I’m Kaiden (any pronouns), a Montreal graphic design student at John Abbott. I speak both English and French, though as an anglophone, I’ll always prefer English. I’m working towards seeing French as more than just a forced language.
My roots..
My childhood wasn’t so great. I don’t remember much of it other than the bad. I grew up in the West Island, and growing up, I wasn’t a stranger to bullying. Instead of making friends, I doodled a bunch.
I always loved art alongside my love for animals. I was gifted so many art kits for Christmas, and I used them to death. Originally, I wanted to be a comic artist since Garfield was my favourite comic strip, I always stole my dad’s comics. Animal Jam was and still is my favourite online game. That’s where I learned how to do digital art. It wasn’t a good art medium since there was only one undo button, no layers, and it was impossible to find a brown. Still, I loved nothing more than drawing my animal, or characters I liked. It’s wild how I’m still similar to child me, even if I changed names and identity. She’s still a part of me.
My art..
I’m very passionate about what I do. My strong suits are combinations of photography and type, as well as digital drawings. Print is my preference by far. Throughout my time at John Abbott, my goal for the end of my graduating year is to feel the improvement, to feel proud… oh and to get a job too!
As a graphic designer, I believe that art is always needed, we always need designers, and art IS political! We can learn so much about a place in time just by looking at who made it; when it was made, and what was happening at the time. My goal as a graphic design student is to have a mark in the world, a sign I was here.
I’m proudly queer, and I personally love to make art for people like me who are too afraid to. I also have a fursona, which I like to use online since I don’t really like posting my face. My art is an escape, even if it’s full time. In my opinion, a face puts biases towards you.
Montreal graphic design in the future
I’m still a student, but I can’t help but wonder the future of graphic design, and my place in this city. My goal after graduation is to find work full-time, and not to make pizzas forever.
If you love my work, please do not hesitate to follow me on Instagram or Tumblr for more. If you wish to hire me, please contact me as well. I would love to work for you!
Kaiden xx