Topic: Some mistakes I've made in my design practice (some of which I am still making).

Michael Barker RGD, Acme Art & Design

A graduate of OCAD University's Sculpture and Installation program, Michael Barker began his career as a design professional with Bruce Mau Design in 1999. Since then he has worked as an in-house designer for the Liaison of Independent Filmmakers of Toronto, the University of Toronto, the Toronto International Film Festival, the Globe and Mail, and the Toronto Wildlife Centre. He founded his design practice Acme Art and Design in 2008. Acme Art & Design is a graphic design studio in Toronto that primarily works with non-profits, educational, and cultural institutions. Acme works closely and collaboratively with clients to craft custom design solutions that are as considerate of the conceptual and cultural dimensions of the work as with the minutest details of production.

Topic: May the failure be with you - Star Wars and what my first design job taught me 

Julian Brown RGD, ON THE CHASE!

Julian is the designer and entrepreneur behind the motion design studio ON THE CHASE!. Just under ten years young, OTC! has won international awards and collaborated with diverse clients ranging from retailer Shoppers Drug Mart and consulting giant Deloitte, to video game maker Ubisoft and charity WWF. A proud member of RGD, Julian is a past VP on the RGD Board of Directors and an avid speaker and design advocate. He is a graduate of the York/Sheridan Design Degree program, a world traveller, and most recently a proud and terrified father. 

Topic: Cutting Corners - The blame game is so easy to play for creative professionals when things go wrong. Especially when you make a $39,000 mistake during your first week on the job. Who takes responsibility? What are the repercussions? How do we move forward without guilt or shame? All these questions will be answered in this mortifying true life disaster story.