Born with twin brother Rob, and two older sibling sisters in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Mark received a Mechanical Drafting degree, from Gateway Technical Institute, an Associate’s in Advertising from CCAC, BFA in Art and Design from Penn State University, and Masters in Educational Communications Technology from the University of Pittsburgh. While in the armed services, Mark was a Combat Photographer, AV Technician, and Photo Director for Special Services.
Through the years, Mark has been a Sales Associate, Mechanical Draftsman, Creative Director, Television Designer, Graphic Designer, Portrait and Wedding Photographer in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York. Mark has been an Instructor, Assistant Professor, Professor, and Program Director of Graphic Design, teaching Photography, Graphic Design, Web Design, Multimedia, and Advertising at LaRoche College, Rochester Institute of Technology, Youngstown State University, Savannah College of Art & Design, Brenau University, and University of North Georgia’s Gainesville, and Dahlonega campuses.
Mark has won photo and design awards, while freelancing in Graphic Design and Photography as “A-Lan Design”. He is married with one son. Mark’s hobbies are photography, media, reading, dog walking, and enjoying nature.