hi,
I'm a designer,
educator and artist.
with 20+ years experience as a graphic designer and 15+ years as a design educator, I hold a BFA in Graphic Design, an MAT in Art Education and 60+ graduate credits in certifications such as; Social Emotional Learning, Mental Health and Character Education. I combine digital design expertise with a strong foundation in traditional fine art, specializing in logo design & visual branding, typography, apparel, product & packaging, photography, and more. I am a dedicated and passionate educator committed to fostering creativity and critical thinking skills and excited to share my expertise, real-world design experience and educational insight while creating an engaging and transformative learning environment.
reviews
"Working with Doreen to build the ABC to CEO brand from the ground up was a seamless and inspiring process. Her expertise in font selection is unmatched, lending a level of precision that elevated our entire visual identity. She balances elegance and approachability, creating a brand that speaks to diverse audiences with sophistication. Her collaborative spirit made every iteration feel like a true partnership."
"Doreen has transformed our Graphic Design program into a flagship initiative, and her courses consistently rank among the most popular electives. Her in-depth knowledge of the industry is unparalleled, and she equips her students with invaluable design skills that they carry into their careers and beyond the classroom. Doreen is an exceptional mentor. Many of her former students continue to reach out to her long after graduation, testament to the lasting impact she has on their lives. As the supervisor of our internship program, I have seen firsthand how Doreen has cultivated strong connections with local businesses and organizations, helping to secure mentoring opportunities for our students."
"Mrs. Albano is an exceptional and life-changing teacher who invests fully in her students; guiding them and helping them reach their goals, I speak from experience as a former student. She reinvigorated the arts department and her classes provided college-level lessons that allowed students to see a future in chasing down a creative path. As a direct result of her guidance, I was accepted into my top choice school, and graduated with a job lined up. Over the years since, she has brought her classes to visit our studio and learn from our team in NYC. It's this extra step that I believe attests to her dedication and sincerity to nurturing the minds and talents of her students. She’s the kind of teacher whose impact spreads far beyond her classroom, for years to come."
"Mrs. Albano has an exceptional ability to inspire and guide students in the world of graphic design. Her passion for the subject and dedication to teaching sparked my interest and helped me discover my love for design and her influence was truly pivotal in shaping my future."
"Mrs. Albano’s classroom was always a welcoming environment, and her teaching made complex concepts accessible and applicable across various disciplines. Beyond design, she was a pioneer in incorporating mindfulness into our academic experience, helping us enhance creativity and refocus on our work. The skills I gained in her class have had a lasting impact throughout high school, college, and beyond."
"Mrs. Albano did more than teach design principles—she inspired students to see the world through a creative lens, to understand that design is not just about aesthetics, but about communication, problem-solving, and storytelling. The foundational skills she taught me—understanding composition, color theory, typography, and visual communication—became the bedrock of my design education. More importantly, she instilled in me a sense of curiosity and the confidence to experiment, to learn from mistakes, and to continually evolve as a designer. She was the first educator who truly saw my creative potential and encouraged me to pursue design as a serious academic and professional path. The projects we worked on, the constructive feedback she provided, and the way she challenged me to think beyond conventional boundaries were pivotal in my decision to pursue design in higher education."
"Mrs. Albano helped me realize how beneficial being proficient in programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator could be. Fast forward 10 years later and I am still utilizing these skills in my personal and professional life. Highly recommend taking one of her classes to build on your skillset, or working with her to build your brand!"