New online event to help graphic design students make industry connections
For many up-and-coming graphic designers, industry events, public showcases, and conferences are important venues to help launch their careers. When the COVID-19 pandemic put a halt to large gatherings, however, Vancouver Community College’s (VCC) Digital Media Design faculty knew they had to find a new way to help students make professional connections.
Using expert skills in online learning, department head of Digital Media Design at VCC Anne Emberline and her team came up with a unique, interactive, online event built specifically to give designers that missing social boost.
Connected by Design, to be held Wednesday, July 22 from 1 to 3 p.m., promises an engaging program including opportunities to interact with other design lovers on the fly, participate in small groups, and take on a real-time creative challenge designed to get people thinking (and laughing) together.
“We want to give designers something they’re sorely missing – the ability to meet each other and nerd out about design,” says Anne.
Tickets are available at $10 ($5 for students), and 100 per cent of sales will be donated to VCC’s COVID-19 Emergency Bursary Fund for struggling students. Thanks also to VCC Graphic Design program alumni, who volunteered their time by designing the event’s promotional materials.
“I hope students will meet people that are already working in the industry and see how nice and supportive they are, and won't be scared to ask for help or feedback,” says event volunteer and VCC alumna Diana Hojdan.
“Connected by Design is our way of giving back,” says Anne. “As the COVID-19 crisis forced us to move our face-to-face graphic programs online, we ended up wondering how we could use our innovations in online learning to offer something valuable to our industry.”
For tickets and more information, visit connectedbydesign.ca.
Learn more about VCC’s Graphic Design diploma programs and see samples of student work.