Congratulations to Natasha Lee (IDEA Grad 2024) for winning Top 10 in the CAPIC Rodeo 14 student contest for Illustration with “Father’s Disapproval” (shown above).

Many congratulations to Capilano University's IDEA School of Design students who continue to dominate the CAPIC student awards in illustration!

Check out this award-winning student illustration project!

Congratulations, IDEA 2023! It was the journey, now it’s the destination.

Get to know the personalities of the graduating class of 2023 through their taste in music and music videos! We wish them all ultimate success as they embark on their eight-week practicums at companies across Vancouver! Industry can meet the IDEA Grads on April 3, 2023.

Check out their playlist here and visit ideagradshow.com for more on our latest grads!

Looking for design, illustration, or interactive design education in Vancouver? Study at the IDEA School of Design!

The Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication at Capilano University in North Vancouver has a reputation for industry-ready graduates. Admission to the program is competitive, and applicants must submit a portfolio and other documents through the online portal SlideRoom.

Early Applications for The Bachelor Of Design In Visual Communication September 2023 are now closed. Late Applications close on April 10, 2023. Applications for The Interaction Design Diploma September 2023 will close on June 6, 2023.

Shown above: “Extra ripe pair of pears” animated illustration by JJ Eng (IDEA Grad 2025).

2nd-year students (IDEA Grad 2025) created a fun poster project in Tom Duguid’s typography class. Students were to utilize the theme of either the past or the future, and apply typography to a quote or saying that implied either the past or the future. Shown above: “The Woman I Shall Become” (George Sand) typography poster by Ava Shahres

“I wanted to depict the two sides of a woman, from her youth to her elderly age. Within this silhouette, I did hand lettering to evoke a scattered feel. Much like memories, there is no rhyme or reason, but they come together to create a bigger picture. The ‘I’,” writes Ava Shahres (Instagram: @bastanipop)

Check out some of Tom’s favourites from this project!

Meet second-year student, Rachel Lam (IDEA Grad 2025)! Her self-portrait for IDES 133 - Visual Studio taught last year by Jay Bassan is shown above.

“My digital media teacher in high school introduced me to multiple schools, I chose Capilano University at the end as students here have on-the-ground experience in the field upon graduation which is very important for their careers,” writes Rachel.

Read Rachel’s story and check out some of her other work for a glimpse into student life at IDEA School of Design at Capilano University.

Congratulations to Christopher Rodgers (IDEA Grad 2025) for winning Top 10 in the CAPIC Rodeo 14 student contest for Photography with "Kafkas Frame" (shown above).

Many congratulations to Capilano University's IDEA School of Design students who continue to dominate the CAPIC student awards in illustration!

Check out this award-winning student photography project!

Second-year students (IDEA Grad 2025) explored the process of Risograph printing with Erica Wilk of Moniker Press in IDES 247 Survey and Principles of Typography.

For this typography project, they created postcards featuring an illustrated drop cap. Historically used to indicate a new block of text within passages of copy, these letterforms’ potential for decoration and flourishes have crossed over into artwork in their own right.

“Q is for Quail” by Kyle Rask is shown above. Check out some recent student work from IDEA Grad 2025!

The first-year students (IDEA Grad 2026) just handed in their Swiss Typographic style band posters for IDES 142 - Survey and Principles of Design II. They make an inspiring and colourful wall in the First Year room at the IDEA School of Design at Capilano University.

The next IDEA School of Design Virtual Portfolio Day is February 11, 2023!

Early Applications for The Bachelor Of Design In Visual Communication September 2023 are now closed. Late Applications opened on January 27, 2023 and close on April 10, 2023. Applications for The Interaction Design Diploma September 2023 will close on June 6, 2023.

Congratulations to Tiffany Zhong (IDEA Grad 2024) for winning the 2022 RGD Student Trailblazer Award with 'The Alchemist Book Cover Redesign'.

“This cover is a redesign for the international bestseller The Alchemist, an allegorical novel that delves into self-discovery. The challenge was creating a cover that represented the allegorical novel in a way that hinted at some elements in the story different from what has been done previously. In the past, covers featured red or yellow prominently and stayed rather monochrome. I went for more colour to give it a different shelf-appeal while still depicting the story within one image,” writes Tiffany.

Check out this award-winning student design project!

Happy Year of the Rabbit from IDEA School of Design! Shown above “Happy Lunar New Year 2023” illustration by Natasha Lee (IDEA Grad 2024). Check out additional “Year of the Rabbit” student illustrations from first-year and second-year students!

Are you considering applying to IDEA School of Design? IDEA School of Design Virtual Portfolio Day is February 11, 2023

Are you a student at IDEA School of Design? The deadline for Valentine’s Day student illustrations is Friday, February 10, 2023. Please contact James if you are interested in submitting an illustration for our blog.

Congratulations to Anaïs Bayle (IDEA Grad 2024) for winning Top 10 in the CAPIC Rodeo 14 student contest for Illustration with "Self Portrait" (shown above).

Many congratulations to Capilano University's IDEA School of Design students who continue to dominate the CAPIC student awards in illustration!

Check out this award-winning student illustration project!

In IDES 243 Design Studio I, the second-year students learn how to work with grids, imagery, and infographics to creatively tell the story of an organization's successes, dreams, needs, and vision. The students learn how to research and distill information and present it in an engaging graphic form.

Check out some of Vida’s favourite Annual Report design projects from IDEA Grad 2025 Cohort 1!

Join us online for a short portfolio Q&A and learn about the two programs offered at CapU's IDEA School of Design. Using Zoom breakout rooms, digitally share your portfolio or sketchbook for some friendly 1-1 feedback from our faculty!

Event details: February 11, 2023 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Happy New Year from IDEA School of Design at Capilano University!

“A Sweet Winter Break” digital illustration GIF (shown above) by Christine “Tin” Raganit (IDEA Grad 2025 Cohort 1).

“One of my favourite parts of this semester was making a gif in Shayne Letain's Digital Illustration class so I was excited to make another one. Now it's time to enjoy a break filled with Christmas cheer, sweet treats, and no deadlines! Happy holidays!” writes Tin.

Mark your calendars! The next IDEA School of Design Virtual Portfolio Day is February 11, 2023! Early Applications for September 2023 will close on January 25, 2023.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from IDEA School of Design at Capilano University!

Digital illustration (shown above) by Alison Koo (IDEA Grad 2024).

Mark your calendars! The next IDEA School of Design Virtual Portfolio Day is February 11, 2023! Early Applications for September 2023 will close on January 25, 2023.

Congratulations to Hannah Bontinen (IDEA Grad 2024) for winning 2nd place in the CAPIC Rodeo 14 student contest for Illustration with “Judgement” (shown above)!

Many congratulations to Capilano University's IDEA School of Design students who continue to dominate the CAPIC student awards in illustration!

Check out this award-winning student illustration project!

Meet second-year student, Liza Borissova (IDEA Grad 2025)! Her self-portrait for IDES 133 - Visual Studio taught by Jay Bassan is shown above.

“After completing several projects in the first semester, I realized ‘I am a perfectionist with impostor syndrome.’ I like all creative areas and struggle with choosing a concentration,” writes Liza.

Read Liza’s story and check out some of her other work for a glimpse into student life at IDEA School of Design at Capilano University.

The first project in IDES 142 Survey and Principles of Design II with Vida Jurcic was to create a movie poster that conceptually represents the theme and storyline of the plot. They were free to use any design or illustration style.

Check out some conceptual movie poster redesigns by IDEA Grad 2025 Cohort 2 including “Taste of Cherry. طعم گیلاس.” by Narci (shown above)!

Imogen Pettyfer (IDEA Grad 2024) interned at INDOCHINO last summer working predominantly on campaigns for multiple platforms such as email, Instagram, Facebook, and direct mail.

“I’m sure the team at INDOCHINO would love to have more IDEA School of Design students intern with them in future summers to come,” writes Imogen.

Check out this story by Imogen Pettyfer!

The second project in IDES 142 Survey and Principles of Design II with Vida Jurcic is a chance for students to interpret a story creatively using imagery and typography to reflect the theme. Students draw upon what they have learned so far in the Survey of Design. It’s also a chance for illustrators to shine.

Check out some book cover redesigns by IDEA Grad 2025 Cohort 2 including “Macbeth by William Shakespeare” by Catherine Rosales (shown above)!