
Best of Self-Promotions Category for "2009 Holiday
Promotion".