Graduating students from the Graphic Design advanced diploma program had their creativity on display on April 17 at Den 1880 in Waterloo. The 13th annual Graphic Design Showcase was an opportunity for students to present and celebrate portfolios of their work completed over the course of the three-year program, and network with faculty, industry partners and potential employers.
Graduating students presented their portfolios to faculty, industry partners and potential employers at the Graphic Design Showcase.
"Meeting some industry professionals is always a great opportunity, and also just going to see all my classmate's work. We worked hard, so it's fun to see what everyone has at the end of the program," said student Aaron Morrison on his thoughts on the evening.
Katia Jellicoe was also looking forward to seeing the work of fellow students, and spoke highly of her time at Conestoga.
"It's been amazing. A lot of hands-on learning, which was great. And the profs were amazing, too. I'm really excited to see everyone's work."
Aidan Schlumkoski talked about how the Graphic Design program made him challenge himself and develop into a better graphic designer.
"I've learned so much. I've learned how to become a designer. I learned what I am passionate about here," said Schlumkoski.
"My favourite part of it was getting to experiment with projects and really see who I was as a designer, and try to push myself in terms of my comfort level. Trying different things that I'd never done before."
In addition to focusing on graduating students, the event also dedicated time to recognizing second-year students Hunter MacIntyre, Howell Hamilton and Jennifer Gilbert for their contributions to Creative Day for Social Good (CD4SG). Conestoga Graphic Design and Public Relations students participate in this 24-hour event held in October, at which the creative community gathers to produce marketing and communications materials for charities. The group's design concept was selected as the new branding for CD4SG.
The showcase's presenting sponsors were Intertek Catalyst, a full-service employee communications agency that also plays a pivotal role in CD4SG, and Milestone Integrated Marketing, a marketing agency that counts high-profile companies among its clientele.
Both sponsors have taken time to review student portfolios and have also hired Conestoga Graphic Design graduates. Members of the Intertek Catalyst team have also taught in the program and provided students with valuable guidance and insights from real-world experience.
Heffner Toyota and Den 1880 were additional sponsors of the event.
"Thank you to our sponsors for helping make this event possible and supporting our students, and thank you to our students for putting in the work to get to this point," said program coordinator and professor Molly Hill.
"It's definitely a challenging program and it's very rewarding to see our students grow and develop into confident and capable graphic designers who are ready to take on the challenge of starting their careers."
Conestoga's three-year Graphic Design advanced diploma program is recognized as one of the top design programs in the province. It employs a project-based learning approach that addresses design, digital content creation, communication, inter-personal, technical and enhanced employability skills.
The program is part of the college's School of Creative Industries, which offers dynamic programs spanning all aspects of media, communication and design.
For more information
299 Doon Valley Drive
Kitchener Ontario
Canada N2G 4M4
www.conestogac.on.ca/
