Dr. Sequoyah Wharton is a Media Communications and Visual Arts Teacher at Brentwood Public Schools in New York. Through his years of teaching art practices to his students, he’s discovered how essential quality products are. Whether labeling art supplies, or creating art through a tape medium, Pro Tapes® can cover all artistry needs. Read more for his insight on a career in the arts and what he’s learned along the way in this interview!
Check out Dr. Wharton on Social Media
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com
- Instagram: @nostalgicsequoyah
Tell us a bit about yourself! How did you get into teaching?
My journey into teaching began with my love for art and education. Inspired by the transformative power of visual media, I pursued my educational degrees to deepen my understanding and skills. My extensive travels and commitment to lifelong learning have enriched my teaching approach. I aim to inspire students to explore their creativity and develop their skills in digital filmmaking, broadcast journalism, and visual arts. This combination of experiences drives my passion for teaching and empowers me to foster critical thinking and creativity in my students.
Given your background in digital filmmaking, broadcast journalism, and visual arts, how do you integrate these disciplines into your classroom curriculum?
I integrate these disciplines by designing interdisciplinary projects and collaborating with colleagues who teach various subjects. This approach allows students to experience different aspects of media production while learning about a wide array of topics that interest them. For example, students might create a documentary film about a science project, which involves scriptwriting, filming, editing, and presenting their work through a broadcast segment. This method helps students understand the interconnectedness of these fields and develop a broad skill set.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in teaching media communications and visual arts?
One of the biggest challenges is accommodating diverse learning styles and skill levels of students in a short period of time—there is so much information I would like to share! Balancing the need to teach foundational technical skills while also encouraging creative expression can be difficult. Additionally, securing sufficient resources and equipment to provide hands-on learning experiences is often a struggle. Keeping the curriculum relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape and ensuring students are prepared for the future of media and arts is another ongoing challenge.
What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing careers in filmmaking, broadcast journalism, or visual arts?
My advice is to remain persistent and passionate about your craft. Many people might discourage you from pursuing a career in the arts due to misconceptions about job opportunities or the competitive nature of these fields. It’s crucial to continually refine your skills and stay dedicated to your work. Building a strong network and seeking mentorship can also be incredibly beneficial, as they offer valuable insights and open up new opportunities in your artistic journey.
How does using quality tape products like Pro Gaff and Pro Artist Tape enhance your students’ work?
Quality tape products like Pro Gaff® and Pro® Artist Tape are essential in my students’ media projects. They provide reliable solutions for setting up scenes, securing equipment, fixing or creating props, and creating seamless backdrops. The durability of these tapes ensures my student’s work remains professional and intact. Additionally, in my visual arts classes, these tapes introduce students to a unique medium they might not have considered. Inspired by artists like Flekz and Max Zorn, my students create original works of art using tape, expanding their creative horizons.
Whats your favorite Pro Tapes product and why?
My favorite product is the Pro Artist Tape. Its clean removal makes it ideal for detailed work and quick adjustments for my students from year to year. It’s an essential medium in our classroom for everything from marking positions, labeling equipment, and my favorite part, creating artwork.
How did you discover Pro Tapes products?
I initially discovered Pro Tapes products while ordering art supplies through a local art supply store. Later, after posting my students’ tape artwork on LinkedIn, Steve, Graphics Arts Business Manager, noticed the impressive work and reached out to me. He asked if we were using Pro Tapes, and I was pleasantly surprised by his accurate guess. His expertise confirmed that we were indeed using Pro Tapes, reinforcing our choice of these high-quality products.
How do Pro Tapes products enhance your work as a Media Communications and Visual Arts Teacher? What do you like most about it?
Pro Tapes products enhance my student’s work by providing reliable products for various classroom projects. What I like most is their consistency and quality, which allows me to focus on teaching and creating.
