Teaching Experience

• Year of Appointment: January 1991-present
• Associate Professor of Art in Graphic Design, Valparaiso University.
• Current courses taught
• Art 231-Graphic Design 1: An introduction to the principles of graphic design.Emphasis is placed on typography. Gallery.
• Art 232-Graphic Design 2: Advanced problems in visual communication. Special emphasis is placed on systems-oriented design and on design theory and history.
• Art 290-Graphic Design 3: Advanced studio preparation. Problems prepare student for entry into design profession.
• Art 132-Introduction to Design. Fundamentals of design taught using both traditional and electronic means. Gallery.
• Art 285-3D Art & Animation. Gallery.
• ED 200. A introduction course in the understanding of the Visual Arts. (non-major)

Professional Background

Robert Sirko began his career in advertising serving numerous Chicago and midwestern corporations such as McDonalds, Motorola, Coachmen RV and the Chicago White Sox. He left his position as Art Director at Griffin Media Design to pursue his graduate degree the Cal Art in Los Angeles in 1986. Cal Arts was leading the way in the contemporary aspects of visual communication both from a technology standpoint as well as the theoretical and critical. While in Los Angeles he worked for noted designer John Coy. http://www.jmcoy.com . Sirko returned to the Chicago and joined Rick Valicenti at Thirst. http://www.3st.com/ Thirst was a good place to continue some of the design ideas formulated at Cal Arts. 

In 1990 Sirko joined the art department as a full-time faculty member at Valparaiso University and introduced the first graphic design courses using macintosh computers. Since then VU students have continued to take advantage of some of the leading technologies in the area of graphic design and have branded a style of work that is informed by contemporary design thinking melded with the skills necessary to form careers.

Sirko continues to take on design commissions and for several years has enjoyed much success the field. His work has appeared in publications such as HOW magazine, American Center for Design, and The New American Logo. Currently his interests lie in areas of digital illustration and 3D modeling and is exploring the relationships between the computer and fine art. 

Notable Design Work

• Editor/Design Director. Valparaiso Magazine (Chamber of Commerce publication) 2003 to 2005.
• Art Director/Designer. Porter County Visitors and Convention Bureau. 1999 topresent. Notable design: Ecotourism Brochure featuring the unique ecological aspects to Northwest Indiana.
• Design Consultant. Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, Valparaiso, IN. 2002 to 2006.
• Association for Lutheran Church Musicians.
• LaGrande Trunk advertising and design work. 1993 to 2001.
• Cross Accent Journals. 1994-present.
• Porter County United Way Business Service Program. 1995
• Porter County United Way Commodore Porter Fund Raising Materials. 1994.
• Cross Accent Identity. Logo design to be used for the Journal and Journal related correspondence. This logo appeared in a Madison Square Press publication entitled the New American Logo. 1994.
• The Star. Materials designed and produced for Kansas City, Missouri meeting trainer Chuck Dymer. 1992
• Lilly Fellows Brochure Materials. 1992-present.
• American Center for Design Forum announcements. Work features spirited typography and is demonstrative of my involvement as Forum Director. 1990-91