Hewlko News - Graduation Highlight Round-Up
Last month was graduation for many post-secondary students across the nation. As designers, illustrators and artists, we were saddened that this year’s graduating class would not get the opportunity for an in-person portfolio and grad show. So we want to use our platforms and connections to help spread the word on new students for hire! They worked so hard, they deserve to show it off! Here’s a round up of some talented 2020 graduates!
Megan Parker
What was your major?
Illustration/Character Design at the Alberta University of the Arts.
What project are you most proud of from your fourth year at AUArts?
My thesis project, a tarot style deck of cards introducing different forms of divination/witchcraft to those interested! Combining my education in illustration + design with spirituality was so enjoyable, and I learned so much about design!
What plans do you have going into a new market?
Network, network, network. Engage with other creatives I admire in a genuine way. Yes, I'm on the search for work, but learning from fellow creatives about their process and ways of finding opportunities is just as valuable as finding that first internship/job.
Give us an elevator pitch of who you are/your work.
Hey, I'm Megan! I'm an Illustrator/Designer with a passion for blurring the line between traditional and digital media. My work is playful and colourful, mostly lighthearted but I know when to put my serious hat on. I love making big ideas simple on paper.
How can people contact you?
The best way to contact my is via email: megan.parker@live.com, Instagram @Itspxrker or via my contact form on my website: meganparker.myportfolio.com
Kaylee Jordan
What was your major?
Painting at the Alberta University of the Arts.
What project are you most proud of from your fourth year at AUArts?
When I slept, I dreamed. It was a visionary experience unlike anything I've ever seen. I was being contacted by something, and I found comfort in that feeling.
What plans do you have going into a new market?
Honestly, an open mind!
Give us an elevator pitch of who you are/your work.
I'm a recent graduate with AUArt's, with a specialization in painting and drawing. I am a traditionally-suited painter who explores myth making as expressed through storytelling, and I have a great sense of humour.
How can people contact you?
My email is the best way to reach me kayleerachelj@gmail.com, alternatively my IG @deadass101 (which is under construction)
Emma Dallaire
What was your major?
My major was Graphic Design at Alberta University of the Arts.
What project are you most proud of from your fourth year?
The project I'm most proud of is Revive, which is a sustainability shopping app designed to help encourage users to shop sustainably and reduce product waste.
What plans do you have going into a new market?
My plan going into the market is to continuously grow, learn, step out of my comfort zone and find a studio to call home.
Give us an elevator pitch of who you are/your work.
I am a curious designer looking to break into the world of product design and branding, focusing on empathy and understanding. I never take myself too seriously and love to make others laugh, and I am always looking to learn something new.
How can people contact you?
People can reach me through my website www.emmadallaire.com or at my email edallaire98@gmail.com
Ashley Van Spengen
What was your major?
My major was in Graphic Design, where I took an interest in typography and illustration in the form of print media.
What project are you most proud of from your fourth year?
The work I’m proudest of, is my book cover of Sir Gwaine and the Green Knight. It’s a poem about a knight of the round table who doesn’t find himself as worthy as his fellow comrades, and agrees to the challenge posed by the Green Knight through the tossing of a holly branch, and the the adventure that follows by the swing of an ax.
What plans do you have going into a new market?
I’m hoping to branch into the publishing market as a book cover designer. A world of creatives working with creatives!
Since the school year has ended, I’ve worked on promoting my work through social media, and working on popular challenges hosted through those channels such as Instagram, and Artstation.
Give us an elevator pitch of who you are/your work.
Professionally, I’m an illustrative graphic designer, that’s interested in emotional storytelling through imagery and type. From heart wrenching, gut twisting heartbreak to the blithesome and childlike wonder.
As a person, I’m a patient, dedicated, hardworking and loyal individual. To be honest, I’m a bit of a geek as well with an interest in, well… stories. From history to myths, comics to novels. I just seem to get lost in all it’s wonder!
How can people contact you?
People can contact me through my website www.persephonegraphics.com or @persephonegraphics on instagram.
Ashley Baes
What was your major?
I graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Communications and Media Studies and SAIT with a diploma in New Media Production and Design.
What project are you most proud of from your fourth year?
I am most proud of a branding project that I did which was actually more of a personal project to build my portfolio. I am really proud of the Kettle Cafe brand that I created for an imagined downtown Calgary cafe. Kettle Cafe is a place that I would visit, and visit often because of its bright and bubbly identity. Branding is something that I really enjoy doing as well, so it was nice to cap off my school year that way.
What plans do you have going into a new market?
I've been spending a lot of time building my skills, learning new ones, and doing some of my own personal creative projects. With our lives being so different than what they were just a couple months ago, things are constantly changing, and I've been keeping up to date with the happenings of the creative industry because doors could open at a moments notice.
Give us an elevator pitch of who you are/your work.
I am a graphic designer and maker of things! My background in communications and design has allowed me to be a well rounded and intentional creative. My work is simple but my hope is that it tells a story.
How can people contact you?
You can reach me by visiting ashleybaes.com
Mackenzie Johnson
Mackenzie Johnson
What was your major?
BCMM Information Design, Mount Royal University.
What project are you most proud of from your fourth year?
Human-scale cities (Systems analysis and exhibition design). In our Systems Thinking and Change-making capstone, we were tasked with choosing a complex problem related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Throughout the semester we used a systems lens to analyze the issue in a local context, researching, systems mapping, interviewing subject matter experts, to build our understanding. At the end of the semester, we presented our findings with an interactive exhibit. I looked at SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, looking at shifting environmental and behavioural barriers towards more human-scale cities.
What plans do you have going into a new market?
I love to curate events and experiences, and with everything happening in the world right now, we have this incredible opportunity to shape new norms and the purpose of gathering. I plan to continue exploring the way people and communities interact with the places they live, and designing with people at the heart of every project.
Give us an elevator pitch of who you are/your work.
Hi! Nice to meet you, I’m Mackenzie. You can almost always find me with a coffee in hand, working on a side project or talking to my houseplants. I recently completed a Bachelor of Communications — Information Design at Mount Royal University and now I’m living in Edmonton, looking for a role in a purpose-driven organization where I can problem-solve with design and systems thinking.
How can people contact you?
Instagram: @mackenziejohnson.design Email: hello@mackenziejohnson.design