JOHN A DEWOLF
Designer, educator, and sometimes writer.
RGD Signage and Wayfinding Webinar—
How Signage and Wayfinding Communicate Brand
August 9, 2023 | Toronto, ON | Learn more.
Multi-disciplinary designer John deWolf works in various mediums, including print, interactive, broadcast, exhibition, experiential graphic design, and interior environments. He has an extensive background in investigating and interpreting complex structures to design understandable, accessible, and inclusive communication systems, particularly for broad public audiences.
Design—past and present—is often considered a product-driven activity. Design, however, is not only spatial and aesthetic, but also rational and experiential. Mr. deWolf views process, program, system, story, service, and experience as integral to his interdisciplinary approach to what is traditionally considered design. Some view design as a tool of capitalism. In this consumerism-oriented culture, Mr. deWolf attempts to focus less on consumption, and instead on issues of sustainability, inclusivity, and encouraging social and community awareness. John is driven to safeguard the culture and heritage of place and work for the public good.
30+ years of experience provides John with a refined understanding of why he works, his process, and the audience and clients he wants to work for. Part biography and part a chronology of career, this website shares John’s experiences and involvement in various projects while employed by numerous firms—including his own.
Currently, John is the founder of Narrative Environments Studio.
Photos courtesy of: (BANNER) Michelle Doucette; (LEFT-UPPER) JUSTIN Malloy; (LEFT-LOWER) Arnaud Marthouret.I.
Designer
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Writer
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Educator
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Student
Accredited
As a professional, John supports those organizations that are champions for the industry in which he practices. He is a current member of the GDC, RGD and SEGD, a past member of the UCDA and AIGA, and a future IDC and IDNS member. Simply put, John supports those who advocate for industry. Cost, value and perks are not part of the equation, and instead, his decision to upport an organization is based on their advocacy and the community they build.
Case Studies
Less a portfolio of work and more an opportunity to share lessons learned. John looks at various projects through the lens of success and, at times, failure. Some studies are project based while others are thematic in nature.
Featured writing
Thrilled with the results—from the perspective of accomplishment—the journey however is trying; thus writing is a struggle that provides delight. The opportunity to explore new ideas while at the same time revealing areas for improvement in craft, process, and life is John’s goal.
Mr. deWolf is grateful for those publications that have allowed him to explore his voice, interests, and perspective.
52 for 52: fifty-two design narratives
Starting January 2021, John digs into his archive to post a project every week. Roughly chronological, the catalogue of work ranges from logos to publications, from signage to exhibitions. However good or bad, the works represent pivotal moments in a career—learning experiences, career-defining revelations, even blunders.
Anecdotes from a career in design: fifty-two projects over the same number of weeks, for this his 52nd year.
The work spans many decades and firms: credit is given to all firms and individuals involved.
Instagram’s #johnadewolf—connecting like-minds with similar interests.
Work-life balance: an ever-evolving definition
What does a work-life balance look like? It isn’t straightforward. Revolving and constantly evolving—at times neglected, healthy at others. More the latter these days.
From refining recipes to working in the woodshop, mentoring, playing tennis and hiking, here are a few of John’s explorations and activities outside the workplace.
Wow, and thanks!
Photo: Michelle Doucette
This 4.9 acre State Park in Long Island City was considered one of the most significant New York public works since Central Park. In 1998, Gantry Plaza’s two-and-a-half acres on the East River was the first phase of the planned development that opened up the Queens waterfront in Long Island City. Its award-winning design has transformed former industrial space into a flourishing public park with tremendous views of Manhattan. It was the first in a series of residential developments and public parks for what is currently a thriving community on the East River in Hunters Point, Queens. For this designer, it was an opportunity to collaborate with renowned landscape architects and contribute to conversations about cultural heritage landscapes.