Meet first year student Anya Ali Mulzet (IDEA BDes Grad 2028)
Anya Ali Mulzet is an 18-year-old artist and first-year student in the Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication program at IDEA School of Design, Capilano University.
In this student spotlight, Anya shares their passion for art, which began in childhood, and their love for music, movies, and video games like Stardew Valley. They highlight their experiences in their first term, including an oil painting project where they painted their best friend and a memorable photography field trip to Lonsdale Quay that helped them bond with classmates.
Anya also discusses their portfolio pieces, such as a detailed pencil crayon portrait of musician Lucy Dacus and an acrylic painting used in a theatre production. Anya chose IDEA School of Design for its practical, industry-focused approach, inspired by the work of a program alumnus.
Check out this student spotlight story!
Introduction
My name is Anya Ali Mulzet. I’m an 18-year-old artist born and raised in Vancouver. I have loved drawing and painting since I was a child, it has always been my favourite thing to do. I really enjoy watching movies and going to the movies with my older sister. I spend most of my day listening to music, whether it is while I’m doing homework, commuting to school or playing Stardew Valley.
“My Best Friend” Oil Painting
This was an oil painting portrait project done for IDES 131 Survey and Principles of Illustration I with instructor Shayne Letain. The project was designed to test our skills with water-based oil paint as well as our ability to capture an accurate likeness to our subject. I chose to paint my best friend. We were encouraged to experiment with styles of brushwork and refrain from over blending - which could distract from the medium’s unique thickness and richness.
About the course
IDES 131 Survey and Principles of Illustration I introduces students to the origins of illustration through an integration of history, theory, and practice. Lectures review notable artists and their work, and illuminate the influence of society on visual expression from the Renaissance until the mid-20th century. Applied projects are based on lecture content and related mediums and techniques, including principles of light, form, and colour.
Memorable or impactful experience in the first term
One of my favourite experiences of the first term was our field trip to Lonsdale Quay for photography class. We were able to explore the area and experiment with capturing subjects in motion. This is one of the days I first started to really bond with people in my class I now call my good friends. I now have the photo booth pictures we took to commemorate that day pinned up in my cubicle at school.
“The purpose of your portfolio is to demonstrate your creative potential. We assess portfolios on drawing skill, design and creativity.”
Student Application Work
“Lucy”
Submitted as part of the student’s application to IDEA School of Design
A pencil crayon portrait of one of my biggest muses: Lucy Dacus. I spent over three months on this tedious coloured pencil drawing in order to challenge my skill and patience.
“The It”
Submitted as part of the student’s application to IDEA School of Design
This is an acrylic paint piece done as a part of a project for the Arts Umbrella advanced drawing and painting class 2023, it was featured as a background for the theatre company's rendition of “The It,” a horror production by Vivienne Franzmann.
Featured Work
Self Portrait
I started by painting my canvas with a mix of blue oil paint and matte medium to create a base to build off of and remove the intimidation of a completely white canvas. I started the self-portrait itself by sketching out my image using the grid method. I then used brown paint mixed with matte medium to do the underpainting which involved outlining important lines and filling in key shadows. I usually start portraits from the eyes, and that was the section I started with in this instance. I then blocked in darker parts of the hair and then worked my way across the face in small chunks. After that was finished I completed the hair, headphones and neck which did not require as much attention to detail. I finished by adding detail to the eyes and the glittery look of the eyeshadow which is the portion of this project I am the most proud of.
Instructor: Andrew McDermott
About the course
IDES 133 Visual Studio provides an introduction to line, form, and light through an exploration of drawing and photography. Students develop skills in the use of drawing tools and a digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera. Principles of perception, observation, proportion, and perspective are covered through drawing and photography of man-made and natural objects, including the human figure.
Why did you choose IDEA School of Design over other schools?
I chose the Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication at Capilano University because I wanted a program that would give me practical skills that would leave me industry-ready. Many of the illustration and design programs in the city I looked into did not put much emphasis on giving their students the tools to find jobs after graduation. The brother of a friend of mine from elementary school graduated from IDEA in 2024. I had been a fan of his work for a while and seeing some of the stellar work he did at IDEA on Instagram is what first introduced me to the program and made me excited about it.
What are you looking forward to for next year?
I am really looking forward to learning more about digital illustration next year. I really enjoyed the class Shayne taught us last semester and I am excited to pick his brain once again. I don’t have much experience with Procreate and drawing in Illustrator and I am excited to learn more about those software as I know becoming proficient in them will be beneficial for all of my design work. I have seen some of the projects the second years have done for this class and they look really fun and playful.
Summer Plans
I don't have anything set in stone yet. I plan to spend time with some friends who live far away and work for most of the summer. If I have time I'd like to take an elective or two.
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.
What's your favourite music video?
My favourite music video is for the song VBS by Lucy Dacus.
For more on Anya
Insta: @anyasartwork06.
