My Teaching Philosophy:
I approach teaching with enthusiasm, patience, and a deep belief in the potential of each student. I strive to create a positive, inclusive, and supportive classroom atmosphere where students feel comfortable experimenting, making mistakes, and growing as artists. My role as an educator goes beyond teaching technique—it's about nurturing each student's unique creative process and helping them find their artistic voice.
I provide thoughtful, constructive feedback and work to foster a collaborative environment in which students can engage in meaningful dialogue about their work. I view each course as an opportunity not only to teach technical skills but also to inspire students to think critically about art, its role in society, and its power as a means of self-expression.
Teaching Experience
-
Art Adjunct Professor
The College At Brockport, SUNY
School Of Art
Jan 2022 - Current
Passionate and dedicated educator teaching a variety of undergraduate courses in Drawing 1, Drawing 2, Printmaking, Advanced Painting, and 2D Design.
I create a supportive and dynamic classroom environment that fosters creativity, technical skill, and personal artistic growth. My courses, focus on developing portfolio-ready work, helping students refine their techniques and express their individual artistic voices.
I integrate both traditional and digital media, with a hands-on approach that encourages experimentation and conceptual development. As an educator, I provide constructive feedback, personalized guidance, and mentorship, inspiring students to confidently navigate their artistic journey and professional development.
-
Design Adjunct Professor
Rochester Institute of Technology
School Of Industrial Design
Aug 2019 - 2020
As an Adjunct Instructor at RIT’s School of Industrial Design, I teach courses focused on developing students' ability to visually communicate their design concepts through both traditional and digital media. In my Intro to Industrial Design class, students learn the fundamental principles of industrial design, with a particular emphasis on creating portfolio-ready images that effectively showcase their ideas. I guide students through the process of concept development, sketching, and rendering, encouraging them to explore a variety of techniques, from hand-drawn perspective sketches to digital rendering tools. Helping students build a professional portfolio that demonstrates both aesthetic appeal and functional design thinking. I work closely with students to develop their critical thinking and iteration skills, fostering an environment of collaboration, feedback, and continuous improvement.
-
Print Lab Tech
Chautauqua Institution
School of the Fine & Preforming Arts
May 2013 - Aug 2013
As Print Shop Supervisor & Instructor, I played an active role in the hands-on education of students in the Print Shop at Chautauqua Institution’s School of the Fine & Performing Arts. I guided students through a range of traditional printmaking techniques, including etching, relief printing, and lithography, helping them refine their skills and develop a deeper understanding of the creative process.
In addition to providing one-on-one instruction in using analog presses, I led workshops on the preparation of etching plates, mixing etching acids, and color registration techniques. I prioritized safety, teaching proper handling of inks, chemicals, and tools, and ensured the shop maintained a clean, organized, and safe environment. I organized print trade exchanges and student exhibitions, fostering collaboration and presenting opportunities for students to showcase their work. I led informational sessions for prospective students, providing insight into the printmaking program
Class Experiences Teaching
Drawing 1: The College At Brockport, SUNY
In this foundational course, I focus on helping students build strong drawing techniques through a variety of exercises, including gesture, contour, and still life drawing. My goal is to provide students with the tools they need to represent the world around them while encouraging personal expression and creativity.
Printmaking 1 & 2: The College At Brockport, SUNY
I introduce students to a range of print processes, including relief, intaglio, and lithography. I believe in the value of hands-on learning and encourage students to experiment with different materials, building both technical proficiency and confidence in their printmaking practice.
Advanced Drawing and Painting: The College At Brockport, SUNY
This course provides a platform for students to push their work to the next level. I offer personalized guidance and constructive critique, helping students refine their skills and develop a more sophisticated understanding of composition, color, and technique in both drawing and painting. I encourage independent exploration and help students navigate their artistic journey with confidence.
2D Art: The College At Brockport, SUNY
I teach the fundamentals of two-dimensional design, focusing on concepts like composition, color theory, and visual communication. My approach emphasizes the balance between technical execution and creative expression, guiding students as they develop their personal style and voice.
ID Rendering and Drawing: RIT
In this hands-on and creative course, students were introduced to the foundational principles of Industrial Design, with a focus on developing portfolio-ready images of their design ideas using Adobe Programs and Tablets. The course was designed to help students understand the process of transforming concepts into visual solutions, while honing their skills in sketching, concept development, and rendering. Through a combination of lectures, workshops, and design assignments, students will explore the core aspects of designing products that are both functional and aesthetically appealing.
Creative and energetic former Senior Director of Marketing with over ten years of experience successfully managing marketing projects from concept to completion. In addition to my marketing leadership, I am also a passionate art educator with a strong background in teaching courses such as Drawing, Printmaking, Advanced Drawing and Painting, and 2D Design. My hands-on approach and ability to inspire others extend to both the classroom and the workplace.
Fluent in using the Adobe Suite, Windows Programs, and various social and digital marketing platforms, I combine creative problem-solving with a deep understanding of visual communication to achieve impactful results. I am skilled at leading dynamic, motivated teams, whether in a marketing context or as an educator fostering creativity in students. My focus is always on growth, whether it's increasing sales, improving company productivity, or guiding students to discover their unique artistic voices.
I am adept at monitoring and reporting on marketing objectives and engaging targeted audiences, while also developing individual relationships with students, ensuring they receive thoughtful feedback and encouragement. As a positive, thoughtful, and engaging leader, I leverage my strong written and communication skills to inspire collaboration, motivate teams, and foster an environment of continuous learning.
Education and Residencies
-
The College At Brockport, SUNY
180 Holley Street: Brockport, New York, 14420
Bachelors of Fine Arts
Concentration:Drawing
Minor:Art History
Magna Cum Laude
2013
-
2013 Chautauqua Institution: School of the Fine and Performing Arts
One Ames Street, Chautauqua, New York, 14722
Concentration: Painting & Printmaking
Summer 2012 & Summer 2013
-
2012 Chautauqua Institution: School of the Fine and Performing Arts
One Ames Street, Chautauqua, New York, 14722
Concentration: Painting & Printmaking
Summer 2012 & Summer 2013
-
The Yards
The Yards Downtown Rochester Residencies
50-52 Rochester Public Market, Rochester, NY 14609
2015
-
Monroe Community College
1000 E. Hennrietta Road, Rochester, New York, 14623
Associates in Liberal Arts / 2010
What People Are Saying…
“Working with Torrell to increase sales of our brand in the stores is a pleasure each and every time. He is professional, bright, and full of fantastic ideas. His creativity is amazing, and working with him is fun! He is also so helpful to us as a small business and offers his expertise to us in our own marketing sector. We have many times asked Torrell for advice on our brand, and when we followed it our sales increased dramatically. We can't wait to work with him again!!!”
— Bonnie Robson
Territory Manager at Cooperative Feed Dealers Inc
“I've had the pleasure of working with Torrell closely through the growing partnership between PetSaver Healthy Pet Superstore and Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester. He is dedicated to representing his brand and showcasing the work that they do, and he innovative and creative ideas have helped to grow the visibility and support for homeless animals. He is conscientious and energetic, and wonderful to work with!”
— Adrienne McHargue
VP/COO at Lollypop Farm
“Torrell Arnold is consistently dedicated to his work. He is mindful of the task at hand and is diligent when it comes to completing things thoroughly and in a timely manner. He is both a quick learner and a skilled teacher. It is a pleasure to work with him both professionally and in our own personal endeavors.”
— Kathryn LaJuett
General Brand Manager
at Forever 21
Awards
Mixed Media Award
Issued by Tower Gallery, The College at Brockport, SUNY · Mar 2013
Associated with State University of New York College at Brockport
Alumni Award
Issued by Tower Gallery, The College at Brockport, SUNY · Mar 2012
Associated with State University of New York College at Brockport
Certificate of National Merit
Issued by 24th Annual League For Innovation National Juried Show and Publication · Feb 2010
Associated with Monroe Community College
Debra Fisher BYA Award
Issued by Tower Gallery, The College at Brockport, SUNY · Jun 2012
Associated with State University of New York College at Brockport
Tom Mercer Award
Issued by Mercer Gallery, Monroe Community College · Mar 2009
Associated with Monroe Community College
Certificate of National Merit
Issued by 23rd Annual League For Innovation National Juried Show and Publication · Feb 2009
Volunteering
-
Member of The V.S.A.S. Communication & Marketing Committee
Communication Committee assists in Graphic Design and visual promotion of The City of Rochester's V.S.A.S. branding including shelter events, promotions, social media and interior graphics.
About the Shelter:
Rochester Animal Services (RAS) is a municipal animal care and control organization whose mission is to provide information, assistance, and pet re-homing for the Rochester community to support pet retention and encourage compliance in order to help people and animals.
-
Honorary Committee For Event "Walk for the Animals at Barktober Fest"
Member of the Honorary Committee for the Lollypop Farm the Humane Society of Greater Rochester Event "Walk for the Animals at Barktober Fest"
"Since the beginning of the year, over 2,000 pets have been brought to Lollypop Farm in need of a second chance. Now more than ever these homeless and abused pets need you to be a hero. Whether you register as a Hero at Home or schedule a Walk for the Animals at Barktober Fest, you are critical to ensuring pets receive the life-saving care they need."
"We have always loved having all you here at Lollypop Farm to celebrate with a huge festival, we know that for this year the Walk for the Animals will need to look a little different. But that doesn't mean we can't still have fun making second chances possible for the pets in our community who need us most! Learn more about the exciting changes for 2020."
"That's why we're celebrating your fundraising efforts every week leading up to the Walk for the Animals on Saturday, September 26th with challenges and exciting prizes! It's the most fun you can have making a big difference for pets in our community."
-
Communications Event Coordinator
Rochester Pet Adoptions & Events
Promoting and coordinating with 501.3.c rescue groups for fundraisers, community events, instore events, festivals and shows. Our shelter feeding program feeds over 8,000 Rochester Shelter Pets yearly free of charge!
Booking, creating, admin and promoting all adoption events & fundraisers for all franchised Pet Supplies Plus in the greater Buffalo and Rochester Area
-Adoption Events
-Fundraiser Events
-Pet Photo Fundraiser Events
-Craft Fundraisers and more!
Scholarships
The Chatauqua Art Scholorship
The Chatauqua Art Scholarship
Issued by Michael Rudell, NY · May 2012
Associated with Chatauqua Institution, School of the fine and preforming Arts
Katherine Parker Memorial Award & Scholarship In Art And Art History
Issued by The College at Brockport, SUNY · Dec 2013
Associated with State University of New York College at Brockport
CGS Scholarship
Issued by Chautauqua Institution: School of the Fine And Preforming Arts · May 2012
Issued by 24th Annual League For Innovation National Juried Show and Publication · Feb 2010Issued by 24th Annual League For Innovation National Juried Show and Publication · Feb 2010
Associated with Chatauqua Institution, School of the fine and preforming Arts
CWC Scholarship In Honor of Don Kimes and Louis Jubeck
Issued by Chatauqua Womens Club, Ny · May 2012
Associated with Chatauqua Institution, School of the fine and preforming Arts