John McFarland is an Adjunct Professor of Digital Media at St. Petersburg College and a Senior Graphic Designer with more than 16 years of professional experience in graphic design, branding, visual communication, digital media, and design strategy. His professional work has supported organizations including Applebee’s, LEGO, Red Bull, Nashville International Airport, Marriott International, and HCA.

In the classroom, McFarland connects design principles and digital tools with professional practice, helping students develop stronger skills in visual communication, creative problem-solving, critique, and digital media production. His teaching emphasizes learning through making, experimentation, iteration, and the practical application of design concepts.

He is the author of Graphic Designer 2.0: AI, Design, & What It Means for Graphic Designers & the Future and The Client Is Always Wrong. His current interests include design education, accessibility, design ethics, sustainability, and the evolving role of designers in an AI-influenced creative industry.