Abstract: In the history of human development, totem is an important cultural carrier, with rich connotations, reflecting the characteristics of different periods, different regions and different nationalities. It can provide inspiration and creative resources for the art and design education of colleges and universities in the new era, and has important material, aesthetic and educational value. Based on the analysis of many problems existing in the process of art design education in colleges and universities, this paper starts with the material, aesthetic and educational value contained in totem culture, and takes the "owl" pattern image in Ning Gang’ s works as an example. Through the interpretation of the creation of this totem work, this paper discusses how it can guide the thinking of art design education in colleges and universities as well as the specific implementation path, so as to provide some reference and inspiration for the promotion of art design education in colleges and universities.

Key words:  totem culture, art and design education, thinking guidance, the owl