CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Graphic Design students win international industry awards

Open internationally to secondary and post-secondary students, the Applied Arts Student Awards recognize excellence in advertising, design, illustration, animation, motion graphics and photography. This year's competition resulted in 167 winning entries from students representing 56 schools across seven countries and four continents.

Jen Gilbert, who recently graduated from the program, was recognized in the Editorial Design Entire Book/Magazine - Single category for their project Proud to Be, Gilbert Family History. The book is the first in a five-part series that tells Gilbert's family history, in a layout that balances hand-written letters and archival photographs with storytelling.

Kyla Abel, Michaela Bauman and Kayla Pickoski were honoured in the Typography Application - Series category. Their project, titled Architectural Calendar, is a 2026 calendar featuring a different architectural style found around the world. Each word is designed to reflect the characteristics of the architectural style for that month and staggered on top of each other to create a skyline.

Judged by a panel of industry professionals, entries were scored independently on creative merit, technical excellence and suitability for its intended use. Winning pieces were revealed online in the magazine's awards gallery this summer and will be featured in print in the magazine's winter 2025 issue.

For more than 35 years, Applied Arts Media has been the go-to destination for creative advice, insight and inspiration. The Applied Arts Awards celebrate innovative creativity and capture the current visual arts landscape in Canada and beyond.

Conestoga's three-year Graphic Design advanced diploma program is recognized as one of Canada's top design programs. Students learn from industry-experienced faculty and gain hands-on experience with current and emerging technology. The program includes collaborative student projects, real-world client work, and a third-year field placement to prepare students for careers in design studios, agencies, in-house communication departments and technology-based companies.