John McVicker is an Associate Professor of Advertising Design in the Communication Design Department at New York City College of Technology. Professor McVicker received his master's in advertising design from The City College of New York (CUNY) and his bachelor's degree from the School of Visual Arts.
Professor McVicker began his career at McCann-Erickson Worldwide (part of Interpublic).
In addition to McCann, Professor McVicker's ad agency experience includes Dancer, Fitzgerald, Sample (now Saatchi & Saatchi) where he rose to the rank of vice president. In 1991, he started his own company, Ad+Plus Concept & Design Inc. Some of his major account experience includes: Coke, BMW, New York Racing Association (NYRA), Toyota, Schick, Seagrams, Procter & Gambel (P&G), General Mills, Japan Airlines (JAL) and Mead Papers.
In addition to art direction, Professor McVicker is a full TV producer and has produced many national commercials for: Duracell, General Mills, P&G and Toyota. His TV work has been cited in Advertising Age's 100 Best TV spots. He has won just about every major advertising award, including a Clio, a gold Effie, numerous Art Directors Club and Type Directors Club awards plus 2 gold ADDYs. The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) recognized Professor McVicker's work with three of his pieces in their permanent graphic design collection.
Professor McVicker teaches concept courses at both the associate and baccalaureate levels. Specifically ADV2300, 2400, 3500, 3600 advertising campaign development courses. He is currently writing a book on the process of concept advertising. His ADV4701 Design Team course takes on many real world assignments such as designing an ad campaign for the Long island Hospital's Rape Crisis Intervention Center. From 2000 to 2007, he chaired the department's seminar series bringing in over 40 top industry professionals to the college. Distinguished speakers included NY Art Director's Hall of Famers: George Lois, Pushpin Studio co-founder Seymour Chwast, Roy Grace, Jay Maisel, Sal DeVito, BBDO Phil Dusenberry's post 9/11 NYC campaign team and interactive pioneer Edwin Schlossberg - just to name a few.
Prof. McVicker was responsible for initially connecting with the One Club for Art & Copy.
This connection has resulted in annual student scholarships, shows and internships. In 2007, after his students participated in the first One Club International Student Show, Prof. McVicker was invited to Beijing, China to teach at the Beijing Fashion Institute of Technology. In appreciation, he was awarded the rank of Distinguished Visiting Professor. Professor McVicker has written a course outline for a new copywriting course for advertising. He has also encouraged the department to create a bullpen, where important presentation skills could be learned by students. Professor McVicker believes that students who understand both concept and technology - will be the leaders in tomorrow's multi-channel advertising world.