A Drug Deficit

Megan Larkin's love affair with art began at an early age. Since the girl could hold a crayon, she's been colouring inside the lines, outside the lines— she's been drawing the lines themselves. In school she took every art class that was on offer, including the college level courses, and when graduation day came, it was clear whatever career path Larkin took, it would have to allow for some creativity. She originally had her eye on photography, another passion of hers, but on a gut feeling, enrolled in the Graphic Design program at Pacific Design Academy. This turned out to be a good call as Larkin showed immediate promise, and has continued to shine. Photoshop and Illustrator are subjects she both loves, and excels in. She can swiftly feather some edges, multiply some layers, and clipping mask up a masterpiece. She has also been unofficially dubbed the "queen of textures"; a title that might not be on your average resume, but should definitely be on hers. Now, with our graduation just a few months away, Larkin's been dreaming up some dreams. She plans on moving to the big city with hopes of becoming a freelance designer, illustrator and artist. With her fancy new skills tucked in her back pocket, there's no doubt she'll go far.

The prescription drug shortage in Canada is an issue many of us may not have even heard of, but for Megan Larkin's mother, it's one she knows all too well. A pharmaceutical buyer at a hospital, she and her staff are currently working around the clock to try and remedy the countless drug shortages which are being exasperated by the misuse or overuse of unnecessary prescriptions. Dedicated to the hard work of her mother and her colleges, Larkin's infographic sheds some light on this weighty problem that really hasn't been given enough attention. As Canadians, we count ourselves lucky having access to the drugs we need, but could that all change?

you can follow Megan Larkin on Twitter @_sparkylark

Gamer's Delight

Ah yes, the age old question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?". Well, Taylor's answer was always the same, "I want to be an artist!". The kid drew on every scrap piece of paper he could get his hands on, recreating the kind of intergalactic battles, and giant spaceships that could only live in a little boy's imagination.

Years later, and all grown up, Taylor stumbled into doing some freelance graphic design work, and found that it was a great way to put his artistic talents to use. He loves the process that goes into building an aesthetically pleasing piece of work, and finds great satisfaction in that final product. While dabbling in the design field was fun, it was clear that he would only be able to take himself so far. At this point he decided going to school would be the best way to expand his knowledge and understanding of the skills and principles needed for design. So far, Taylor has excelled in his program at Pacific Design Academy, and is excited to be in an environment where he is constantly learning and growing as an artist. Consequently, Taylor's style has definitely evolved from his space themed days as a tike. You could classify his take on design as very clean, and modern. He's always trying to push the boundaries where he can, and isn't afraid to take some risks here and there on the quest for innovative, striking design. Also, if he can include a custom illustration into his work, then that's the cherry on the design-job-cake! 

It's clear that there is a bright future in design for Taylor. He truly is an artist, and we look forward to hearing where those skills of his take him. 

you can follow Taylor Sato on Twitter @kiyoji_sato or you can reach him at taylorsato@gmail.com

  

Crackbook

Erika McMurray was born on the mainland, but grew up an Island girl. She attended high school in the quaint coastal town of Ladysmith, then moved down to Victoria where she spent a year at Camosun College studying fine art. All things art related speak to Erika. She has an infatuation with colour and loves to draw. While she enjoys being a fine artist, Erika felt having another trade-like set of skills would be valuable. This train of thought led her to Pacific Design Academy where she has combined her past experience with a new set of digital skills. After almost two years of training, Erika is now looking forward to venturing out into the world of graphic design, and has been known to quote, "Graphic Design will save the world right after rock and roll does."— a statement by David Carson that I'm sure resonates with more than one of us.

"What's Facebook?" These are words you just don't hear anymore. Over the last few years this social networking tool has firmly woven many of us around its finger. Now with electronic devices like iPhones— which allow you to never be without your Facebook page— one has to ask: Just how addicted are we? Erika's infographic illustrates the answer to this very question... although I don't think anyone's surprised. 

you can follow Erika on Twitter @ErikaM1980 or reach 
her at airbear_1818@yahoo.ca

Food For Thought

For Carrie, design has been an obsession she's danced around all her life, however, it wasn't until moving to Victoria B.C. that she made the decision to hone her skills. Attending Pacific Design Academy turned out to be a perfect fit; design, and this little coastal city swiftly stole her heart. Coming from a customer service background, Carrie is undoubtedly a people person, and finds the psychology behind the choices they make as consumers fascinating. She has an insatiable curiosity, a real passion for sharing knowledge, and is constantly finding new inspiration at every turn. When it comes to design, to say that Carrie is organized would be the understatement of the year. We love her for it, and look on in envy at her beautiful, colour coded calendars. Time management is certainly something she's got nailed. Just as obvious is her love of bold colours, researching a new project, and her zeal for branding. With the guidance of PDA's industry professionals, and experience working on real world projects, Carrie has built a portfolio to be proud of— one that will certainly jump start her career in the graphic design industry. 

In a time when there are so many food fads, it's hard to know who to listen to, or what to believe. Unfortunately, Virgin Coconut Oil has been unjustly criticized and is largely misunderstood. Carrie's infographic goes over the reality of the super oil's unbelievable health benefits. And as we all know, the girl has definitely done her research, so read on with confidence.

This is a topic Carrie is very passionate about, and is one that has aided her own health and beauty needs. She'll soon be putting together a more in depth infographic, with even more tasty bits of information and useful tips on how to incorporate Virgin Coconut Oil into your life. So stay tuned via Twitter! 

follow Carrie on Twitter @care2design 
or you can reach her at carrieann.hubka@gmail.com 

Deadly Effects

Our next infographic was put together by Tina Louise Spalding. We didn't meet Tina until our second semester last year. She was always this mysterious name called out during attendance, but never present. When the paperwork was sorted, and she finally materialised, we were immediately charmed by her sharp wit and calm, loveable disposition. There was also no doubt that Tina wanted to be here. Living on Salt Spring Island, she made the long journey over land and water to get to class each morning. She would then turn around and make her way home after a full day of Photoshoping this and InDesigning that. A good challenge isn't something she shies away from, but rather faces, head on, with a smile.

For the previous 17 years Tina has been a fine artist, focusing on wild life and metaphysical art. Her wealth of experience as an artist, and obvious talent with a paintbrush has served her well in the program, giving her an admirable edge. She has now enhanced her creative skills to include the digital world, covering web design, digital art, and print media to name a few. While Tina's list of career suited attributes is long, one of her most invaluable is her consistent and contagious enthusiasm— and that can't be taught.  We're all pleased she joined our class. It's like they say: better late than never!

Tina's infographic below brings to light some shocking statistics about the effects of prescription drugs. You'd be hard pressed to find an adult who hasn't had to take some kind of prescription in their lifetime, and I'd say on the same note, it's unlikely they knew just how big a risk they were taking. By no means is this a stance against the drug companies, nor does it deny the good these pills can often do. The aim here is only to educate, and perhaps to begin asking questions about an industry we've so blindly trusted until now. 

you can follow Tina on Twitter @Tina_Spalding or reach her at 

tinalouisespalding@gmail.com

When Zombies Attack

There's at least one in every classroom, the kid who sits head down drawing all over the pages where their history notes are meant to be. Ami Delisle, also known as Tamara, was definitely that kid. I doubt there's anywhere she goes without her sketchbook. Tamara already had experience in Photoshop, and had been coding simple games and animations, so graphic design school seemed like the natural next step. Her illustrative skills have been a real asset in the program and have given her work a fun, playful style. In an industry where computers are the kings of the castle, it's refreshing to meet someone so skilled with just a good old fashioned pencil and a piece of paper. Combine this talent with all her shiny new graphic design training, and it's obvious Tamara will be one to watch out for. 

Tamara's infographic touches on a subject everyone can relate to. We've all wondered, either secretly or aloud, just what would you do if zombies attacked? Would you reach for the rolling pin, and hide in the bathroom, or run for the hills with a tire iron? Well, allow her gruesome guide to shed a little light on this hypothetical situation.

you can follow Tamara on Twitter @AmiDelisle or have a peek at 

more of her work at:

 http://amidelisle.daportfolio.com/

A Hipster says what?

Megan Louie (affectionately called Louie) is a real girly girl at heart, and a particular one at that. She's picky about her shoes, and they only go on her feet! When it comes to design, she's all clean lines, and demands order. Details are kind of her thing, and just like her outfits, you can always tell a great deal of care and consideration goes into her work. It's also safe to say the girl has a healthy obsession with the colour red. It's said having a favourite colour is like having a favourite lung— so don't worry, she lives and breathes them all. While we're discussing favourites, Illustrator is high on Louie's list, and she jumps at any chance to work with vectors, and loves playing around with fonts. 

While all things design are important to her, so is family, and Louie cherishes the love and support she receives from hers. As the youngest in a family of five children, her siblings played a large role in shaping who she is today; more so than pixels or points could. That's Louie: well rounded, and design saavy, in a hot pair of red pumps. She's not afraid of hard work, and there's no doubt once the world sees what she can do, there'll be a steady stream of knocks on her door. 

Check out her charming, poke fun infographic on a trend that's taking the world by storm; a plaid, rimmed glasses, cuffed jeans, mustache sporting, storm. "Hipsters"— love them, hate them, never admit you are one... personally, I can't have anything against an attractive, well dressed group of youngsters who have a fetish for cool shit.  

you can follow Megan on Twitter @MLouieDesigns or reach her at louloucreative@gmail.com

A Sinking Feeling

Hello, my name is Gillian Jefferson. Unlike some of my classmates, design isn't something I knew I was destined for from the get go. I'd been surrounded by the business as a child, but hadn't considered the profession for myself. Well, sometimes you need to take a few steps back to see what's right in front of you. After five years spent working and travelling abroad, my love of design hit me like a ton of bricks, and I haven't looked back since. I now drool over beautiful fonts, I bump contrast, I suddenly know which colours are meant for each other, and a good sheet of paper... don't get me started. So no, I didn't start out knowing that this is what I wanted to do, but now, there isn't a doubt in my mind— I'm in love.

The infographic below was inspired by the very real possibility of the federal government approving the current proposal for an oil pipeline that runs from the Albertan Tar Sands all the way to the coast of Northern British Columbia. While the tone of this topic may not suit today (being Valentine's Day and all), it's certainly a topic that's close to a lot of hearts; mine included. 

sign the petition:

 http://dogwoodinitiative.org/no-tankers/petition

you can follow me on Twitter @gpjefferson or reach me at gillianpageproductions@gmail.com

Plugged In

Our next introduction goes to, Suzanne DeStaffany. Suzanne came to Pacific Design Academy with some experience already under her belt, but after spending a number of years earning valuable "on-the-job" training in various design-related positions, she decided it was time to lay a proper foundation. Her next step was through the doors of PDA. As it is for many of us, the idea of going back to school was daunting at first, but it's a choice she's happy she made. Suzanne's natural ability, and impressive organizational skills have helped her find her stride quickly, and she continues to excel. Now, armed with a newly sharpened set of skills, and experience with the latest in software technology, Suzanne is looking forward to new and exciting opportunities in the design world. 

Seen here is her infographic on "Headphone Use and Pedestrian Injuries & Deaths". This one might have you thinking twice about blaring your tunes while you stroll! 

you can follow Suzanne on Twitter @EssexDee or check out her website http://www.destaffanydesign.com

sugar + spice

Allow me to introduce Miss Kathleen Watson. At just 20 years old, she is already a force to be reckoned with. Her secret weapons: an infinite supply of Twinning's Earl Grey, her cat Snickle Frits (aka Fritsy), and a passion for Design so big, we're not sure the longest limbs in the world could express it. Well, the training wheels are definitely off (if they were ever really necessary)! With her typographically keen eye, and a fetish for clean, contemporary fonts there's no denying Kathleen is a Graphic Designer at heart (right down to the points and the picas).

She might be new to the game but she's certainly no novice. If there was ever two things meant for one another, it's Kathleen and Design— hook, line and sinker. 

This is her Bad Girl/Good Girl inspired Infographic based on Canadian Female Offenders. 

So ladies—naughty or nice?

you can follow Kathleen on Twitter @spkathleen or reach her at k.watsondesign@gmail.com

"Mom, Dad, I want to be an artist."

There was a day when a declaration like this would have resulted in a *sigh* from your parents. The idea of being an artist famously went hand in hand with starving. Luckily for us creative types there seems to be a shift occurring, and it's in our favour. Hurray!


I was given a book recently that has become less of a bedtime read, and a little more like a bible. Daniel Pink's, "A Whole New Mind" brings up some surprising facts and exciting ideas as to which direction our world is heading. In a time of abundance and automation, and where many information technology jobs are being outsourced to places like Asia, we as a society have begun to put some serious stock in our creators and empathizers. Artists today are a hot commodity. As Pink notes, "A masters of fine arts, an MFA, is now one of the hottest credentials in a world where even General Motors is in the art business. Corporate recruiters have begun visiting the top art grad schools— places such as the Rhode Island School of Design...— in search of talent." Have you seen the General Motors website? If not, you should take a look, as it's pretty spiffy. When asked what would set them apart from their competitors, an anything but artsy fartsy Robert Lutz responded, "...I see us being in the art business." This is because he saw a gold mine where others didn't yet. Think about it— now, when there are over a hundred different salad dressings lining supermarket shelves, and coffee shops every few metres peddling essentially the same product, it has become not only valuable but necessary to find a way to stand out. That my friends is where we, the artists come in. No longer the underdogs in the professional world, this "conceptual age" as Pink puts it, is our time to shine; to put our mark on things. 


So mom, dad, as it turns out, there's never been a better moment to get into the business of creating beautiful things. I hope that for those of you who are studying, or practising that this adds some wind to your sails; I know it did mine.    


(Also I'd advise picking up my new bible aka Daniel Pink's "A Whole New Mind"— you won't be disappointed)