This project represents many firsts. It was my first exhibition design, my first time hiring a sub-consultant, and the first project I worked on where I felt the immense responsibility around what I was producing. The project had other unique experiences, but the takeaway was the connection between design, content, and the broad reach our work can have. While the project was a first by many counts, it was not the last time I worked on commemorating this tragic event.

The 21st G7 summit held on June 15–17, 1995, gathered world leaders and media to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Over a period of two days, the world focused on the city, the province, and the region. It’s estimated that more than 5,000 people attended, including about 2,000 members of the media, 2,000 delegates and about 1,000 security people. The provincial government used the opportunity to promote the region as destinations for tourists and to open up business opportunities.

As a young designer fresh out of school, there were ‘firsts’ that one strived to achieve, the first logo, poster, album cover, and design of a book. For this book of poetry, I aimed to produce something that stood apart among others of its type, and a cover that represented the trauma and rebirth that the young author experienced. On one hand, I believe this was accomplished, on the other, it was the recognition of an industry “rock-star” that thrilled me.

Sister company to Angela Gwynn-John’s (né Pressburger) award-winning production company, Archer Films, Arcangel requested a logo that suggests exploration, yet presents as traditional. Expressing the word’s etymology addresses these goals while also drawing attention to its non-traditional spelling.

A design partnership of three recent grads, 123 Media Design worked on consulting, print, exhibitions, and video and interactive.

This project represents perhaps one of the earliest moments when I realized design could do more than sell; instead, the notion of contributing to a cause resonated with me. It is also a design that I recognize the roots of my training: schemes and tropes.