Zachary Vernon is a designer, storyteller, and educator specializing in creative strategy, branding, and illustration. He received his Bachelor's of Science in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin and his MFA in Communication Design from Texas State University. Currently an Associate Professor of Art/Design at Cal State LA, his research focuses on creative authenticity, identity (both visual and socio-cultural), and the social implications and empowerment of visual narrative and creative and critical pedagogy.