Capilano University’s IDEA (Illustration/Design: Elements and Applications) program is a highly regarded 3-year graphic design and illustration program that prepares students for successful careers in the visual communications industry.

Students in the program are continuing a tradition of “education through experience” via an art and design based fundraising initiative entitled Reflections Vancouver 2011, and producing some wonderful work in the process. Their goal is to gain real-world business and production experience while raising funds for their grad show in April 2011. Funds raised also support a cultural tour of New York City in the third year of the program to further the students’ artistic development.

Reflections Vancouver 2011 is founded on a collection of 30 student paintings and works of art depicting familiar local scenes and landscapes, and extends through a popular calendar designed and produced entirely by the students, as well as a series of greeting cards featuring the artworks. As a team, the students manage the entire initiative, from design and production through marketing and sales.

“Skills acquired in such real-life initiatives as the Reflections Vancouver project can make a significant difference to our students once they’ve graduated,” says Jennifer Moore, Dean of Fine and Applied Arts at Capilano University. “It’s a terrific learning experience that will provide them with an impressive portfolio that is sure to make a strong impact upon prospective employers.”

Following a successful launch at the Ferry Building Gallery in West Vancouver this spring, the students have been organizing and producing shows around the Lower Mainland, including the recently-concluded Harmony Arts Festival. Upcoming events include the Streets and Scenes show at the Omega Gallery, Christmas at Hycroft, and a show at the Silk Purse Gallery from November 30 to December 1.

In addition to the gallery shows, the students organize ongoing sales of their calendars and cards at craft fairs and farmers’ markets all over the Lower Mainland. This is a perfect way for the students to share their passion and talent with a broader audience, and adds a great deal to their understanding of the realities of sales and marketing.

For more information about the program and a full listing of upcoming shows and craft fairs, visit

www.capreflections.com
www.facebook.com/CapReflections
or follow them on twitter: @CapReflections

Twenty-ten has arrived and with it comes two of the most important design events in Vancouver's  history and GDC/BC is looking for volunteers to help make them a success. This year opens with a bang. Graphex 2010 is a celebration of the best of Canadian design welcoming work from all over the country to be presided over by some of the world's most talented designers returns to Vancouver. The excitement of Graphex carries over into the Spring as the city plays host to Icograda's Design Week, in which the world will converge on Vancouver as the center of design. Both of these events offer great opportunities available for students and professionals to get involved. We offer many ways for you to get involved, meet fellow designers and learn new skills. Our volunteers serve on committees, assist with the event, helping our guests and provide support for visitors and special events.

GRAPHEX 2010

February 5, 2010

Graphex 2010 are the national design awards that reflects the best of visual communication in Canada since 1977. Presented by the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada, the primary goal of Graphex is to promote the value of design to the Canadian public and business community, to celebrate the best in the industry and to create an archive of Canadian design for future generations. Good Design is Good Business.

Key dates:

Judges Evening Friday February 5, 2010

Entry Judging, Saturday and Sunday February 6 & 7, 2010

Positions available:

Entry sorting, event support staff, catering and bar staff, event set up and logistics

Deadline is for Graphex 2010 applicants: January 27, 2010

ICOGRADA DESIGN WEEK 2010 – Design Currency

April 24 – 29, 2010

Design Currency 2010 is presented by the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) in partnership with the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda). This 2-day event will maximize the opportunity for interaction between presenters and delegates. An invited list of international experts will lead the presentations, conversations and workshops.

Positions available:

Event support staff, event set up and logistics

Deadline is for Design Week Vancouver applicants: February 5, 2010

Working within Icograda's guidelines for volunteers we have opportunities for designers of all skill levels (students to professionals) for Design Week. Spots will fill up fast so if you are interested apply now. Unfortunately not all who apply are guaranteed a spot as there are limited positions.

VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT

Volunteers for Design Week are classified as either part-time or full-time. A part-time volunteer commits between of 8 to 39 hours. Part-time volunteers will only have access to the conference on those days that they have been assigned. Part time volunteers must pay full price for any events they are not scheduled for. Full time volunteers are individuals who are able to commit 40 hours and above to the event and will have FULL ACCESS to the conference and be eligible for opportunities and events surrounding the conference.

To apply for Graphex 2010 or Design Week please send your application to:

Design Week/ Graphex Volunteer Application

In your email application please include a cover letter outlining the skills and experience you wish to share with us, as well as the goals you hope to achieve from volunteering at the Graphex or Design Week. Be sure to include your time availability, and relevant skills (a valid license and vehicle is a plus).

For more information on the events check out these links:

GRAPHEX 2010

DESIGN WEEK VANCOUVER

Cast your vote! And select your new executive team.

Join the BC Chapter of the GDC as we balance out a year of great events with an AGM. But not satisfied with simply hosting an AGM Michael Strassburger (of Modern Dog fame) is going to talk about his design process and inspiration. Mix in live music, catered food and cash bar and this evening promises a great night!

But it’s not all fun and games, we are electing a new executive and saying goodbye to our old one as we put it out to pasture. Interested in becoming part of our executive? You can review a partial list of available positions at gdc.net and contact President Elect if you are interested in running.

Where: The Stanley Park Pavilion in Stanley Park at 610 Pipeline Rd. (opposite Malkin Bowl)
When: Thursday, January 22th, 2008, 6:30 PM to 11PM
Admission: Free for GDC Members (with non-perishable food donation)
$10 non-members

Space is limited. Visit the GDC/BC’s AGM 2008 website for more details and to RSVP.