Showing posts with label prescription drugs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prescription drugs. Show all posts

Wednesday, 29 February 2012

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

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

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