Graphic design students from Vancouver Island University are displaying their most radiant work during the exhibit Lucent.
Lucent is a celebration of the students’ most innovative work, created over the course of their studies.
The exhibit features work by 14 students and is displayed on panels inside the Port Theatre’s lobby. Each student has a panel that shows five of their top designs.
“It was meant as a celebration of our journey through the program and what we produced,” said Alex Young, creative director of the exhibit.
Young said the students chose to call the exhibit Lucent because the word means luminosity, radiant or shiny. Young said the word represents the students’ journey over the four year program – starting off as students and then emerging into the light as graphic designers ready to embark on a new chapter in the working world.
Graphic designers are members of a visual community, said Young, which is why it was important for the students to have their work displayed.
Last month, the designers held a special event to celebrate the show’s opening. Caroll Taiji, strategy director of Taiji Brand Group, a branding, communication and digital design firm, spoke during the event.
“She was just really inspiring,” said Young, adding Taiji gave the students tips about the industry.
Young is interested in pursuing a career in packaging design and identity branding. One of the aspects she loves about the field is connecting with consumers through her artwork.
“I like telling stories through my designs,” said Young.
She said unique packaging designs can catch people’s eye when there is a shelf of wares in front of them. It may move them to try something new just because the design is unique.
“Packaging design has always resonated with me,” said Young.