John Dessler is a special faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center, where he teaches courses in visual storytelling, VR story and sound, location-based entertainment, UI/UX design and digital art and design. With a multifaceted background as a creative director, programmer, writer, entrepreneur, musician, performer and visual artist, John brings a rich blend of creativity and technical expertise to his teaching.
John has worked with major companies such as GE, NBC, Tyco, Heinz and various museums and productions, specializing in visual communication and digital training. He served as creative director for Creative Services at the ETC, where he developed virtual interviews, games, exhibits and interactive experiences for clients including Duquesne University and the National Civil War Museum. In 1996, he founded The Outlet for Creativity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to fostering the arts, where he served as president for nine years.
A published playwright and award-winning creative, John’s accolades include the Keystone Press and Telly awards. He is also an accomplished musician, regularly performing at venues such as the Bluebird Café in Nashville, Tennessee. John has been a featured speaker, performer and juror at renowned conferences including SIGGRAPH, GDC and SXSW, inspiring students and professionals alike with his interdisciplinary approach to innovation and storytelling.
John Dessler joined the ETC in 2005.
Education
Associate, Visual Communication, Art Institute, Pittsburgh PA - 1983
John teaches one of the ETC's foundation classes, Visual Story and Nonverbal Narratives. In addition to instructing ETC multidisciplinary project courses and the Animation and Virtual Production Studio, he also teaches elective courses including Creative Story Development for Emerging Technologies and Previs and Story Dev Using AI.
Industry Collaborations & Achievements
John is actively involved in philanthropic and committee work, contributing to organizations like Lending Hearts, the VA and Adult Literacy Action, and supporting community arts, education and technology accessibility initiatives through various leadership and advisory roles. He is the founder and former director of The Outlet for Creativity, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to fostering artistic expression, education and community engagement through theater, visual arts and digital media initiatives. He is a published playwright, a touring musician and an award-winning illustrator.
John's work has been featured at SXSW, the Havana Biennale, the National Civil War Museum, Pittsburgh Science Center, on WQED and at the Mattress Factory Museum. His projects have been showcased in interactive installations, documentaries, educational games and immersive storytelling experiences across museums, academic institutions and industry collaborations.
