Meet first-year student, Che Zugazaga (IDEA Grad 2024)! Her self-portrait for IDES 133 - Visual Studio taught by Jay Bassan is shown above.

Read Che’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 (Photography/Digital)

The portrait I did for Jay’s class reflects my personal brand in the sense that as designers I believe we have to wear many hats, and chameleon our sensibilities and skills to match the expectations and the best aesthetic solutions for our clients.

“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

My experience has been a challenge but rewarding. Covid-19 has definitely had an impact on my mental health and overall focus in class and I'm sure many others in my cohort's mental health! But the IDEA Bachelor of Design program is so inspiring, I am always learning and finding new mediums to play with. As a single mother in school, I was anxious going into another degree, but the school has supported me and helped me to make sure I succeed.

Featured Work

Self Portrait (Oil) by Che Zugazaga (IDEA Grad 2024)

The project above was an assigned water-based oil portrait. In which I chose a self-portrait, primarily because of the vibrant colours. The aim of this project was to match the likeness of the photo and to demonstrate paint techniques, such as rendering the colour, the light, the textures, and the flesh tones.

Hands by Che Zugazaga (IDEA Grad 2024)

Presented is a reproduction of artist Albrecht Dürers (May 1471 – 6 April 1528) ”Betende Hande” transferred from an 8.5 x 11 printed copy to a larger 18 X 24 cartridge paper using a 1’ x 1’ to 2’ x 2’ square gridding system and a graphite pencil (the original drawing was done with pen and ink, on blue coloured paper). The focus of this project is to observe and reproduce shading and tonal values when drawing, to match the original artwork to the best of our ability. While observing Dürers Praying Hands closely and exporting it to a large-scale drawing, one can really begin to understand and appreciate the value, the commitment and detail of this masterpiece.

Logo Design by Che Zugazaga (IDEA Grad 2024)

Ardea Studio is a fictitious experiential production company that hosts creative theatre and dance productions from recognized studios in Vancouver, British Columbia. Emphasizing creative expression and skill through the production of shows featuring up-and-coming artists to give them the exposure needed to gain traction in their professional careers. Ardea Studios works closely with marginalized communities and with studios that educate children in impoverished communities that commonly don’t get as much exposure. By working within these communities Ardea can cater to a broader target demographic and provide more opportunities to children of all ages. The goal of this project is to design a logo for the new Ardea Studio that works in both black and white and 1 colour. The logo will convey elegance beauty, freshness through organic shapes, unique aesthetics, and trust, by utilizing a deep royal blue.

Why did you choose IDEA School of Design over other schools?

I chose IDEA Bachelor of Design because of two reasons. I wanted to attend IDEA School of Design a decade ago, in my early 20s, and although it didn't turn out that way the Bachelor of Design program was always in the back of my mind. When I was considering going back to school, I was working in industries that worked alongside designers, and I met a lot of industry professionals that swore by IDEA's graduates and would say that it was one of the best if not the best programs in British Columbia.

What advice would you give to those considering applying?

I would say, think hard about it, make sure this is what you want to do. It is not for the faint of heart, it is a lot of work, and make sure if you do work (it is not recommended you do) that you choose a job that will be flexible and allow you to prioritize your education. If you enjoy the process of creating, design thinking, and illustration mixed with graphic design — this Bachelor of Design program is your match!

"Breakthrough Moments" at IDEA School of Design

I’ve had so many projects where I have had AHA moments! But I think overall, my biggest realization is how what I like changes, and that the process of making, not the actual end result, is what I love best. The process of learning, researching and conceptualizing is magical.

What’s your favourite music video?

Ohhhhh! That always changes so I don’t know if I have an answer, I can say right now Pretty Little Fears by JCole but ya I think this changes weekly haha.

For more on Che follow her on Instagram @chezugazaga.