Lenka Prochazka, Designer at Origin in Whistler

Career life after graduating

I have been a full-time designer at Origin full-time since October, 2016. I took a month or so off to recharge after graduating from IDEA School of Design at Capilano University. That summer, I started contracting at Origin, here in Whistler (the agency at which I did an internship with between 2nd and 3rd year), before being hired full time that fall. I’ve been happily progressing with Origin ever since.

Origin is an outdoor focused agency with clients such as my home mountain Whistler Blackcomb, MEC, lululemon, and many more so it’s no surprise that we’ve always gotten along. In addition, I make time for freelance design, illustration and animation projects on the side for extra creative juicing :)

lululemon 10k – Race logos

Please describe your process

I’m lucky to work in both print and digital, but Origin is a digitally driven agency so naturally the tools I lean towards are the obvious Adobe family but also Sketch and Invision. I’ve recently been exposing myself more to motion design and using After Effects and Cinema 4D to do so.

lululemon 10k – Print ad

What type of projects are you currently working on?

My role at Origin is very flexible so I’m constantly working on different things day to day, week to week. My highlight project at Origin this past year was creating a brand identity for the lululemon 10k runs in Toronto and Edmonton. Colours and shapes came together to represent the diverse and light-hearted crowd that gather for the annual lulu 10k runs. The identity was built as an umbrella that could be applied across multiple cities.

lululemon 10k – Mirror decal

Outside of the office, I’ve had some opportunities this year to collaborate with some super rad creatives in animation, illustration and design projects. One of which where I created a suite of Snowboard topsheets for my friend and fellow creative, Steph Nitsch –Founder of Pallas Snowboards, a women specific snowboard company out of Salt Lake, Utah. Pallas’ topsheets are always a collab between two female artists. I’m currently working on her 2019/2020 season lineup so stay tuned for those :)

Pallas Snowboards – Steph and I holding the 2018 Girl Scout and Hedonist boards

Tell us about any awards you won

In my second year, I won the YCN Student Award for an information design brief featuring an ethical rating system for Whole Foods.

What are some of the more memorable highlights from your time at IDEA School of Design?

It sounds cheesy, but spending up to 16 hours give or take a day with all my classmates was such a pleasure. You really know you have a special group when you can look back on overnighters and stressful timelines and feel like a family having gotten through it together!

Additionally, taking a trip to San Francisco with that crazy crew to visit studios and wander the city was a major highlight.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

Continuing to learn and expand my skillset! In particular, I’m hoping to expand my skillset into motion design further and continue to do projects that embrace that skill.

What advice would you give to our current students or anyone considering applying for IDEA School of Design, now with concentrations in branding, illustration and interactive design?

Remember to take time away from the computer and out of the classroom to do the things that make you happy in order to stay inspired and avoid burnout. And on that note, find a snack that makes you happy...it will be your saviour on long days :)

For more on Lenka see lenkaprochazka.com or follow her on Instagram @lenkp.