Extra Curricular

We might be students of graphic design, but many of us explore the world of art beyond our computers. 

Recently Nanae and myself put on an art show at a local brewery here in Victoria: Phillips Brewery ( 2010 Government Street ). The owner Matt Phillips is a big supporter of the arts, especially anything local. Each month he lends out the walls of his retail space for local artists to showcase their work. I've had the pleasure of working at Phillips Brewing Company for the last 18 months and have seen a lot of talent fill the space. So when I was slotted in for the month of April 2012 some 12 months ago, it's safe to say I was a little nervous. The idea of a solo art show was a tad intimidating, so I recruited the talented Nanae to share the opportunity. 

The "opening" was held a week ago, showcasing my paintings, and Nanae's photography. It will be up all month for anyone who would like to stop by and have a look. I suggest picking up some beer while you're there! Our art might be on the walls, but there's a delicious kind of a different variety available in bottles as well.  

Below are some shots from the opening. 

Definitely a fun evening.

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

Visit http://www.phillipsbeer.com to inquire

about holding your own show

Phony 2012

A spoof on the latest KONY 2012 image in circulation. 

by Jake Johnston 

follow him on Twitter @_Absolovely_ 

or reach him at lifeneedswhitespace@gmail.com

One Fish, Two Fish...

Where we're from, and how we grow up, helps to shape who we become. Our pasts don't define us, but they're there, like a blueprint we're constantly building upon, and each one is different from the next. We're all unique, with different perspectives on the same things. I bring this up because perspective is such a vital part of design. Having a set of eyes that sees the world in a way that others can't, doesn't just open doors, it knocks down walls. In this business we learn so much from each other, from all our distinctive perspectives, that what ultimately sets us apart, is what can bring together something beautiful.  

Nanae Nishimura, grew up in Japan; a world away from Victoria. As a child she never considered herself to be artistically inclined. Both her brother, and sister loved to draw. Nanae was just drawn to art, but left the actual creating to others. 


In her early twenties she left Japan and made her way to the west coast of Canada. She began working in a sushi restaurant with fellow employees who quickly became family. Now, ten years later, and a Canadian citizen, Nanae's relationship with the art world has changed tremendously. Five years ago she picked up a camera, and hasn't put it down. Photography is something she's found a dormant passion for, and with it stirred ardent feelings towards design. She had always appreciated design, it had always been in the back of her mind. When appreciation grew into love, she decided the next step was to gain the education. English being her second language, Nanae knew school wouldn't be an easy task, but she's determined, works hard, and when you love something, it takes "giving up", off the table. 

We're thankful for the audacity that brought Nanae to Pacific Design Academy. She brings a perspective to our class that challenges us to think differently, push a little harder on convention, and to sometimes cock our heads in bewilderment. You could say she's a breath of fresh air; one that is sure to do great things. 


Working at a Sushi restaurant, this next topic hits close to home for Nanae. Her infographic goes over the billion dollar tuna industry, and how our ravenous love of this tasty fish might mean our grandkids won't ever get to taste it. 

follow Nanae on Twitter @nanadesignlab 

or follow her blog nanadesignlab.blogspot.com/

Mad About Media

Megan Simpson, or just Simpson, is the final of our three Megan's. Funny story: she actually hadn't intended to get into graphic design at all. In fact she had applied for the fashion design program, but there was a mix up in the paperwork, some wires were crossed, and she ended up with us. 

As it turns out, Simpson has a real knack for graphic design, especially web design. She's a bit of a freak that way. I say this with pangs of jealousy. When it comes to html, the girl just gets it! Thankfully for us her love and knowledge of web design is one she enjoys sharing. Simpson is always lending a hand as the class' unofficial T.A. That said, her talents extend well beyond Dreamweaver. She is always eager to learn new things and take on a challenge. When she's introduced to a new tool, or a shiny new program, there's always squeals of delight, and her excitement is infectious.

When it comes to Megan Simpson, if her skills don't enamour you, her character will, because she certainly is one. The girl loves to laugh— and we love her laugh. She's got a great attitude that's made her a delightful addition to our class. So to whomever jumbled Simpson's paperwork: cheers! 

Networking has been taken to a whole new level over the last decade. No longer is it necessary to wear a dorky name tag and drink bad coffee under the roof of a convention centre in order to rub shoulders with like minds in our industries. Things like Twitter and Facebook have made it possible for everyone to rub shoulders, all the time, from anywhere in the world. This social media and social networking, means we're all in the know all the time; even on things we don't want to know. Simpson's infographic takes you through how we got here and shares just how involved we all are with this revolutionary form of communication.

you can follow Megan Simpson on Twitter @MFSdesign 

or reach her at meganfsimpson@hotmail.com

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