IDEA Grad 2026 share their career journeys and what inspired them to join IDEA School of Design

Several students in our first year, IDEA Grad 2026, had previous careers including a professional cross-country skier, pastry chef, and hairstylist. As part of our student blog committee, Sarah Gee (shown above in her previous career as a hair stylist) helped pull together this backstory on what inspired them to change careers and join the IDEA School of Design.

Check out this story for a glimpse into student life before and during IDEA!

Jack Carlyle:

Before the IDEA School of Design, I was a professional cross-country skier. I competed all over the world and at major championships while representing Canada. Cross-country skiing and sport were the vessels that brought me all over the world to some extraordinary places. It allowed me to experience many cultures and meet interesting people from different backgrounds and cultures. This exposure to all the different ways of personal and cultural expression, coupled with all the unique forms and functions we as humans create all over the world through art and design is what directed me to the Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication program at Capilano U.

Mesh Devkota:

Prior to joining the IDEA School of Design, I was working as a Freelancer Designer and a Photographer/Content Creator. I previously got my Certification in Graphic Design and was also self-taught in the field of UI/UX. I landed a couple of contract-based works as a UI Designer. However, I had always felt like there was something missing, and that was higher education, therefore I am here at Capilano University to pursue my Degree as a Designer so that more doors open in my career. And I love the vibes of being a student all over again.

Louis Yau:

Before joining the IDEA School of Design, I spent a few years doing a bunch of random jobs, but that was because I’d left my previous career as a pastry chef. I worked mostly in fine dining and was able to gain work experience worldwide. I was inspired to join the IDEA School of Design at Capilano University because I read the program was one of the best there is for someone wanting to pursue a career in design. Coming into the program from another career, I really wanted to make sure I did it right this time and set myself up for my best chances of success in the future.

Sofia Bravo:

Before joining the IDEA School of Design, I studied for a Fashion Marketing Diploma at Blanche Macdonald. Studying Fashion Marketing made me realize how inclined I was toward all the marketing and branding aspects of it all. While studying for the diploma I volunteered for 6 months for Vancouver Fashion Week and worked in social media and marketing for them which got me to test the waters a little and I loved it. IDEA School of Design offers a specialization in Branding which is why I chose the program to continue my education.

Sarah Gee:

Prior to IDEA School of Design, I was a Freelance Hairstylist working in fashion, film, and in the salon. I loved the creativity and variety of work I was doing; with photoshoots, working on set, and getting to help people find their style behind the chair. I felt my direction was changing when I was exposed to Art Directors and other creative minds – I wanted to be more involved in the overall vision of whatever I created. So, I found myself applying to IDEA to focus on branding and interactive design. Learning that IDEA School of Design at Capilano University was the leading school of design on the west coast really encouraged me to push myself and become a part of the amazing group of designers that they produce.

“IDEA School of Design’s Bachelor Of Design in Visual Communication is a career-oriented program for the next generation of creative professionals with concentrations in branding, illustration and interactive design. IDEA School of Design’s Interaction Design Diploma is a two-year program with career outcomes in the field of digital product design and user experience.”