The concept for zelenskidesigns originated during the winter of 1992 in Lancaster, California.  I was teaching a Language Arts/Social Studies combination class and realized I was always creating my own graphics and designs to enhance my lessons. I wanted to gain more knowledge in graphic design and study the impact graphics have on the learning environment. In 1998, I moved with my family to San Diego to return to school. I studied Educational Technology at San Diego State University and completed my master's degree in 2001.  

​

During this time I traveled to the UK where I spent time in London and Liverpool.  I was amazed at the amount of inspirational and colorful graphics throughout the cities.  I spent an afternoon at Abbey Road Studios where the Beatles and other major British bands recorded hundreds of songs.  Long hallways were lined with gold records and photographs of famous musicians.  There was a tremendous energy in the building as we walked the halls and entered Studio 2 where the Beatles recorded and Studio 1 where bands like Pink Floyd had a short stay.

​

Returning from the UK re-energized my creative side and propelled me to dig deeper into the impact of design, in not only education, but in the wider stage of human communication.

​

Starting in 2002, I traveled to Northern Ireland taking twelve trips over a period of three years. There, I volunteered for a non-profit helping set up a computer lab, providing graphics for print material and filming an info-commercial for the local church.  Again, messages on the buildings and cross-street banners proved to be a powerful tool in communication.

​

These experiences, along with countless encounters in the classroom, provided inspiration to share my vision through photos, graphics and film to establish zelenskidesigns.

​

Ray Zelenski

B.A Education

M.A Education

M.A. Educational Technology

​