Second Time's the Charm — Imogen Pettyfer (IDEA Grad 2024) didn’t get into IDEA the first time she applied so she strengthened her portfolio with a Communication Design Essentials Certificate
Meet first-year student, Imogen Pettyfer (IDEA Grad 2024)! Her self-portrait for IDES 133 - Visual Studio taught by Jay Bassan is shown above. Congratulations to Imogen for having been acknowledged for the academic honour roll for Capilano University!
“You are no longer the one and only art kid in your class anymore.”
Read Imogen’s story and check out some of her other work for a glimpse into first-year student life at IDEA School of Design at Capilano University.
Self-Portrait
For my self-portrait project in photography class, I wanted to show one of my top traits which are that I am adaptable. From doing this I wanted to show two different styles of makeup, one more natural with rose petals and the other really bold and sharp to contrast. I used a warmer red light in the more natural flower petal pictures to give it a nice softness and for the other one, I neutralized it with a white light giving it a sharp industrial tone.
Putting the images together after production, I selected parts of the photos around my eyes and placed them on top of one another. Making those selections in the photos and placing them was the only retouching that I did, the rest was all through the process of taking the shot.
“I was always surprised by Imogen’s photos from week to week. She demonstrated a clear understanding of the assignment and a desire to step outside her comfort zone to get strong images. Imogen’s self-portrait and product shot (Kraken Spiced Rum) are good examples of this.”
Self portrait moodboard by Imogen Pettyfer (IDEA Grad 2024)
“The Assignment” by Jay Bassan, Instructor
Create a mood board visualizing your Passion, Super Power, Values, Purpose and differentiation (students can use any medium for this).
“The Goal” by Jay Bassan, Instructor
To have students think clearly about how to imagine themselves as a brand and use their final self-portrait as an expression of that. This becomes one of the more interesting projects since it happens near the end of class and students are now comfortable enough with the camera.
I remind students that similar to sketching, where you decide where to put the pencil, pen, or mouse to compose your drawing, where do you put the camera to capture a moment or tell a story?
I get some interesting work.
Experience so far in first term at IDEA School of Design
So far, my experience in the IDEA Bachelor of Design program has been everything I thought it to be. I was really interested in this program because I wanted to have the chance to work not just on the computer but with fine art supplies as well. It has been a few years since I worked with paints and pastels and I appreciated the change of scenery as well as the challenge to go outside of my comfort zone. When I first started this year in the IDEA Bachelor of Design program I was amazed at the work of my fellow classmates and it motivated me to become better at the fine arts and to branch out from my familiar digital experiences.
So far throughout the first term, I’ve been able to connect with classmates through virtual conversations in and outside of the classroom which I am super happy about. Going into this program virtually was something I was skeptical about since I was unsure on how to connect with others, but from some of my past experience of using Microsoft applications, such as Teams, I have been able to help organize outside class calls for our Instagram page, study groups and outside of the class feedback channels so that everyone in the class can be involved.
Featured Work
Logo Design
For one of our assignments in Design Fundamentals, we were given at random, a noun and adjective. From those two words, we had to create an organization and design a logo for it. My two words were rabbit and artistic, and from that I chose to do a hypothetical art supply store, bringing to life the company “The White Rabbit”. After many sketches, I came up with the final idea and painted it in gauche using black for one and orange for the coloured version.
Kraken Spiced Rum
For photography class, we were assigned to create a product shot, which I chose to do Kraken’s Spiced Rum. I experimented with many different views of how to present the product and I really wanted to push myself. My initial idea was that I wanted to either have the Kraken Bottle in or close to water. With that in mind, I was able to achieve the final result which was created by holding the bottle by a thin fishing line to keep it “afloat” which then in post-production I took out to give it the effect that it was in fact floating. Overall, I am very happy and proud of the final image.
Cubist Still Life
For my last project in Survey and Principles of Illustration, I chose to create a cubist approach to still life with the influence of Pablo Picasso’s later work. This being my first approach to the cubist style I am fairly happy about what I was able to achieve.
Why did you choose IDEA School of Design over other schools?
I first applied to the IDEA Bachelor of Design program when I was 18 and I, unfortunately, didn’t get in the first time. To strengthen my portfolio as well as my knowledge in design, I was a part of the Communication Design Essentials program at BCIT and Emily Carr University. After successfully achieving a certificate from them, I applied a second time to the IDEA Bachelor of Design program. I have been set on CapU being the school to attain my degree and to pushed myself towards my dream career path.
I had always heard the great things about this program as well as the University and I am overjoyed to now be a part of it. Now moving into the second term I have been acknowledged for the academic honour roll for Capilano University which is overwhelming in itself as I didn’t know that was possible for someone so new to the University to even achieve.
“The Bachelor of Design program at IDEA School of Design is a 4-year degree program with an enduring reputation for industry-prepared graduates. We are a career-oriented program for the next generation of creative professionals, with concentrations in branding, illustration and interactive design.”
Advice for those considering applying to IDEA School of Design
My advice to those applying would be when you submit your portfolio, be confident about it! Your portfolio is the first chance to show off and make your first impression so make it a good one! To be a part of this program is an amazing achievement in itself and it is a chapter in your life where you can make life-long friends and move forward towards a career that you will love.
“The purpose of your portfolio is to demonstrate your creative potential. We assess portfolios on drawing skill, design and creativity.”
"Breakthrough Moments" at IDEA School of Design
Being part of the IDEA Bachelor of Design program has taught me one thing in particular. The one thing is that you are no longer the one and only art kid in your class anymore, you are surrounded by art kids who are all just as talented as you. Use that as motivation for yourself and it will shape you into a greater illustrator/designer.
What’s your favourite music video?
I honestly have never really been able to pick a favourite song. The music that I listen to changes on a day-to-day basis so it is hard for me to really pick one song that would define me as a person. Here is one of my Spotify playlists.
For more on Imogen follow her on Instagram @imogenpettyfer_designs.
