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:

  1. In 2016, Adu self-published his first book, “Don’t Insert Title Here: The Guide Towards Creative Freedom and Success.” 

  2. His second book in 2018, “The Threat of Creative Annihilation”

  3. 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:

2023:

2022:

2020:

“American Advertising Awards” Judge

Published articles, Media interviews & Industry involvement

2019:

“AIGA” Don’t Worry, Be Happy, Creative & #Social (Speaking engagement) 

2018

2017:

2016:

2015:

2014:

2013:

2012: