I actually only became a member in recent years even though I was aware of RGD from its inception. I have really started to focus on the need for community in this industry. This has been such a rewarding career for me that I wanted to assist, mentor, chat and connect with other members that are old like me :) or just starting in. I watch design the world over and I feel the RGD is something unique.

It is a tie: I was honoured, and quite honestly star struck, when I introduced Mimi Valdez on stage as the closing keynote speaker at DesignThinkers in Toronto. OR. My involvement as a mentor for the ongoing event called Designathon. I have had such amazing experiences working with younger design teams on this one-day project initiative.

I found an identity in it. I was 14 years old when I first said I was going to be a Graphic Designer. It is well over 30 years (and I've only occasionally considered running away screaming). Design is first and foremost about our connections with people. That isn't something I knew at 14 but I loved the immediacy of design. The idea of being able to form a connection with a client's audience through the craft and science of graphic design still thrills me.

I have recently invested in becoming a partner of the design studio that I have worked with for nearly 20 years. The next five years will be a continuation of what we have been doing really well and looking for movement into diverse areas of the discipline. I will also continue to teach Experimental Typography. Working with students adds a nice balance to the daily client-focused projects the studio undertakes.