Meet second-year student, Charis Catotocan (IDEA BDes Grad 2027)! Her first-year self-portrait for IDES 133 - Visual Studio taught by Jay Bassan is shown above.

Charis gained significant confidence after receiving an Honourable Mention for the Jim Rimmer Scholarship Award with “Alveus Sanctuary Annual Report.” This recognition not only validated her skills and dedication but also motivated her to continue excelling in her design career. The scholarship, named after renowned designer Jim Rimmer, supports emerging talent in the field of design, and Charis’ achievement underscores her potential and commitment to the craft. Her success story serves as an inspiration to her peers and future design students at IDEA School of Design.

Read Charis’ story and check out some of her other work for a glimpse into student life at IDEA School of Design Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication degree program at Capilano University.

Introduction

Hello! My name is Charis, pronounced shuh-REESE, and I am currently a second-year student working my way through the many projects and presentations lined up for the semester. I am a first-generation Filipino-Canadian who values the importance of culture, identity and representation. When I’m not on campus, you can find me at my local Tim Hortons enjoying a medium French Vanilla.

Self-portrait, “Hello! My name is Charis!”

Taking inspiration from video games, I wanted my portrait to mimic the feeling of speaking to an NPC, or non-playable character. When meeting new people I often strive to make the interaction as worthwhile as possible, similar to the memorable moments players share with their favourite NPC’s. To achieve this, I combined photography with illustration to flatten the image and mimic 2D characters.

“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 at IDEA School of Design

IDEA School of Design Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication degree program at Capilano University has served as a wonderful outlet for meeting dedicated creatives and hardworking peers. With every assignment, my skills are pushed and expanded as I slowly step toward a career in design. Admittedly, the first year felt like a sudden shove into the water. The constant need to learn mediums I never touched, the abundance of sleepless nights, and the sudden pressure of forming bonds with the 25 strangers I would spend the next four years with, I felt like I was drowning with no end in sight. 

However, the more I worked with my peers and found comfort in the deep end, the more I realized we were all in the same position: anxious and afraid, but relentlessly pushing our way to the surface. Now in my second year, I have learnt to embrace and adapt to each challenge that floats my way. Whether the tides are unforgiving or calm, I will continue pursuing the passion I love most, design.

Memorable or impactful experience from your first year at IDEA School of Design

I loved the challenge that came with our Villain Comic Book project in second term because it was the first time I took on such a large scale project. From brainstorming scripts, designing our villain, and bringing the comic to life, it was a fight well fought. I couldn’t have asked for a better team and support system throughout the process and the satisfaction in completing our comic was unmatched.

Memorable or impactful experience from your second year at IDEA School of Design

Unexpectedly, the process of designing my Friend or Foe typographic poster was amusing because I combined my love of baking and design! I had the chance to try food photography for the first time and learnt new ways to manipulate type. If I had to say, it was a pretty sweet project!

What are you looking forward to in your third year at IDEA School of Design?

I’m looking forward to pursuing a concentration in branding! While I came into this program with my target set on illustration, branding has slowly crept its way into my heart. I can’t wait to dive deeper into the intricate process of brand design and developing my personal brand as a designer.

Featured Work

“Love in the Time of Cholera” by Gabriel García Márquez

Book Cover Illustration - IDES 235 (Pascal Milelli)

Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is one of my favourite books so having the chance to illustrate a new cover in this assignment was a treat. Taking inspiration from 1800s Colombian fashion, I illustrated one of the main characters, Fermina Daza. I loved rendering the intricate details of her dress and hiding pivotal plot points on the white hem.

About the course

IDES 235 Illustration Studio I introduces students to illustration as visual communication. Students learn the process of completing an illustration project through concept, sketches, client approval, and finished work, and begin to develop style and voice. Skills are developed using various mediums and techniques including contemporary painting and life drawing.

Self Portrait - Emotional self-portait

Emotional Portrait Set - IDES 237 (Shayne Letain)

The brighter portrait in a set, I challenged myself to paint a portrait with more vibrant colours and emotion. It was my first time painting such a lively expression in a realistic style, and I was very happy with the outcome. My skill and confidence shone through with each stroke, and I was proud of my progress in painting as a whole.

About the course

IDES 237 Digital Illustration introduces digital illustration techniques for static and dynamic media. Students gain an understanding of the strengths of digital technology in contemporary conceptual illustration and motion graphics. Technical skills using image-making and motion graphics software are introduced through a variety of in-class exercises and projects with targeted briefs.

Cookie Poster - A type poster as sweet as baked cookies

Typography Poster - IDES 247 (Heather Jalbout)

My favourite part of this project was the overall process of shooting photos, playing with piping type, messing around with new Illustrator techniques, and learning an abundance of new skills. Having the chance to combine such a wide variety of mediums constantly kept me excited and curious about the outcome and taught me the joy of experimentation.

About the course

IDES 247 Survey and Principles of Typography provides students with a thorough understanding of typography as a core element of visual communication. The evolution of type from the mid-1400s to the present day is discussed in the context of the technology of the time and its influence on letterforms. Students gain a grounding in the principles of best typographic practice as they apply to print and digital mediums. Instruction in design-related software supports the course.

Alveus Sanctuary Annual Report Design

Annual Report - IDES 143 (Vida Jurcic)

Animal welfare and advocation have always been near and dear to my heart so I wanted to showcase Alveus Sanctuary, a non-profit organization that houses non-releasable animal ambassadors. This was our first large-scale project and it proved challenging throughout. Luckily, my sheer love for this organization kept me motivated to push my skills and create something award-winning.

Award: Honourable Mention for the 2024 Jim Rimmer Scholarship Award

About the course

IDES 243 Design Studio I introduces students to the fields of communication design, information design, and advertising, and to the role of design in business and marketing. Students understand the design process by analyzing design problems, working through creative briefs, creating appropriate design solutions, and developing rationales. Instruction in design-related software supports the course.

About the award

The Jim Rimmer Scholarship is awarded annually to students whose design work supports a community program, non-profit, social, or environmental cause.

The award is an opportunity for students to submit a project for a community program, a non-profit, or an environmental or social cause. Students who are currently enrolled in a design program in British Columbia or who have graduated within the past year are eligible. Scholarships will be awarded on the strength the solution, and how effectively it communicates a message, benefits a community, affects action and promotes change.

Why did you choose the Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication degree program at IDEA School of Design, Capilano University?

I chose IDEA School of Design because my high school art teacher recommended the program when she noticed my passion for art. She always mentioned that if she had the chance to redo her art school days, IDEA School of Design would be her top pick. This teacher was with me throughout high school and had seen my artistic growth over the years so I had full faith in her word. Therefore, without her persistent mention of the IDEA School of Design, I would not have pursued a career in art and design. For that, I owe her everything!

About IDEA School of Design at Capilano University

IDEA School of Design offers two career-oriented programs for the next generation of creative professionals.

The Bachelor Of Design In Visual Communication is a four-year undergraduate degree with a variety of career outcomes in the creative field. Students can specialize in branding, Illustration or interactive design in upper years.

The Interaction Design Diploma is a two-year program with career outcomes in the field of digital product design and user experience. The focus is on creativity, design thinking, and problem-solving.

Advice for those considering applying to IDEA School of Design

My advice for future students would be to express your creativity in more ways than one. Whether through sketches, web design, or photography, great ideas can be found in almost everything you create. Submitting a portfolio can be a daunting task when you’re scrambling for works with the most polish, but if you place creativity above all else others will see it shine through.

"Breakthrough Moments" at IDEA School of Design

A notable moment was winning an honourable mention for the Jim Rimmer scholarship award because it made me realize I should have more confidence in my work. While I thought my work was decent, I didn’t have the confidence to think it was award-winning. Finding out I was a finalist for the awards made me beyond elated and opened my eyes to the skills and potential I had as a designer. 

What's your favourite music video?

My favourite song is “Not Too Late” by Lily Ki because it reminds me to stay hopeful for the future and that many opportunities are waiting up ahead.

For more on Charis

Insta: @chuhreese.