Samuel Cortina Arteaga
Originally from Puebla, Mexico, Sam Cortina is a skilled illustrator, 3D modeler, graphic designer, and storyteller with a passion for visual narrative. With a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and a master’s in information design from the Universidad de las Américas Puebla, he combines technical expertise with creative vision. His career spans digital media consulting, academic leadership, and creative production, including overseeing international projects and managing innovative visual design academic programs. Over the years, he has showcased his work in exhibitions, illustrated murals, and published original digital creations.
Teaching Philosophy:
My teaching approach is rooted in blending creative and critical thinking with technical expertise. I believe students must first develop as critical thinkers before honing their skills as effective producers. With this philosophy, I encourage students to thoughtfully analyze tasks, before moving on to comprehensive, skillful production. Whether guiding character design or website prototypes, I emphasize the importance of understanding context, audience, and purpose. Design is a dynamic field that challenges students to become problem solvers, communicators, and technical experts, which often extends beyond classroom boundaries. As an advocate for self-learning and continuous education, I strive to make the classroom a launchpad for exploration and growth, motivating students to pursue their best selves through curiosity and determination.
Courses:
- Intro to Graphic Design
- Digital Illustration
- 3D Modeling and Texturing
- 2D Design and Color
- Graphic Design: Production
- Critical Media Making
- Series Development Studio
- Studio Arts Capstone
- Data Visualization & Infographics
Research interests:
- Interaction design (UX/UI)
- Information design
- Digital media production
- Semiotics, rhetorics and visual narratives
- 3D modeling
- Web design
Selected Publications:
Cortina, S. (2017). Seven didactic strategies for teaching web design and programming to graphic designers. Colección Memorias: 5º Foro Comaprod: Intersecciones, UDLAP. Cholula, Puebla
Cortina, S. (2014). Ethnic and Gender Stereotyping in Latin American Advertising. Academia.edu
Cortina, S. (2013). La nueva evolución de la información. ForoALFA. (ISBN 1851-5606)
Cortina, S. (2013). El futuro del libro en la era digital. ForoALFA. (ISBN 1851-5606)
Cortina, S. (2013). Analysis of a French 1863 Poster Depicting the Invasion of Mexico and the Siege and Battle of Puebla. Academia.edu
Sosa-Tzec, O. & Cortina, S. (2009). Designing a user interface based on the calm technology paradigm and schematic visualization, and its evaluation from a communicability and rhetoric standpoint. Academia.edu
