VERMONT COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS (VCFA)
Rick began his career at one of D.C.’s premiere design firms, Supon Design Group. He then moved on to be an initial member of the design team for Discovery Communications as Senior Design Manager designing and art directing collateral for Discovery Channel, TLC, and Animal Planet. Thirsting for an opportunity to apply his skills to a wider array of clients, in 1996 he started his own design studio, Fuszion. Building from his entertainment background, the studio was soon a national player and would quickly find its way into the advocacy, conservation, museum, and consumer packaging arenas as well. Rick and his firm, Fuszion, provide creative services and design consultation for clients that include the Smithsonian, National Geographic, World Wildlife Fund, Ocean Conservancy, National Parks Conservation Association, HGTV, FOX, The Nature Conservancy, Hasbro, National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), PBS, Georgetown Business Improvement District, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and Pepsi-Cola. Rick is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at George Mason University’s School of Art in Fairfax, VA, and is a 2023 candidate for MFA in Graphic Design at VCFA.
WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL INSPIRED?
Currently, my entire focus is on my thesis. I’m inspired by queer history that I was never exposed to while growing up. I’m inspired by those who said “enough is enough.” By those who held “kiss-ins,” or “sip-ins.” By those who marched, sacrificed, advocated for the LGBTQ rights we have today.
WHAT AREA OR AREAS OF DESIGN ARE YOU HOPING TO WORK IN OR SPECIALIZE IN?
I’m still very hands-on in my professional design practice of 27 years, but have recently pivoted into academia. I will continue my research and archive of queer history, making it accessible to all.
