Doctor Dan Johnston

Doctor Dan Johnston

Lecturer,
Design

Biography

Dan is an experienced graphic designer who prior to academic life primarily worked in the advertising industry. He has been responsible for campaigns and corporate branding for clients including NSW Health, Sydney Water, RSPCA, Workcover NSW, State Rail, Hunter Medical Research Institute and Lend Lease. His experience as an art director and photographer spans print, digital media, and television. As a freelance designer, Dan has worked on projects for large brands such as BHP, Hunter Councils, Australian Labor Party, Australian Stock Exchange, Western Sydney University and Newcastle University. His photographic portfolio includes assignments in Europe, North America, Nepal, China, and Borneo.

Dan held the position of Academic program Advisor for over six years, and as a result holds expert knowledge of the design program at WSU, as well as many broader administrative processes embedded within the university. 

Dan is an award winning, multidisciplinary teacher who has expertise in graphic design, photography, print publication and art direction. His teaching portfolio spans 1st, 3rd and 4th year, and he has a specific focus on establishing and nurturing industry partnerships and embedding them into his teaching program. Dan was awarded the Humanities and Communication Arts (HCA) Teaching and Learning award due to his exemplary partnership pedagogies and represented HCA at 2022s university wide Teaching and Learning Showcase.   

Dan’s research focuses on how communication and peer-based social learning occurs within youth-oriented public spaces, with a specific focus on Skateparks. His recent involvement an ACT legislative Assembly review of skatepark development situates him as an expert in the niche area of global skateboarding academia.

This information has been contributed by Doctor Johnston.

Qualifications

  • PhD Western Sydney University
  • BADes University of Western Sydney

Interests

  • Photography and Design

Organisational Unit (School / Division)

  • Design

Contact

Email: D.Johnston@westernsydney.edu.au
Phone:
Mobile:
Location:

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Teaching

Previous Teaching Areas

  • 100602 Communication Design Major Project, 2014
  • 100796 Typography for Print and Screen, 2013
  • 100947 Design Thinking, 2008
  • 101013 Publications, 2014
  • 101015 Information Design, 2010
  • 101019 Digital Design Production, 2013
  • 101080 Design Issues, 2008
  • 101090 Design Project, 2014
  • 101875 Professional Practice: Design, 2014

Publications

Journal Articles

  • Johnston, D. (2016), 'Skateparks : trace and culture', Global Media Journal: Australian Edition, vol 10, no 1 .

Exhibitions

  • 2017, 'Skateparks: Trace and Culture'

From Cairns to Coober Pedy, It is estimated that over 1400 skateparks exist in Australia. The vast majority of skateparks are council provided and owned, with most existing on public land. Despite the best efforts of youth advocates to provide such spaces and facilities with support at the infrastructure level, the end user is almost always left to their own devices to determine the ways in which the skatepark is utilised. How this utilisation manifests, can have drastic affects on the skatepark, and the associated skate culture as a whole. The optimistic youth space can be seen equally as a hive of physical pursuit, and creative play; or conversely, as a dangerous, unlawful place, where parents refuse to let their children venture.

My research seeks to address the question—what are the key environmental and social issues that contribute to a positive and dynamic skatepark culture? In other words, what makes a skatepark work?

This information has been contributed by Doctor Johnston.

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