Mentorship & Educational Career
For over 15 years, Adu has cultivated a distinguished career in design education, shaping the minds of future creatives across Bachelor's, Master's, and MFA programs.
Building Curriculums and Industry Engagement:
Instrumental in establishing the graphic design program curriculum at The Art Institute of Dallas (2013) as an Adjunct Professor.
A sought-after speaker, presenting at The One Club's Education Summit and fostering industry connections.
Actively involved with mentorship organizations like The Marcus Graham Project and ADCOLOR Futures Program.
Spearheaded workshops featuring leading industry professionals, enriching student learning and curriculum development.
Ongoing Dedication to Education:
Spearheaded night classes at Miami Ad School, covering graphic design, corporate identity, layout, social media, and advertising campaign management.
Expands his reach internationally, conducting workshops at Karel de Grote-Hogeschool in Antwerp, Belgium (2022-Present).
Example Student Projects:
🏆 Toilet Chronicles (American Advertising Federation Student Awards “Best Of Show” and “Judges Pick”
🏆 Communication Arts | Tiffany & Confidence (2023 Clio Student Awards Winner - Bronze)
🏆 exBay
🏆 Drake - OVO Ikea Furniture Collection
Award-winning Podcast Host & Executive Producer ~
Award-winning Podcast Host & Executive Producer ~
Podcast obsessed? Me too! Way before it was trendy, I was already diving into the world of audio adventures. Remember call-in radio shows? That was me, helping folks explore their creative passions and build a powerful community.
Fast forward to today, and I'm back with a fresh cup of inspiration: A Dose of Black Joy & Caffeine! Tired of negativity? We are too! This show is your antidote, a shot of pure Black joy to fuel your creative fire.
We chat with amazing Black professionals from marketing, PR, tech, and more. They share their stories, career journeys, and even their favorite things about Black Twitter (it's a whole thing, trust me). We talk about everything from the iconic Electric Slide to the epic HBCU experience, all sprinkled with some good
old-fashioned caffeine conversation. ☕️
Ready to join the party in your ears? Hit me up! Let's chat about how I can help YOU find your creative voice and celebrate the joy of being Black. Let's make some magic together! ✨
Scholarly research, publications & professional experience
Adu has over 200+ mentees and has played a pivotal role in helping several creative individuals with 1 on 1 portfolio reviews along with ongoing mentorship to help guide them in their careers.
Wanting to share career advice along with tips to his mentees and the world more widely:
In 2016, Adu self-published his first book, “Don’t Insert Title Here: The Guide Towards Creative Freedom and Success.”
His second book in 2018, “The Threat of Creative Annihilation”
His most recent book in 2022 “Work In Progress: To Be Grown, Black & Creative”
Podcast “A Dose of Black Joy & Caffeine”
Published books (Author):
2024:
“SCADTv Fest” Speaker and workshop facilitator
“Mixed Company Podcast” A Dose Of Black Joy & Real Talk (Interview)
2023:
“AdAge” 40 Under 40 Honorees - Logitech’s Adu Adu Powers The Brand’s Social Media Strategy
“AdAge” Logitech’s social media head plays a key roles in the it’s marketing strategy
“The One Club For Creativity” Host of “Where Are All The Black People”
“The One Club For Creativity” Podcast partnership “A Dose of Black Joy & Caffeine”
“Shorty Awards” Judge - The best of social media
“Ragan PR Daily” Stand up by standing out in social media
“Ragan PR Daily” Social Media Strategies Virtual Conference
“ADCOLOR” 2023 ADCOLOR Influencer Award Nominee
“Influicity” Podcast on modern marketing
“She Suite Summit” Speaker
“Shorty Awards” Judge
“Alabama A&M University Alumni Spotlight” Adu Earns Second Nomination For Coveted ADCOLOR Award
“Look At Us” Black Filmmakers In Their Bag (Podcast interview)
“Clio Awards” AdForum “Educational Instructor” (Student Bronze Award)
“More Than A Title” Podcast guest
“More Than A Title” Betting On Yourself (Podcast)
“Ultimate Ears” Curated playlist for Black Music Month
2022:
“NBC Universal & Peacock” (Season 2, Episode 7) Contestant on “The Weakest Link”
“American Advertising Mosaic Awards” Judge
2020:
“American Advertising Awards” Judge
Published articles, Media interviews & Industry involvement
2019:
“AIGA” Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Creative & #Social (Speaking engagement)
2018
2017:
“PR Newswire” 4A’s 100 People Who Make Advertising Great
“HuffPost” Aduism At Its Best
“We Are Next” Podcast interview
“Black Enterprise” A New Type Of Mad Men: Justin Adu Helps You Claim Your Creativity
“Black Enterprise” BE Modern Man: A Different Type of Mad Man’ Justin Adu
“Museum Of African Diaspora” Moderator for “The Intersection of Art & Creativity” panel
2016:
“Where’s She Going” Keep Shining Adu
“Rolling Out” Justin Adu Talks Leadership, Team Work & New Book
“PR Newswire” ADCOLOR partners with Twitter to create custom emoji
2015:
“D Magazine” Photo Exhibition Celebrates Black History, Future of Dallas
“Ebony Magazine” Justin Adu Delivers Reality Programming With African Amedia
“ADCOLOR” Rising Star Honoree
Abernathy Power on, Fist up: African Amedia
“Blavity” This timely exhibit proves that the revolution will be digitized
“HuffPost” Fictional television station challenges mainstream media portrayal
“The City Influencer” Coverage of African Amedia art exhibition
“Harlem World” Artist creates fictional television network to challenge mainstream television
“Miami Ad School” Instructor
“Central Track” 25 Things Worth Celebrating In Dallas Right Now: Justin Adu
2014:
“D Magazine” Best Art Events “Abnormal Artbeats”
2013:
“Blog Talk Radio” Co-host and co-founder of “SelfGoOdd” blog talk radio
2012:
American Advertising Federation Dallas American Advertising Awards Chair
American Advertising Federation Dallas Board Of Directors