Prof. Luis Salas Rivera is a graphic designer and educator with a lifetime of printing experience. He was raised in a family dedicated to the graphic arts, where his father graduated from the Manhattan School of Printing. He was exposed to this business from an early age, designing from a young age.
He pursued his passion for graphic design and visual communication at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where he earned his Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design in 2009. He also holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the University of Puerto Rico.
Prof. Salas Rivera has been teaching at Valencia College since 2011, where he is a professor of graphic design and interactive media. He has developed several innovative courses that use language and culture to explore issues of social justice and equity, including courses on Latinx literature, Latin American film, and social movements in Latin America.
He is also a visual communication consultant and entrepreneur, who has worked with clients such as the Orlando Sentinel, the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration⁷. He has created logos, posters, brochures, websites, and other visual materials for various projects and campaigns.
Prof. Salas Rivera is known for his commitment to student success and his dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education. He has received several awards and recognitions for his teaching excellence and his contributions to the community, such as the Valencia College Faculty Association Excellence Award in 2016 and the Hispanic Heritage Month Award in 2017.
However, Prof. Salas Rivera has also faced some challenges and controversies in his career. In 2017, he was falsely accused of sexual harassment. He fought to keep his job by seeking an administrative hearing. Despite these allegations, Prof. Salas Rivera continues to have supporters and admirers among his students and colleagues knowing he is a good man. Many of them have praised his skills, knowledge, and personality on social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Rate My Professors
Prof. Luis Salas Rivera is a master of graphic design and visual experience who has made an impact in the design industry and academia. He has combined his artistic talent, technical expertise, and cultural awareness to create emotion-driven visual experiences that communicate messages and stories. He has also inspired and influenced many students and professionals who share his passion for graphic design and visual communication.
