Professor Marius Valdes teaches design and illustration at The University of South Carolina. Valdes received his BFA in Graphic Design from the University of Georgia and his MFA in Visual Communication from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2005. 
 
Valdes' work has been featured in several books about contemporary graphic design and illustration. He has participated in solo and group exhibitions internationally. Valdes has presented at academic conferences about design and illustration related topics.  

During his 17 years as an educator, Valdes has been recognized by design publications such as HOW, Print, Communication Arts, Creative Quarterly, Graphic Design USA, STEP, and industry competitions including American Illustration, AIGA InShow, AIGA SEED Awards, and the World Illustration Awards.  

Most recently Valdes has won multiple awards from Graphic Design USA Health and Wellness Awards and Graphic Design American Design Awards for his work with MUSC Children’s Hospital. In 2022, the UK’s Creative Boom named Valdes as one of its “20 most Exciting illustrators” to follow. 

Research Focus

Valdes’ research focus is character-based art, design, and illustration. 

Courses with Marius

ARTS 265 Illustration 
ARTS 465 Advanced Illustration 
ARTS 246 Typographic Design II 
ARTS 345 Visual and Verbal Interaction