About

Patrick Finley is an award-winning multidisciplinary designer, researcher, and educator teaching in the Graphic Design department at Iowa State University. His scholarship, teaching, and outreach activities focus on connecting with industry through creative partnerships and an experiential-focused pedagogy. Key projects have engaged with significant technology businesses such as Meta and GoPuff, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, entrepreneurs, and regional nonprofits that benefit underrepresented communities. His work has been awarded over 100 times at national and international design competitions such as Graphis, HOW Magazine, Graphic Design USA (GDUSA), and the International Design Awards. Additionally, selected works have been included in printed publications such as Redesigning Logos, quarterly releases of GDUSA, and in LogoLounge 12, 13, and 14.

Finley has been an educator for the past ten years and has taught over 700 students. His pedagogy is centered around experiential learning through project-based assignments. This approach has ensured that his students are conceptual thinkers, can collaborate within interdisciplinary teams, and create exceptional portfolio-worthy work. His students works have been awarded over 200 times at prestigious national and international design competitions and work at companies such as Disney, ESPN, Instagram, Facebook, and Amazon.

Before joining the faculty at Iowa State University, he taught at Oklahoma State University (2013–2016), and at Virginia Tech (2016–2023) where he served as Chair of the Graphic Design program from 2021–2023. He received tenure at Virginia Tech in the Summer of 2023.

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Capabilities

Branding

Logo Design
Branding
Iconography / Symbology
Environmental Graphics
Stationary

Interactive Media

User Experience Research
User Interface Design - App Design
Website Design & Development
CMS Design & Development
Social Media Campaign

Design Tools

Adobe Creative Suite
Figma
SquareSpace
Microsoft Office

Partnerships

Nonprofit
National Forum for Black Public Ambassadors
Compressed Gas Association
Life Ring Foundation
Local Colors of Southwest Virginia
People of Color: Hue+Man
Make Communication LLC
New River Land Trust
Why Not Workshop
Uplift

Commerce
GoPuff
USM Modular Furniture
Abuja Bodega
MF Bladeworks

Building & Construction
Clark Construction
Carta Advisory Group
The 1906 Group
Opticos
Kollmorgen
Chaffin Construction Group
Gravity Real Estate Group
Patriot Restoration
Park37

Athletics & Fitness
FitHub
Athlete Initial Public Offering
Triumph NIL
Hot Route Brands
The Hokie Way

Animals & Agriculture
Dogma Training Services

Outdoors & Recreation
Great Idea Charters

Technology
Meta
FitHub
HyperGen
NanoSonic
New River Developers Community
Develappments

Education
Bluefield State College
Iowa State University
Oklahoma State University
Virginia Tech

Healthcare
English Meadows
OnPoint Dental
Jeremy’s Main Street Pharmacy
Sub 22
VHHA Solutions
KZA Consultants

Food & Hospitality
Orzo Roll & Poke Bowl
Bushi: Sushi Roll & Poke
Floyd Hemp Factory

Promotion & Marketing
Fully Engaged
Stephanie A. Smith Communications (SASC)
Arts Delicious
Anne M. Appel Wellbeing Counseling

Finance
Pointer Financial Group

Education

2013 | Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design with Emphasis in Human-Computer Interaction - Iowa State University | Ames, IA.
2010 | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design with Minor in Computer Science - University of Wisconsin at Eau Claire | Eau Claire, WI.

Academic Appointments

2023—Present | Assistant Professor of Graphic Design; Department of Graphic Design – Iowa State University | Ames, IA.
2021—2023 | Chair of Graphic Design Program; School of Visual Arts – Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA.
2016—2023 | Assistant Professor of Graphic Design; School of Visual Arts – Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA.
2013—2016 | Assistant Professor of Graphic Design; Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History – Oklahoma State University | Stillwater, OK.

Academic Recognition

2023 | Certificate for Excellence in Outreach Award, College of Architecture, Arts, and Design – Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA.
2020 | Certificate for Excellence in Research Award, College of Architecture, Arts, and Design – Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA.
2020 | Certificate for Excellence in Teaching Award, College of Architecture, Arts, and Design – Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA.
2019 | Outstanding Service to Department, School of Visual Arts - Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA.
2013 | Graduate Teaching & Research Excellence Award, Iowa State University | Ames, IA.

Professional Appointments

2007—Present | Freelance Designer
2020—Present | Designer, Joba Studio, Blacksburg, VA.
2012 | Designer, Mattel, Middleton, WI.
2011—2012 | Product Designer, Develappments, Madison, WI.

Courses Taught

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

ArtGR 477 – Graphic Design Practicum
ArtGR 510 – Graphic Design Theory (Graduate)

VIRGINIA TECH

Art 1614 – Principles of Visual Communication Design
Art 2565 – Typography 1
Art 2575 – Introduction to Graphic Design 1
Art 2576 – Introduction to Graphic Design 2
Art 3565 – Intermediate Graphic Design 1
Art 3566 – Intermediate Graphic Design 2
Art 3574/4504 – Interaction & Web Design (stacked elective)
Art 3984 – Web Design for Non-Majors (summer elective)
Art 3984 – Interaction Design for Non-Majors (summer elective)
Art 4575 – Advanced Visual Communication Design 1 (Capstone)
Art 4576 – Advanced Visual Communication Design 2 (Capstone)
Art 4754 – Internship
Art 4974 – Independent Study

Awards & Accolades

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS

2023 | 17th Annual International Design Association (IDA) Competition: Honorable Mention for Ames Public Library Friends Foundation
2023 | 17th Annual International Design Association (IDA) Competition: Honorable Mention for Central Iowa Regional House Planning
2023 | 17th Annual International Design Association (IDA) Competition: Honorable Mention for Life Ring Foundation (w / Joba Studio)
2023 | Graphis 2024 Design Annual: Silver Graphis Award for Imprint Engine (w / Joba Studio)
2023 | Graphis 2024 Design Annual: Silver Graphis Award for The United States of NRAmerica
2023 | Graphis 2024 Design Annual: Silver Graphis for Translational Plant Sciences Center
2023 | Graphis 2024 Design Annual: Honorable Mention for Biotech in a Box
2023 | United Design Alliance – Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Grand Award for Imprint Engine (w / Joba Studio)
2023 | United Design Alliance – Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Gold Award for Anne M. Appel
2023 | United Design Alliance – Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Gold Award for Translational Plant Sciences Center
2023 | United Design Alliance – Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Bronze Award for The Hokie Way (w / Joba Studio)
2023 | United Design Alliance – Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Bronze Award for True Blue Cleaning (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | 16th Annual International Design Association (IDA) Competition: Honorable Mention for Hue+Man Exhibition (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | Graphis 2023 Design Annual: Silver Graphis Design Award for Hue+Man Exhibition (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | Graphis 2023 Design Annual: Silver Graphis Design Award for Why Not Workshop (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | United Design Alliance - Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Gold Award for Bluefield State College (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | United Design Alliance - Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Gold Award for Pointer Financial Group
2022 | United Design Alliance - Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Silver Award for OnPoint Dental
2022 | United Design Alliance - Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Bronze Award for New River Land Trust
2022 | United Design Alliance - Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Bronze Award for Why Not Workshop (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | Indigo Awards: Gold Award in Integrated Graphic Design for Hue+Man exhibition at Design Miami (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | Indigo Awards: Gold Award in Logos for Why Not Workshop (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | Indigo Awards: Silver Award in Branding for Bluefield State College (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | Indigo Awards: Bronze Award in Websites Design for Put Me On by GoPuff (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | United Design Alliance - Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Gold Award for Local Colors
2021 | United Design Alliance - Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Silver Award for AIPO (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | United Design Alliance - Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Bronze Award in Signs for Arts Delicious (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | United Design Alliance - Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Bronze Award in Signs for English Meadows (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | United Design Alliance - Signs, Systems, and Letterform Marks (SSL): Bronze Award in Signs for New River Dermatology (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | Indigo Awards: Gold Award in Logo Design for New River Dermatology (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | Indigo Awards: Silver Award in Branding for New River Dermatology (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | Indigo Awards: Silver Award in Branding for AIPO (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | Graphis Design Annual 2021: Honorable Mention for Local Colors
2020 | Indigo Awards: Silver Award in Logo Design for Floyd Hemp Factory
2020 | Indigo Awards: Silver Award in Design for Social Change for Local Colors
2019 | 13th Annual International Design Awards (IDA) Competition: Honorable Mention for Local Colors Poster Series
2019 | United Design Alliance Annual Int’l Design Competition - Idea Design: Gold Award for Local Colors branding
2019 | HOW International Design Awards: Merit Award for Local Colors
2018 | Graphis Branding 7: Gold Award for NIME 2018 Conference Branding (w/ Meaghan Dee)
2018 | Graphis Branding 7: Silver Award for Sake House logo design
2018 | Graphis Branding 7: Honorable Mention for NIME 2018 conference posters (w/ Meaghan Dee)
2018 | Graphis Branding 7: Honorable Mention for WinnowGen logo design
2016 | International Visual Identity Awards: Bronze Award in Charity & Non-Profit for OSURF logo design
2016 | Graphis Logo Design 9: Merit Award in Education & Public Service for OSURF logo design

NATIONAL COMPETITIONS

2024 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) Package Design Awards: GDUSA Award for 724 Lager packaging (w / Joba Studio)
2023 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 60th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Ames Friends of the Library branding
2023 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 60th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Central Regional House Planning branding
2023 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 60th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for The United States of NRAmerica poster design
2023 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 60th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Triumph NIL | Redzone Roast package design (w / Joba Studio)
2023 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 60th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Triumph NIL | Skipper’s Select package design (w / Joba Studio)
2023 | University and College Design Association (UCDA) Design Awards: Award of Excellence in Identity Program – Application for Biotech in a Box
2023 | University and College Design Association (UCDA) Design Awards: Honorable Mention in Identity Program – Application for Translational Plant Sciences Center
2023 | University and College Design Association (UCDA) Design Awards: Honorable Mention in Identity Program – Logo for Biotech in a Box
2023 | University and College Design Association (UCDA) Design Awards: Honorable Mention in Identity Program – Logo for Translational Plant Sciences Center
2023 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) In-House Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Translational Plant Sciences Center
2022 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 59th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for New River Land Trust branding
2022 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 59th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Pointer Financial Group branding
2022 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 59th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Hue+Man Exhibition Design (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 59th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Abuja Bodega branding (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) Health + Wellness Design Awards: GDUSA Award for OnPoint Dental
2021 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) Package Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Abuja Bodega packaging (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 58th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Hue+Man Design Competition (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 58th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Local Colors website
2021 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 58th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Opticos 20th Anniversary (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 58th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Put Me On website (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 21st Annual American Web Design Awards in website design for Local Colors of Southwest Virginia
2021 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 21st Annual American Web Design Awards in website design for Put Me On (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 21st Annual American Web Design Awards in social media for Opticos (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | Art Director’s Club of Tulsa: Honorable Mention in Identity for Bluefield State College (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | University and College (UCDA) Design Awards: Award of Excellence for Bluefield State College (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) Health + Wellness Design Awards: GDUSA Award for English Meadows (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) Health + Wellness Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Jeremy’s Main Street Pharmacy
2020 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 57th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for AIPO branding (w / Joba Studio)
2020 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 57th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for New River Dermatology (w / Joba Studio)
2019 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 56th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Floyd Hemp Factory
2019 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 56th Annual American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Local Colors
2019 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) Cannabis Industry Graphics Awards: GDUSA Award for Floyd Hemp Factory
2019 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) American Health + Wellness Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Phyx
2018 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 55th American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Bushi: Poke Bowl & Sushi Burrito
2018 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 55th American Graphic Design Awards: GDUSA Award for Sake House
2018 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 55th American Graphic Design Awards:GDUSA Award for NIME 2018 conference branding (w/ Meaghan Dee)
2018 | University and College Design Association (UCDA) Design Competition: Excellence in Special Events for NIME 2018 conference branding (w/ Meaghan Dee)
2018 | HOW Design 9th Annual Logo & Application Awards: Top-10 and Runner-up in Reader’s Choice in Logo Design for Bushi: Poke Bowl & Sushi Burrito
2017 | Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) 54th American Graphic Design Awards: American Graphic Design Award for NIME 2018 conference poster (w/ Meaghan Dee)

LOCAL COMPETITIONS

2023 | American Advertising Federations (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Shine Public Service Award (Nominated by Meaghan Dee)
2023 | American Advertising Federations (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Silver ADDY in Elements of Advertising, Visual, Logo Design for Anne M. Appel
2023 | American Advertising Federations (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Silver ADDY in Integrated Brand Identity Campaigns, Local or Regional/National for Pointer Financial Group
2022 | American Advertising Federations (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Howard Packett Award for Creative Excellence (Best-of-Show) for HueMan exhibition at Design Miami (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | American Advertising Federations (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Mosaic Award (given to the project that best exemplifies creative diversity) for HueMan exhibition at Design Miami (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | American Advertising Federations (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Gold ADDY in Ambient Media, Single Installation for HueMan exhibition at Design Miami (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | American Advertising Federations (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Gold ADDY in Integrated Brand Identity Campaigns, Local or Regional/National for Bluefield State College’s Big Blues (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | American Advertising Federations (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Silver ADDY in Websites, Microsites for Put Me On (w / Joba Studio)
2022 | American Advertising Federations (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Silver ADDY in Elements of Advertising, Visual, Logo Design for Why Not Workshop (w / Joba Studio)
2021 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Silver ADDY in Integrated Branding Identity (campaign) for AIPO (w / Joba Studio)
2020 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Best-of-Print for Local Colors
2020 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Gold ADDY in Integrated Branding Identity (campaign) for Local Colors
2020 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Gold ADDY in Out-of-Home & Ambient Media, Posters for Local Colors
2020 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Gold ADDY in Elements of Advertising for Local Colors
2019 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Gold ADDY in Logo Design for Local Colors
2019 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Silver ADDY in Logo Design for NRV DEV
2018 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Gold ADDY in Public Service in Print Advertising (campaign) for WinnowGen
2018 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Gold ADDY in Integrated Brand Identity (campaign) Local/Regional for NIME 2018 conference branding (w/ Meaghan Dee)
2018 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Silver ADDY in Posters (campaign) for NIME 2018 conference posters (w/ Meaghan Dee)
2018 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Silver ADDY in Online/Interactive for NIME 2018 website design (w/ Meaghan Dee)
2018 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Silver ADDY in Elements of Advertising, Logo Design for WInnowGen
2017 | American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Western Virginia Advertising Awards: Silver ADDY in Online/Interactive for FitHub
2017 | Art Director’s Guild of Tulsa: Graphex 47: Best-of-Show in Miscellaneous Design for I-35 digital collage
2017 | Art Director’s Guild of Tulsa: Graphex 47: Best-of-Show in Branding for WinnowGen

Designs Featured in Print

2023 | Gardner, B. & Potts, E. (2023). LogoLounge 14 (14) (LogoLounge Book Series), pg. Upcoming. BookBaby.
2022 | Gardner, B. & Potts, E. (2022). LogoLounge 13 (13) (LogoLounge Book Series), pgs. 112 & 186. BookBaby.
2021 | Kaye, G., “American Web Design Awards.” Graphic Design USA, October, pgs.73 & 80. Kaye Publishing Corporation, 2021. Magazine.
2021 | Gardner, B. & Potts, E. (2021). LogoLounge 12 (12) (LogoLounge Book Series), pgs. 24 & 31. BookBaby.
2021 | Shaoqiang, W. (2021). Redesigning Logos (Arts graphiques-Design)(1st ed.). Hoaki.
2020 | Kaye, G. “American Graphic Design Awards.” Graphic Design USA, December, p.88. Kaye Publishing Corporation, 2020. Magazine.
2019 | Kaye, G. “Health + Wellness Design Awards.” Graphic Design USA, October, p.98. Kaye Publishing Corporation, 2019. Magazine.
2019 | “Best of Graphic Design 2019.” HOW: Inspiring Design Success, vol. 34, Issue 1, Summer 2019, p.30. Blue Ash: F+W Media, 2019. Magazine.
2019 | McElroy, P., Graphis Branding Annual 7. New York: Graphis Inc., 2019, p.95 & 205. Book.

Designs Featured in Digital Publications

2020 | Indigo Awards, Indigo Digital Book of Design, p. 135, 221, & 223
2019 | United Design Alliance, UDA Annual 2019, January 31, 2020, p. 118
2017 | Google App Store, FitHub Android Fitness App

Designs Featured in Exhibitions

INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS

2021 | People of Color: Hue+Man, Art Basil’s Design Miami 2021, Miami, FL. December 1-5.
2017 | Fool’s Gold, 33” x 48".” Digital Collage. 8th United Designs International Biennial Exhibition, United Designs Alliance, Jeju, Korea. (Group Invitation Exhibition).

NATIONAL EXHIBITIONS

2021 | Bluefield State College, campaign, UCDA’s Design Annual, Grand Rapids, MI. 9/29-10/2
2018 | Bushi logo design, HOW Design Live 2018, HOW Design Magazine, Boston, MS. 4/30-5/3.

LOCAL EXHIBITIONS

2020 | Local Colors, campaign, American Advertising Federations’ Western Virginia Awards Gala, Roanoke, VA. 3/7.
2020 | Local Colors, poster series, American Advertising Federations’ Western Virginia Awards Gala, Roanoke, VA. 3/7.
2019 | Local Colors, logo, American Advertising Federations’ Western Virginia Awards Gala, Roanoke, VA. 3/9.
2019 | NRV DEV, logo, American Advertising Federations’ Western Virginia Awards Gala, Roanoke, VA. 3/9.
2018 | WinnowGen, logo, American Advertising Federations’ Western Virginia Awards Gala, Roanoke, VA. 3/3.
2018 | NIME, Campaign, American Advertising Federations’ Western Virginia Awards Gala, Roanoke, VA. 3/3. (w/ Meaghan Dee)
2018 | NIME, poster series, American Advertising Federations’ Western Virginia Awards Gala, Roanoke, VA. 3/3. (w/ Meaghan Dee)
2018 | NIME, website, American Advertising Federations’ Western Virginia Awards Gala, Roanoke, VA. 3/3. (w/ Meaghan Dee)
2017 | FitHub, mobile app, American Advertising Federations’ Western Virginia Awards Gala, Roanoke, VA. 3/4.
2017 | I-35, digital collage, Art Director’s of Tulsa: Graphex 47 Awards Gala, Tulsa, OK. 6/16.
2017 | WinnowGen, logo design, Art Director’s of Tulsa: Graphex 47 Awards Gala, Tulsa, OK. 6/16.

Presented at Conferences

2023 (Upcoming) | There Are Too Many Apps for That, SECAC, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA. October 11–14.
2023 | There Are Too Many Apps for That, University and College Design Association’s Design Educator’s Summit, Same Difference, Bowling Green University, Bowling Green, OH. May 23–25.
2022 | Combating a College Town’s Economic Loss with Design, University and College Design Association’s Design Educator’s Summit, Agency, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. May 23–24.

Professional Affiliations