“Self in Starlight” — First-year student Anna Dinh was inspired by the work of IDEA grad Sara Nguyen and fourth-year student Carmen Huang
This student spotlight story features Anna Dinh, a first-year student at CapU’s IDEA School of Design, who is making her mark in the world of design. Anna discovered her passion for art and design at a young age, inspired by her love for storytelling and visual communication. She first heard about the IDEA School of Design Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication program while deep-diving into design schools online, searching for a vibe that matched her ambitions. She was instantly hooked after watching the creative journeys of Sara Nguyen, a recent grad, and Carmen Huang, a fourth-year student, unfold on Instagram. It sparked a deep sense of inspiration in Anna and made her eager to reach that level of skill and artistry. She knew the IDEA Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication program could provide the guidance and support she needed to bring her own creative dreams to life.
Since starting the program, Anna has embraced the collaborative and supportive environment at IDEA, which has helped her grow as a designer. Anna’s all about that trial-and-error life, embracing the “trust the process” mindset and learning from every oopsie along the way.
Looking ahead, Anna is excited to continue developing her skills, building a strong portfolio, and carving out her place in the design industry. Her story reflects her determination, creativity, and enthusiasm for the transformative power of design.
Check out this student spotlight story!
Introduction
Hi! I’m Anna, I’m 23 years old and I was born and raised in Vancouver. Before I joined CapU’s IDEA School of Design Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication program I had a full-time career as an esthetician that I left to pursue a job in design. Whether it’s in the context of design or skincare, I find joy in the arts and helping people. I believe this is something both designers and estheticians share—a passion for making things not only look beautiful but also feel meaningful. One thing I really love to do is go on long walks by the water.
“Self in Starlight” self portrait photography
This portrait reflects my love for makeup, one of my primary forms of self-expression. Additionally, this concept was also inspired by my long-time hobby of watching beauty gurus on YouTube, something that continues to influence me today. The dim lighting represents my natural tendency to keep to myself, but the light being cast over my face symbolizes my process of opening up and revealing more of who I am. The star shape signifies positivity, representing my desire to let my inner self shine.
Instructor: Jay Bassan
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.
Memorable or impactful experience in the first term
I think the entire first semester left a lasting impression on me, especially the design and illustration critiques. It was inspiring to see my peers’ work and receive feedback from people I admire. It motivates me to keep improving and I feel lucky to be part of such a creative community.
“The purpose of your portfolio is to demonstrate your creative potential. We assess portfolios on drawing skill, design and creativity.”
Student Application Work
“Until the last petal falls”
Submitted as part of the student’s application to IDEA School of Design
Two hands, reaching for each other, bound by a promise that they would be together until the last petal falls. This was made with graphite pencils.
“Pomegranate Mosaic”
Submitted as part of the student’s application to IDEA School of Design
This mosaic was made using colour swatch cards that I cut and carefully arranged into a pomegranate.
Featured Work
“A Mosaic of Time”
This is a landscape painting I made with acrylic paint sheets that I cut into tiles and carefully pieced into a mosaic. This is a photo I took while at the beach that I reimagined. I usually stay there until sunset and wanted to exaggerate the colours I saw— adding more pink and yellow to the reflection on the water and the sky.
Instructor: Shayne Letaine
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.
“Early Mornings in Vietnam”
Inspired by the stories I’d hear about my grandma from my mom, this is a soft pastel drawing of a street scene in Vietnam where my grandma’s market runs in the early mornings. The streets of Vietnam are typically not as quiet as my drawing depicts, but I wanted to spotlight my grandma and the early morning sun. The style leans towards soft cubism with inspirations from Gary Kelly’s pastel work and Tamara Delimpika.
Instructor: Shayne Letaine
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.
“A Cultural Exchange”
This is a digital drawing of an existing tea kettle artifact found in the MET Museum that I’ve drawn in illustrator and rendered in Photoshop for a Museum Exhibit Project. This reinterprets the kettle within a mock museum exhibit showing a cultural bridge. The artifact’s history resonated with my personal connection to my Chinese Heritage and I valued the symbolization of a cultural exchange through its European structure and Chinese floral designs.
Instructor: Paul Brokenshire
About the course
IDES 141 Survey and Principles of Design I examines the evolution of visual communication from paleolithic cave paintings to the mid-20th century through an integration of history, theory and practice. The course covers the origins of written communication and its subsequent role in the development of typography and the design and advertising professions. Applied projects explore the articulation of historical styles and aesthetics.
“Under the Sea” oil painting self portrait
This piece marks my first experience with oil painting, a challenging yet rewarding medium that I’m excited to explore further in the future. Inspired by my red hair, I decided to embrace The Little Mermaid theme, even though the hair color change was purely coincidental. As a child, she was always my favorite Disney princess, so it felt like a perfect fit. To enhance the ‘under the sea’ vibe, I incorporated a mint green background.
Instructor: Shayne Letaine
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.
Why did you choose the Bachelor of Design in Visual Communication degree program at IDEA School of Design, Capilano University?
I've heard good things about the program from high school mentors and was drawn to IDEA because of its focus on helping students build strong portfolios before graduation. What truly inspired me to apply was seeing the amazing work of people I knew from high school, like Sara Nguyen, an IDEA grad, and Carmen Huang, a fourth-year student. Watching their creative journeys from being in IDEA unfold on Instagram sparked a deep sense of excitement in me and made me eager to reach that level of skill and artistry. After browsing other works on the IDEA School of Design blog, I thought, “Ahh, this is what I want to do.”
What are you looking forward to for next year?
I’m looking forward to learning and creating motion graphics in the following year. It’s something I’ve always been interested in and I’m grateful that IDEA School of Design incorporates it in their digital illustration course.
Summer Plans
Working, spending time with friends and family and trying out new food spots are on my Summer agenda. I would also love to finish the ‘Me Before You’ book trilogy that I bought last summer but haven’t read yet.
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.
