GDC/BC 2021 Launch Student Design Conference

Launch provides an opportunity for attendees to see what it's like inside successful design agencies, receive design critique from industry professionals, connect with peers, and listen to guidance and advice for navigating their path into the industry.

This year’s event includes portfolio/project reviews, agency showcases, a presentation on resilience by GDC national president Mark Rutledge, CGD, and the 2021 Jim Rimmer Design Awards.

LAUNCH SCHEDULE — Friday, Nov 26, 2021

4:00pm — 6:00pm

PORTFOLIO/PROJECT REVIEWS

The Portfolio/Project Reviews are open to students currently enrolled in a design program in British Columbia, recent graduates aspiring to enter into a career in graphic/communication design and to designers in the early stages of their career. You will get the opportunity to show your work to at least 3 industry professionals — one on one — to obtain insightful and constructive feedback. This is a great opportunity to practice interview skills and receive honest feedback in a non-competitive environment. It is also a great opportunity to network with Vancouver industry professionals.

$15 GDC/BC Student Members

$35 Non-Members

7:00pm — 9:30pm

AGENCY SHOWCASES

Powershifter, 123 West, and OXD along with our partner Hemlock Printers will showcase their studio and facilities and will be available for Q&A.

JIM RIMMER SCHOLARSHIP

The Jim Rimmer Community Scholarship for Design Award is presented annually by Hemlock Printers in cooperation with GDC/BC to students whose design work supports a community program, non-profit, social, or environmental cause.

GUEST SPEAKER

Mark Rutledge, CGD — GDC National President

With over 30 years of design practice, Mark Rutledge is one of Canada’s design leaders with deep roots and experience designing for North America's Indigenous communities and organizations. He is currently the Lead Designer at Animikii, Inc., working with many Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations helping First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.

Mark is also the first Indigenous designer elected as National President of the Graphic Designers of Canada and the first to lead from Canada’s Arctic, a first in the organization's 65 year history. He is a proud Anishinaabe from the Little Grand Rapids First Nation who lives and works in Whitehorse, Yukon on the traditional territories of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta'an Kwäch'än Council. Mark will be sharing his thoughts on the notion of resilience as it applies to a life in design.

FREE GDC Members/Student Members

$15 Non-Members