The Later

Today, I want to share my vision for the future and my plans to transition from being a student to hopefully running my own graphic design studio and print shop.

As I delve deeper into my graphic design studies, I can’t help but think about where this journey will take me. Just as I was excited to learn and experiment as a student, I’m equally eager and ready to gain practical experience in a professional setting. That’s why my next step is to work a few years in a design studio.

Why a studio, you might wonder? Well, I believe that working in a studio will provide me with invaluable real-world exposure to the industry. It’s where I can learn from experienced designers, collaborate on diverse projects, and get a taste of what it means to meet clients’ expectations and deadlines. I’m convinced that this practical knowledge will be instrumental in shaping my future as a studio owner.

During my time in a studio, I plan to absorb everything like a sponge. Hopefully refining my skills in branding, web design, print production, and more. From personal experience, I’ve found that my most efficient and thriving learning experiences often occur within a real-world, professional environment.

While my immediate goal is to learn the ropes in a studio, I’ve never lost sight of my long-term vision: opening my own graphic design studio and print shop. I imagine a space where creativity flows freely, where I can collaborate with like-minded individuals, and where we can turn ideas into tangible works of art.

The print shop aspect is particularly close to my heart. I envision it as a place where I can bring my manual skills to the forefront once again, creating unique, handcrafted prints and products. Whether it’s business cards, posters, merchandise or custom packaging, I wish to offer clients something truly special, designed and crafted with precision and care.

While this journey from student to studio owner may be challenging, I’m determined to see it through. It’s always been about merging my love for construction’s craftsmanship with the limitless creativity of graphic design. I hope you’ll follow along as I take each step, as I’m excited to share my experiences, challenges, and successes as I work towards turning my dream into a reality. Thank you for being a part of it. 

The Now

Hey! My name is Logan, and for the past three years, I’ve been on a fascinating journey of transformation from the world of general contracting to the vibrant realm of graphic design. In this post, I’d like to introduce myself, share my unique background, and explain why I decided to pursue graphic design.

My journey into graphic design might seem like an unexpected twist, considering my background in manual labor. Growing up, I was surrounded by tools, blueprints, and the smell of freshly cut wood. My older brother was a skilled carpenter, and from an early age, I would spend hours in his workshop, observing and assisting when I could, eventually joining him on job-sites. These experiences instilled in me a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. Little did I know, these qualities would eventually find a new home in the world of design.

As I navigated through high school, I found myself drawn to the creative side of things. I discovered a fascination with photography, which was my first glimpse into the visual arts. Capturing moments, experimenting with composition, and editing photos ignited a spark within me. I quickly realized that I wanted to explore a field that would allow me to combine my love for creativity with the precision & out of the box thinking I had acquired through woodworking.

That’s when graphic design entered the picture. Graphic design, to me, is like constructing visual stories. It involves assembling elements like colors, shapes, and typography with the end goal of communicating messages effectively. My background in construction taught me how to build something from the ground up, and graphic design offered me the opportunity to do the same, but in a new and exciting digital context. Unbound by the constraints of the real world, the possibilities seemed endless. 

And so, I enrolled in the graphic & web design program at John Abbott College, eager to learn the ins and outs of this exciting field. My transition hasn’t been without its challenges, but I’ve found that many other skills from my previous line of work, such as project management and problem-solving, are not only incredibly relevant but quintessential in graphic design. 

Today, I’m a passionate graphic design student, constantly pushing my creative boundaries. I’m thrilled to combine the attention to detail of handiwork with the freedom of artistic expression, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me. Join me as I share my experiences, insights, and projects in the world of graphic & web design. Together, we’ll explore how craftsmanship meets creativity in unexpected and exciting ways.