Our Crater X Cambrian College Graphic Design: Melissa Cormier
We’ve had the chance to talk to some of Sudbury’s finest designers who are all graduates of Cambrian College’s Graphic Design program! Each designer in this series were born in raised right here in Sudbury, and have continued to grow their careers all over the world. Today’s designer is: Melissa Cormier!
Name: Melissa Cormier
School and Program: Cambrian College – Graphic Design
Current Location and Profession: Toronto, Graphic Designer / Art Department Coordinator for Film & Television
First things first: do you have a favourite memory from Cambrian College? Why should other budding designers attend the school’s art and design programs?
Some of my favourite moments were the late nights at school rushing to meet the next morning’s deadlines. The Mac Lab was always filled with other students in the exact same boat as me. We became a close network of people helping each other out and having some good laughs while we toiled over assignments. As tired as we may have been at the time we definitely made the best of it and fought through the urge to sleep until we finished our work.
When did you first realize that you wanted to be a designer?
It goes back to being a kid in art class, as cliche as that might sound. I’ve always loved making things and being creative. As I got older I started to worry about how I could incorporate creativity into a career. It wasn’t until the summer after my first year of university that I discovered Cambrian’s graphic design program. Realizing that their program was exactly what I was looking for, I switched out of English and enrolled at Cambrian. Ever since I made that change I’ve never looked back.
Graphic design is all about creativity and innovation; what do you feel makes your work stand out? What is unique about your style?
I have a visual arts background, so I find myself applying more of that into my work instead of solely relying on computer graphics. This gives me the chance to add a touch of character to my work while still keeping a clean design. Aside from that, I’ve always considered myself to be an open and attentive listener. When you’re working as a designer, whether in film or doing freelance work, it’s incredibly important to recognize your client’s vision before you can begin to communicate the idea through a design. Once I get a feel for what my client or employer wants to see, it’s easier to create something that pleases the both of us which is harder than it appears, trust me. It’s easy to make something that looks great to you, but when you’re working for someone else, the vision needs to match up. I like to think that I’m able to do this while still keeping my own spin or style in the designs.
Where do you draw inspiration for your work?
Architecture, nature, music, photographs, textures. It all depends on what project I’m working on. Little things often end up having a big impact on my work. A simple walk through downtown Toronto can often inspires me. I also believe that keeping up with design websites and regularly checking out what’s happening in the industry is a great way to keep your work fresh and exciting.
Tell us about a favourite project or piece that you have created!
Getting to layout some wall and floor designs for sets on the Hannibal TV series was pretty neat. Everything on that show was done to the nines, so a bunch of the designs came with the excitement of getting to see all of these large parts printed and put together to create one giant finished piece. I also love having the opportunity to design shirts and posters for bands. With these kinds of designs, you get the chance to be weird and extra creative without having any real design guidelines to follow.
Where do you currently design, and do you have any upcoming projects that you are looking forward to?
I just finished doing some graphics for the upcoming TV series “American Gods” which is based on a bestselling novel by Neil Gaiman. That’s going to be a beautiful and dark show. But as of right now, I am the art department coordinator on the TV series “TAKEN”, a prequel to the Liam Neeson movies where we finally get to learn where he got his “mysterious set of skills.”
Where can we stay up to date on your work and check out more of your designs?
melissacormier.myportfolio.com
Adriana Nicolucci
Adriana Nicolucci is a Communications and Film Production graduate, fashion enthusiast, and patterned sock collector. She’s often spotted munching on the Eenie Meenie Grilled Zucchini Pizza at the Buddha. Danny Ocean is her spirit animal, except she’s planning a heist to steal your hearts (not a casino)
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