John deWolf—
designer, educator, and sometimes writer.

Photo: Michelle Doucette

Trained in graphic design and interior design, trans-disciplinary designer John deWolf’s work spans exhibition design, wayfinding, and branding throughout Canada and the United States. His many skills include designing accessible, inclusive communication systems, particularly for diverse audiences.

Mr. deWolf advocates sustainability, inclusivity, and social and community awareness. John is driven by a desire to respect culture and preserve heritage when working for clients whose public initiatives benefit their communities.

30+ years of experience give John a refined understanding of why he works, his process, and the audience and clients he wants to work for. Part biography and part career overview, this website shares John’s experiences and involvement in various projects while employed by numerous firms—including his own.

In addition to running a design studio, John teaches design at NSCAD University and writes about design for various organizations.

Narrative Environments Studio

Founded in 2021, John currently runs Narrative Environments Studio. Located in Atlantic Canada, the Studio’s work takes us across the country—from coast to coast to coast.

New from Narrative Environments Studio

For the past month, we have worked with our latest client, the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia. We are headed to fabrication and will share the results shortly. Until then, it's been exciting working for an organization whose focus i
Sign location plans are an industry standard for indicating each site sign. Some colour code their plans, some are automated, and others are hand-built, and there are varying perspectives on labelling, especially numbering. Developing sign location p
James Orton Woodruff, a New York resident who established the Superb Stamp Pad Co., is often credited with producing the first rubber stamps using a machine. In the early 1870s, other entrepreneurs joined in, and by the early 1870s, the rubber stamp

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.

John believes in supporting those who advocate for the industry. Cost and perks are not part of the equation; instead, his decision to support an organization is based on its advocacy and the community it builds. Mr. deWolf volunteers for the RGD’s Education Committee, and Chairs the ethics committee on DesCan’s National Executive Committee

Accredited and actively engaged

As a professional, John supports organizations that champion the industry in which he practices. He is a current member of the DesCan (formerly GDC), RGD, and SEGD, and a past member of the UCDA and AIGA. 

Wow, and thank you—words from students, peers, and clients.

John stands out among my professors at NSCAD. His teaching style was so engaging that four-hour classes felt short. I was captivated and attentive throughout every session. John expertly balanced the business and design aspects of his curriculum, giving special emphasis to accessibility in design. His numerous thought-provoking case studies offered deep insights into the journey from ideation to implementation. By the end of the semester, John had become an invaluable mentor and guide.

Giselle Hogg | Designer Gieselle Hogg studied with John while attending NSCAD University.

I had the privilege of participating in John's courses on Design Management and Design Studio 3 at NSCAD University. Through his instruction, I acquired some of the most beneficial and practical skills of my academic career. John didn't just teach the fundamentals of design business and exhibition design; he also emphasized strategies for enhancing accessibility and conducting informative industry research. Furthermore, he shared invaluable insights from his professional journey. His classes were meticulously structured, and I am deeply appreciative of his continual support and mentorship.

Leen Bakri | Interdisciplinary Leen Bakri studied with John while attending NSCAD University.

I had the amazing opportunity to receive mentorship from John through the Association of Registered Graphic Designers' Mentorship program.… I highly recommend his insight into career advancement along with his ability to share his skillset with other professionals in the field. John’s mentorship style is characterized by a perfect balance of encouragement and honest critique. It has empowered me to push my boundaries, think creatively, and strive for excellence in every project. John’s ability to seamlessly blend theoretical knowledge with practical insights has been a constant source of inspiration, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from someone with his level of expertise.

David Tauro | EGD Designer David Tauro was a mentee to John as part of the RGD’s mentorship program.

I had the pleasure of attending John's Design Management class at NSCAD University, where he imparted some of the most valuable and applicable skills I gained during my four years of study. John went beyond teaching the business of design; he also provided insightful lessons from his professional career experience. His classes were meticulously organized, and I am truly grateful for his ongoing support and guidance since graduating.

Lia Smith | Multi-disciplinary Graphic Designer Lia Smith studied with John when she attended NSCAD University.

John is a pillar in the Eastern Canada design community. Whether professionally designing experiences for the built and natural environment through his practice, Narrative Environments; teaching the next generation of designers at NSCAD University; or, writing thought-provoking articles on pressing design issues for international design periodicals—John brings a passion and curiosity for the field of design that you cannot help but be inspired by. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with John under a pro bono capacity and marvelled at his talent to bring people together and coordinate their efforts to create powerful change. He is a thoughtful collaborator, empathetic leader, and a masterful champion of the creative process. He will make the outcome of any project better by simply being part of the conversation.

Greg Dubeau | Greg and John teach at NSCAD University, and worked together on programs for the RGD.

John and my working relationship has spanned several decades and it has always been a pleasure to partner with John on interpretive and wayfinding projects. Unique vision, creative honesty and attention to detail are qualities rarely found in one person, but they are found in John and you can see that reflected in his amazing work.

Philip Prozenko | The President of AtlantexCreativeWorks has worked with John on countless projects while John was employed by numerous forms, including Narrative Environments Studio.

John has a dedication to his work that is unmatched. He is creative, educated, loyal and fiercely focused. It is a joy to watch John in his element and the outcome is always remarkable. Literally, people talk about John deWolf's designs.

Alison Moz | The Wayfinding Partner at eyecandy Signs, Alison and John collaborated on numerous award-winning projects, including their work for Lunenburg’s South Shore Regional Library.

I had a wonderful opportunity to work under John’s guidance at Form: Media. He was an amazing supervisor and was always there to support and listen. He was very encouraging and open to ideas. John is a great designer full of creative ideas and inspiration, and I have learnt a lot from him. I have been impressed by his attention to detail and his dedication to any project. His interpersonal and communication skills have always been commendable.

Sahisna Chitrakar | A graduate in Architecture and Urban Planning, Sahisna is currently a planning analyst for the City of Vancouver, a position she took on after Form:Media (now Fathom Studio) where she reported to with John.

Credit where credit is due

This is a work in progress, an attempt to thank those who have influenced my life and career.

Featured

The Motivator

For this thank you, the sobriquet October Game is used for the neighbour who profoundly influenced my career trajectory. Their own career has been so successful that I have never had the chance to say thank you in person. Thus, this post must suffice. OG, you will never know how much a brief conversation on a summer night changed my life for the better.

Read More →

Featured writing

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.

Thinking of Alison, my cousin, and my Aunt.
How do you eat salad? Fork or chopsticks?
Regular with green olive dressing topped with parm and watermelon, copa and dried beef and mushroom sausage from @ratinaudhfx , with Morbier and Comte cheese.
Excited to try this out! @mattymatheson picked up some copa and Mrobier and comté cheese as well.

Instagram’s #johnadewolf—connecting like-minds with similar interests.