Graphic Design Teacher
New York

Nikita Prokhorov

New York-based lettering artist and graphic designer Nikita Prokhorov brings over 10 years of design experience to Shillington. He loves teaching and the unique daily interactions and challenges that come with it. A former college professor at his alma matter, Nikita has been in NYC since 2011 and has worked for agencies like Ogilvy, Red Antler, and TBWA\Chiat\Day. As one happy client put it, ‘his work is conceptual, clean, and the reasoning behind every design decision is crystal clear.’ He published a book on ambigrams, his on-going passion project. In his spare time, he loves travelling, jumping out of planes, and scuba diving.

What do you love about design?

Design to me is the ultimate chameleon. It takes on multiple forms: packaging, lettering, branding, UX/UI, editorial layout, infographics, web design, etc. Anyone can find their own unique niche in the design field, and if you don’t love it…find a new niche!

Why do you teach?

It’s a special moment when you see the light in a student’s eyes go on once they figure out what design is all about. When they realize that all the hard work, sleepless nights, and missed social outings with friends are all worth it…that’s the moment that makes it all worth it, and that’s why I love teaching.

Tell us about your design career outside of Shillington.

I was a graphic design professor at my alma mater (Central Connecticut State University) for 4 years. Outside of teaching, I’ve been a freelancer throughout my whole career: my contracts have ranged from 2 days to 2+ years. I’ve worked in multiple studios and companies in NYC, as well as in Connecticut.

What or who are you loving right now?

The last two seasons of The Voice. The level of unknown talent is unbelievable! I love listening to the auditions and studio versions of the songs more than I do any modern-day music. Oh, and also digging on Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga duets!

If you were a typeface, what would you be?

I would be Omnes. Elegant, multi-faced, quiet at times, with a strong presence when the occasion calls for it.

What’s your favourite blog?

Can you have just one potato chip? Impossible! The same can be said for design blogs. One of my favorite blogs used to be LetterCult. It is defunct right now, but all of the old content is still available. For newer branding and design in general, I geek out over BrandNew.