Tell me a little bit about yourself and your passions?
I’m a mother of three, I am very health conscious and I love what I do. I have been a graphic designer ever since I graduated in 1996. I have always been creative and when I discovered this program I knew it was perfect for me. I have a strong passion for design and branding. I like helping start-ups and non profits to properly brand their company, I enjoy guiding and giving advice as well.
So as a graphic designer, what do you like most about your profession?
I love creating images and designs for companies that they will use for their branding, I love bumping into a logo I designed on an ad, truck or billboard.
Can you discuss the circumstances that led to your career and some challenges you have overcome?
As I mentioned previously, it came pretty natural to me, I have always loved drawing and creating, I have been an artist since childhood and this career choice was obvious to me. Not many other circumstances besides that. I have learnt a lot on the job, my first job was a full-time job for a publishing company. That was my first break, he hired me with no experience and from there I took off. I worked full-time for the next 15 years in two different places. I have learnt that clients are not easy, and that every criticism is a blessing. You must learn how to embrace negative comments and understand that it brings you one step closer to success. I am still learning new things every day and overcoming challenges. Being a mom and running a business is a huge challenge in it of itself but by being organized I manage to make it happen.
How can graphic design impact change?
Well, graphic design is in essence the decoration of information, so whatever the message be it good or bad, its our job to make it jump at you. Having said that, if every designer, including me would only accept the jobs that sends out good messages, we can impact positive change.
Who are some of your biggest inspirations and why?
My biggest inspirations are my kids, them watching me work hard and never quit. I know they are learning from me even if just subliminally right now.
If you could solve a world problem what would it be?
For me, one of the world’s greatest problems is hatred among religions and I would help fix that with impact design if I knew how to.
So talk to me about what it’s like living in Quebec
Lol, well it’s interesting, there’s good and bad like everywhere else. I do have trouble accepting the language laws which made French the sole official language of Quebec. To me, they seem to be unfair and irrational. But other than that and the cold winters, it’s a great city!
Are there stereotypes about people from Quebec that are false?
Well, it depends what the stereotypes are. For example, Do we have crazy drivers? Yes, we do. Do we cross at the cross walk? No we don’t. Are we stubborn about our language? I’d say yes.
Now at UYD, we are always looking to find out different ways people use their difference to make a difference. How do you use your difference to make a difference?
Well, as I have mentioned earlier, I am always there to help, I enjoy helping non-profit organizations by offering my expertise for a very low fee or completely free. Besides that I have a natural urge to help people in need, it’s in my nature.
Great! Where can we find out more about you and what you’re up to?
My blog is the most recent and up-to-date website where you can see my work and occasionally other interesting posts www.cindyshtevi.com.
