Conestoga Graphic Design student Alli Thompson was honoured with a 2022 student award from the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD). Thompson's work was among the more than 800 submissions from design students at 35 post-secondary institutions across Canada.
Graphic Design student Alli Thompson received a 2022 student award from RGD for integrated branding project, Purpose Contracting. Photo: RGD.
Thompson received the Artista Award for 1st Year Student for a branding project completed as part of the program's design studio course, which focuses on design principles to integrate concepts with various media.
"For the project, we were tasked to create a new brand based on an existing company. I based my project on a contracting company," said Thompson. "We then had to design a logo, website, business card, uniforms and other applications to enhance the brand identity. Once I decided on the direction and the message I wanted the company to stand for, I easily created the identity."
Thompson explained the brand, Purpose Contracting, is a company that prides itself on its hardworking employees and energetic spirit. Three bright colours were selected for the logo along with a bold typeface to represent the company's strength and dedication to service. The square frame and sharp angles represent reliability and soundness.
"I was shocked to win the award as it was my first year in the Graphic Design program, but I was excited about my accomplishment and being able to represent my program and the college. My professors are great teachers," Thompson continued. "Participating in student awards and competitions is a great way to gain new skills and grow as a student."
In addition to a monetary prize, Thompson's work was profiled across RGD communication channels. Thompson also received an honourable mention in the Forge Media Award for Logo Design category.
Submissions were reviewed and scored by a panel of industry experts. Judges also awarded honourable mentions to several other Conestoga Graphic Design and Bachelor of Design (Honours) students and recent graduates in multiple categories:
- Sebastian Bailey, Graphic Design: 52 Pick-up Award for Typology
- Madeline Belford, Bachelor of Design: Zulu Alpha Kilo Award for Advertising Design
- Ryan Breen, Graphic Design: 52 Pick-up Award for Typology
- Becky Huddle, Bachelor of Design: g30 design Award for Brand Design
- Autumn McDougald-Ashby, Bachelor of Design: Domtar Award for Print Design
- Rupsha Mutsuddi, Graphic Design: Design de Plume Award for Indigenous Design; Pivot Award for Information Design
- Vienne Seto, Bachelor of Design: 52 Pick-up Award for Typology; Artista Award for 1st Year Student
- Angel West, Graphic Design: The Works Design Award for Web Design
- Natalie Zuk, Bachelor of Design: Pivot Award for Information Design
A complete list of student winners is available through RGD.
RGD sets professional standards for more than 4,000 registered Canadian design practitioners, including firm owners, freelancers, managers, educators and students. Those permitted to use the RGD designation have met industry standards that include specific levels of education and experience.
Conestoga's three-year Graphic Design advanced diploma program is recognized as one of the top design programs in the province. It employs a project-based learning approach that addresses design, digital content creation, communication, inter-personal, mechanical, technical and enhanced employability skills.
Conestoga's Bachelor of Design is unique in Ontario for offering an inter-professional perspective that blends graphic design, business and liberal studies courses with co-op opportunities. As a comprehensive design program, students take courses in typography, visual design, colour theory, design studio, drawing and illustration, graphic design history, photography, interactive design, as well as branding, marketing, business management, and writing and presentation skills.