Adrian Luke Lan: An Ingenious Montreal Designer

Open-minded and ingenious aspiring designer based in Montreal. Knowledgeable with both web and print media as well as the Adobe Suite. My knowledge spans across software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, and Dreamweaver.

During my three-week stage, I am looking forward to working in a real work environment in order to figure out my place on the team. I am open to any job opportunity in Montreal, my goal for this stage is to get a grasp of what it feels like to be working as a designer in a real job environment as well as meet other ingenious individuals.

Mockup of a SoMuch*Da, a creative soda brand concept by designer Adrian Lan
© Adrian Luke Lan, 2020
Mockup of a SoMuch*Da, a soda brand concept created and designed by Adrian Lan

My Future Endeavors

In June, my friends and I are planning to visit Europe from the 8th to the 23rd. This trip, while being a good time off, is also a perfect opportunity to absorb a whole plethora of new inspirations relating to my craft.

After CEGEP, my plan is to start work full-time with a design company situated in Montreal. Although CEGEP has taught me many things, I will learn a lot more about this profession by working in the field.

My goal is to take all the knowledge obtained through my education and apply it in real-life scenarios. For the first couple of years, my work within a company will help me define my work path. It will help me figure out my niche and my true passion in the industry. Admittedly, I am a bit shy when meeting new people. However, once warmed up to the new environment, I can be a real asset to the team as I am hard-working, passionate and willing to learn.

Eventually, in a few years, once I figured out my career path. I would like to go back to university to hone in this line of work and perfect it.

About

I have been always been creative. Throughout my youth, I would constantly be drawing, cutting, folding and gluing. This creativity was not as present in my every day daily life in high school, but I still cherished it. At the end of high school, like many other people, I was stuck choosing what to study. I ultimately decided to follow my heart and do what I’m passionate about. What I can see myself doing for the rest of my life.

I am open to any job opportunity; I know that I am passionate about this career and that I am motivated to learn and grow and become a great designer.

Natalie Heather Davis – Turning ideas into design

It’s taken me time to find my calling, which is turning ideas into design.

About me

I originally studied Creative Arts at CEGEP, I tried Art History at McGill University and I spent a year learning about Fashion Design at Lasalle College. One thing always stayed the same: I’ve never strayed from the creative field. I have the experience of having tried different things.

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Isabelle Rochette: Pursuing My Passion

Self Portrait made in Adobe Illustrator as an addition to the "Pursuing my passion" blog post.
Self Portrait made in Adobe Illustrator. Poster Mockup by Anthony Boyd Graphics ©Isabelle Rochette, 2020

Who I am

I began my studies at John Abbott about 3 years ago intending to learn new skills in design and broaden my horizons. In addition, I am leaving so inspired and ready to jump into different projects to start pursuing my passion. I am constantly searching for ways to be more innovative and create something that hasn’t been done before. What I love about this field is that I can be artistic and express different ideas through each piece I create. I am someone who loves learning and gaining as much knowledge as possible. I love working in a team while feeding off of each other’s creativity and passion to build innovative solutions.

Stage

I am looking for a stage that will give me a real taste of what the design industry is all about. Therefore, I would like to experience working in publication, branding, packaging and web design so that I can better choose my career path.

Baby moisturizer packaging as an addition to the "Pursuing my passion" blog post.
Baby moisturizer packaging ©Isabelle Rochette, 2020

The “Plan”

I am just around the corner from graduating John Abbott in the graphic and web design program. My plan is to apply to University for next fall, but nothing is set in stone. I am open to other opportunities that come my way. I am still in a stage where I’m figuring out what the best next step for me will be.

Two Passions in One

Not only do I design but I also dance. Committing myself to both of my passions has required me to be particularly efficient at managing my time and be very organized. I am used to having many deadlines and working on many different things at once and that has helped me develop my work ethic.  I intend to continue pursuing my passion and gain as much knowledge as I can in both fields. What I have learned is that dance and design have way more in common than people would think. Each has helped me develop my skills for the other. The discipline and commitment it takes to excel in dance are the same in design. 

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

 

 

Felix Rainville: Creative Director

We are surrounded by visuals every minute of our lives without really thinking anything of it when it shouldn’t be the case. But lucky for one guy, since a very young age,  he was always captivated by the way things were placed on giant displays, on TV or online. Hi there! I’m Felix Rainville and I am this lucky boy. I am an aspired creative director that loves discovering new ways to attract people like myself!

Portrait of Creative DIrector Felix Rainville

Starts With Passion

I have an incredible passion for simplicity and contrast which plays a strong role in my creative process.

Everything needs to be meticulous and detail-oriented. What is important in branding these days is to follow trends to attract as many people as possible and I like to think that I incorporate those aspects into my designs. I enjoy playing with colours and gradients to see how it can impact a composition.

As a designer, I love to see the process. Imagining that a project was once a vague idea is why I like to design. As I love to think about the future, I’d like to say that I have clear ambitions. Working in management, brand identity, print design, and UI/UX design are ideal for me as I am a visual thinker.

 

Following a Goal

My goal for stage is to truly experience what being in the field feels like, to understand the process of a project before its final results. My dream stage/job is to work in the field of music and its publicity. Music has been such an interesting area that I would love to explore since I am always surrounded by it whether it is in my car or my ears.

Music was the only way I could shine creatively. I would volunteer to sit in the back of my parent’s car to immerse myself in these vibrations and create my own music videos. Since then, it has opened me to explore design and its impact on the music industry. The purpose of design is to attract an audience while being interesting and impactful. It is in the field of music that I see this statement gleam being the reason why I want to contribute.

 

Opposites Attract

The contrast in work is important. I love working in a group environment as much as I love working on my own. Both bring fascinating lessons and experiences that I find essential to be a better graphic designer. For example, working in teams improves my ability to share my ideas without judgment and receive feedback. Contrarily, working alone brings me comfort and relief which helps my productivity.  

I am an organized and disorganized individual. My disorganized self encourages the other to work efficiently to meet deadlines. On the other hand, working in a group can also reinforce my organized self to see the light of day as other members can help me understand something I don’t. 


If you are looking for someone serious but also playful and open-minded, it would be a pleasure to work with you.

Maria Vidoza: Packaging, Illustration Branding

The future

My goal is to work part time in an advertising design related field in order to gain experience and further my skills when it comes to branding and packaging. At the end of this semester I will be gone from June 14th till June 29th.Fall 2020 will be when I will start at Concordia University in order to go into marketing. It seems a little strange “changing” career paths and going into marketing but in reality, graphic and web design and marketing complement each other.Especially in social media marketing as well as advertising which are fields that interest me.

Stage

While being on stage I would bring a great and creative energy into the team and willingness to learn more. A stage downtown would be ideal to go with the downtown lifestyle that I will be living when I start next semester. Working and studying part time has always been part of my life. I am good at managing my time and organizing my self in order to deliver in both areas in my life.

Illustrations done by Maria Vidoza
Illustrations done by Maria Vidoza
©Maria Vidoza

Why Packaging, Illustration and Branding?

All of these three subjects have something in common.They are all used to advertise and give a company the image they want to portray in order to generate consumers. The business and marketing aspect of graphic design is something that fascinates me. Branding a company can go so many creative ways and the process of creating a different world fascinates me. Packaging is something that the clientele first interacts with and it’s the first impression they get of the company. Creating that experience of that initial interaction with a visually appealing perspective is something that brings me joy. Last but not least, illustrating is what I like to use to express more in depth my views and my creative thoughts and applying it to my work to add originality.  

Energy Tea Packaging
Energy Tea Packaging
©Maria Vidoza

Background

As a young adult I have a lot of ambition and passion for the design world. I am someone who keeps a positive mindset, works hard and has a radiating energy .I find these qualities important in a work environment especially when it comes to creative team work. I love interacting with people and coming out of my shell to create amazing projects with them. As a child painting and drawing were my biggest passions. As the years went by technology was developing and that is when I fell in love with creating digitally. Growing up in high school I saw that there was definitely a career for it. So I decided to enroll in web design. These past three years have fed my love for graphic design and has impacted me to continue creating amazing content. 

 

Kelsey Zarate-Chin: Packaging and Branding

I am a soon-to-be graduate of John Abbott’s Graphic and Web Design Program. I’m hardworking, independent and keen on learning something new every day. I intend to specialize in the packaging and branding field.

Package design by Kelsey Zarate-Chin

Who Am I?

Growing up, I never liked the math and science classes because I felt too constricted. Art let me explore my creativity and create something new. When I’m not focusing on arts, I’m outside playing soccer. I’ve been playing semi-competitive soccer for over 10 years which has taught me many skills that are needed to be successful in a team. 

I chose graphic design because it encompasses different aspects of design and you can choose to specialize in specific areas or be a general designer. 

I’m excited for what’s about to come in the shortly after Abbott. I’m ready to put all the knowledge and skill I’ve acquired over the years into a real-world work environment.

Sea to Sea Stationary Design by Kelsey Zarate-Chin
Sea to Sea Stationary Design by Kelsey Zarate-Chin

Stage

Throughout my three-week stage, I would like to experience what my life will resemble after Abbott. I want to experience what the meetings are like, the process, different departments, and the workload. Out of all the courses I took during my three years, I love packaging and branding projects the most. It’s fun designing different styles of packaging for a variety of products. I also enjoy coming up with a brand and designing a line that carries the image of the brand. I would like to work for a fashion or beauty company. Whether it be designing packaging or creating and maintaining a brands’ image, I’m open to the opportunities.

The Future

I plan on working in graphic and web design field full-time. I plan on staying with a company to gain experience and expand my professional network. My ultimate dream is to open a design firm starting in Montreal and then expanding to other locations around the world. 

I see myself working with a large company that focuses on teamwork and collaboration. A positive environment where success is recognized and appreciated. Often, a company focuses solely on the success they forget to appreciate those that were involved in making the project a success. I’ve been working retail with a large staff for a couple of years now. Over time, we all became so close that it felt like a family. Having such a tight-knit staff brought all sorts of positivity not only to the environment but it continued to strengthen the relationship.

Applying to university in the program to further my skills may also be a part of the future.

Claudia Galdones: A Creative Gal with BIG Plans

Claudia Galdones selfie with purple Snapchat filter applied
© Claudia Galdones (Snapchat Selfie)

It all simply begins with a girl, a hand full of creative skills, BIG plans AND LOTS OF COFFEE.

Hiya!

I am Claudia Galdones. Filipino. Aries. Doggy-Mama. Creative. That’s basically me in a nutshell, but let’s dive into the details.

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GWD Class of 2019’s Vernissage

Graphic and Web Design Vernissage Promo Poster
Promo illustration by Cristina De Luca

The Graphic and Web Design department is proud to announce the GWD Class of 2019’s Vernissage. Come join us on Monday April 15th in between 5pm and 8pm in the Agora of John Abbott College.

vernissage [ver-nuh-sahzh; French ver-nee-sazh]
noun, plural ver·nis·sages [ver-nuh-sah-zhiz; French ver-nee-sazh] /ˌvɛr nəˈsɑ ʒɪz; French vɛr niˈsaʒ/.

Also called “varnishing day”: the day before the opening of an art exhibition traditionally reserved for the artist to varnish the paintings. A reception at a gallery for an artist whose show is about to open to the public.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/vernissage
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