I'm a 23 year-old Graphic Designer & Artist living in Toronto, Canada. I'm curious, driven and I want to do great things. I'm inspired by the power of great design, nature, and the mystery of the world and how we can architect our own roles in it. But I wasn't always so certain about a career in art, or what that even meant.
I've always been artistically inclined, and from a very young age I was recognized with a number of awards for illustration and design at a national level. I never really thought much of it at the time - it was just what I did. It was like being praised for breathing. I knew I enjoyed it in an almost therapeutic sense, but when people would tell me I would grow up to be an artist, I felt pressured, misunderstood and really couldn't imagine what that future would look like. I got involved in other things - sports, writing, science and just generally being a geek and loved all of it. But playing competitive club soccer when I was 15, something happened. I had slipped between the defenders on a breakaway and managed to get my shot off just as I was slide tackled from behind. I got the goal (whoo-), but I also had my leg snapped in the impact (-oops). Looking back, this was probably the most significant determining event in my life - if I can say such a thing. I spent months immobile, glued to the computer creating signatures on forums, learning the principles of design and programming websites for fun.
It was the reconciliation of my left and right brain. It opened my eyes to that exciting place where creativity and logic meet - art as problem solving, art as a science of engineering experience. I came to see every realm of human experience as a stage for design.
I design websites, brands, material for digital distribution and print. I create art, editorial illustrations, cover art and for my own enjoyment I sometimes attempt to make music. I love playing video games and revisit my childhood classics on the SNES. I think zombies are cool, pizza may just be the perfect food and people should spend more time looking at the stars. Also, I've never met a rock I didn't want to climb.
I studied at OCAD in Toronto, in the Graphic Design program, but have presently discontinued my studies so I can take a step back and reorient myself. If I return that would be great but I also understand that there are many paths in life, so if I just keep my eyes on the horizon, I'll get to where I want to be.
I am presently, and perhaps always looking for work.