Rate My Professor Tao Chen

Tao Chen is a Professor of Digital Art & Media Design in the Department of Art and Art History at Eastern Connecticut State University, where he has been a faculty member since 2014. He progressed from Assistant Professor of Art, Digital Art & Design (2014-2019) to Associate Professor (2019-2024) and was promoted to full Professor in 2024. Prior to ECSU, Chen served as Assistant Professor of Art, Graphic/Web Design at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside from 2005 to 2011, where he was awarded tenure in 2011. His professional career also includes roles as Senior Graphic Designer at HGX Design & Marketing, Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (2004-2005), and Art Director at Berrantti, CH-International LLC in San Diego, California (2011-2013) and Chicago, Illinois (2013-2014). During his time as a Teaching Assistant in Graphic Design/Web Design at Louisiana Tech University (2003-2004), he gained early academic experience. Chen earned his Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Louisiana Tech University in 2004 and a Bachelor of Engineering in Graphic Design from Beijing Institute of Graphic Communication in 2003. Born and raised in Beijing, China, he has worked with clients such as Comcast, Oceania Cruises, Air China, designing editorials, motion graphics, user interfaces, and websites.

As an artist, designer, and educator, Tao Chen explores the intersections of digital technology and visual communication. His research specializations and academic interests include graphic design and typography, web design, motion graphic design, interdisciplinary and interactive screen-based media, digital mixed media expressionism, and contemporary publication design. Chen's digital mixed media artwork has been exhibited in thirty-nine regional, national, and international juried shows over recent years, including the 66th National Multi-Media Juried Art Exhibition at Maria V. Howard Arts Center, Rocky Mount, NC (2024); 64th National Juried Art Show at the same center (2022); 34th Annual McNeese National Works on Paper Exhibition at McNeese State University (2021); 2025 Biennial Art Faculty Exhibition at Eastern Connecticut State University Art Gallery; and his solo exhibition Tao Chen: Borderless at Communication Arts Gallery, University of Wisconsin-Parkside (2010). He has received eleven grants awarded in the past seven years, including four Connecticut State University System faculty research grants. At ECSU, Chen teaches design courses for the Digital Art & Design and New Media Studies programs, mentoring students on real-world projects such as logo design for the Town of Chaplin and collaborations with the Access Agency.