Graphic Design students win big in scholarship competition

Three Graphic Design degree students at Vancouver Island University won tuition scholarships in the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (Vancouver Island Chapter) scholarship awards competition.

"We are especially excited about these wins because our students took a total of three scholarships," said Karen Hodgson, faculty in VIU's BA Major in Graphic Design degree program. "They had to apply, submit samples of their design work and be judged by a panel of professional graphic designers. We're very proud of their achievement."

The winning students are Jeff Westnedge, Monica Rush and Pip Knott. Rush won a $1,000 scholarship. Westnedge and Knott each won $500.

"Our Graphic Design degree is a demanding program with high standards, and our talented students have won many local, provincial and national awards over the years, often competing against students from design schools across BC and Canada," said Hodgson.

"Winning an award like this boosts my confidence," said Westnedge. "It tells me I'm on the right career path, and that if I work hard, I will reach my goals."

Knott enjoys the variety of learning in the program. "When I graduate I'll have a lot of career options," she said.  "The program is very comprehensive. We are learning so much. The training will allow to me to work as a photographer, publication designer, web designer or illustrator. It's great to know that the training at VIU is preparing me for so many different possibilities."

"The program is designed to give students a solid grounding in applied graphic design, as well as theory, academics, creativity and communication skills,"  said Hodgson. "We set the bar high and the students set the bar high for themselves and one another," she said. "The students really pour their hearts into their work. That's why it's so great to be a teacher."

"Our graduates have a high employment rate," Hodgson added. "They apply their creativity and skills to a wide variety of career occupations, adding value to the communities they work in.  During their course-work, they work on real-world type projects such as annual reports, identity campaigns, websites and on some projects for actual clients. By the time they graduate, they have assembled a full portfolio of their work to show prospective employers."

VIU's BA in Graphic Design degree program allows students to get a deeper understanding of good design and its benefits to our information society, and to explore creative experimentation in both digital and print communication design.

Graphic Design, Interior Design and Visual Art student work will be on display during the annual Progressions art show and awards night on April 28th. A range of work will be installed for viewing at the Nanaimo Art Gallery at VIU's Nanaimo campus and at the downtown Nanaimo Art Gallery prior to and after the Progressions celebration.

Application for VIU's Graphic Design degree program are being accepted now for Fall 2010 admission. For more information visit viu.ca/calendar/FineArts/ and select Bachelor of Arts: Graphic Design Major.