Prof. Phil Cleaver Inspires HSU Students with Design Thinking and Creative Vision

On March 16, 2026, Hoa Sen University welcomed Professor Phil Cleaver to its talk show “Exploring Culture through a Visual and Literary Journey”. With over 40 years of expertise in typography, branding, and publishing design, he shared his global insights in graphic design with students.
The event drew broad interest from students and faculty who share a passion for design, creativity, and visual communication. Led by Ms. Ngo Anh Chi, M.Sc., a lecturer at the Institute of English and International Integration, the talk show was conducted entirely in English, creating an interactive space where learners could gain specialized knowledge while honing their communication skills in a global context.

A Creativity Pathway Fueled by Culture and Language

On March 16, 2026, Hoa Sen University (HSU) welcomed Prof. Phil Cleaver to its talk show “Exploring Culture through a Visual and Literary Journey”.

At the beginning of the talk show, Prof. Phil Cleaver recounted his four-decade journey in the global creative industry, showcasing projects ranging from book covers and media publications to brand identity systems for international businesses.

For him, typography is not just about fonts; it is a way to tell a story.  Each project begins by exploring the client’s culture, lifestyle, and narrative to discover the central “keywords”.

Every project begins by exploring the client’s culture, lifestyle, and story to uncover the central “keywords”. These insights then shape typography, symbols, and imagery into designs that are original and connect powerfully with viewers.

Through practical examples from his international projects, he showed students how design thinking can connect cultures, languages, and visual communication across the world.

HSU Students’ Hub for Global Education

During the talk show, HSU students actively engaged with the speaker in English, asking questions and sharing ideas throughout the session. Key topics included finding creative inspiration in local culture, noticing visual details in daily life, and strategies for developing deeper, more thoughtful design ideas.

The open discussion showcases the confidence, language skills, and critical thinking of HSU students participating in global academic activities.

Moreover, conducted entirely in English and organized by the Institute of English and International Integration, the talk show fosters a multicultural learning environment, allowing students to enhance their academic communication skills and prepare to connect with the global creative community.

Transforming Book Design into a Visual Experience

In addition to branding, he explored book design as a complete visual experience, where layout, typography, and content work in harmony.

Even as AI and technology transform publishing, he reminded students:

“Fundamental design principles never change. Understanding visual flow, typographic rhythm, and the connection between images and content help creators build designs with lasting impact“.

Inspiring Creativity in the Next Generation of Designers

At the end of the talk show, Prof. Phil Cleaver inspired students to stay curious, explore the world, and experience different cultures firsthand. Such experiences fueled creative thinking and innovation.

The talk show not only offers career guidance from the international expert but also gives HSU students a chance to access global design perspectives, broaden their creativity, and develop essential integration skills.

Via participating in international academic activities, HSU creates a vibrant learning environment where students connect with global experts, strengthen their language skills, and expand their creative thinking on a worldwide scale.