GRAPHIC & WEB DESIGN STUDENT IN MONTREAL
Hi, I’m Raffy Juan and I am 25 years old, a Graphic and Web Design student at John Abbott College, based in Montreal’s West Island, also I am from the Philippines. I am passionate about turning ideas into creative, meaningful, and visually engaging designs. Through my studies, I have had the opportunity to explore different areas of design, including branding, typography, layouts, photography, image editing, digital design, and web design.
I enjoy the creative process because it allows me to take a simple idea and develop it into something that communicates a clear message. For me, design is not only about making something look good. It is also about understanding the purpose of a project, knowing the audience, organizing information, and finding the right visual solution.
WHAT I DO
As a Graphic and Web Design student, I create different types of visual projects. These include logos, sketching, brand identities, posters, digital graphics, website layouts, typography projects, photography, and image-editing projects. I am learning how to combine different design elements to create work that is both creative and easy to understand.
My design process usually starts with research and brainstorming. Before creating a final design, I like to explore different ideas and possibilities. I may create sketches, experiment with typography, test different layouts, and explore colours and images. After developing an idea, I make revisions and use feedback to improve the final result.
One of the things I enjoy most about design is seeing how an idea changes throughout the creative process. A project can begin with a simple concept and gradually become a complete visual identity or design. This process helps me become more confident and teaches me how to solve design problems in different ways.
WHY I CHOSE GRAPHIC AND WEB DESIGN
I chose Graphic and Web Design because I enjoy creativity, technology, and visual communication. I have always been interested in how images, colours, typography, and layouts can communicate ideas without needing a lot of words.
Graphic and Web Design gives me the opportunity to combine creativity with problem-solving. When I work on a project, I have to think about what the design is trying to communicate and how people will understand it. I like having the freedom to experiment with different visual ideas while still having a clear purpose behind the design.
Another reason I chose this career is because there are many different areas I can explore. I can work with branding, advertising, websites, digital graphics, publications, social media, photography, or other forms of visual communication. This variety interests me because it gives me opportunities to continue learning and developing new skills.
MY DESIGN EXPERIENCE
During my studies at John Abbott College, I have worked on projects that have helped me understand the different stages of the design process. I have learned about typography, composition, colour, branding, photography, image editing, and web design.
Each project has presented a different challenge. Some projects require creating a strong visual identity, while others focus on organizing information or communicating a specific message. Working on these different types of projects has helped me understand that good design needs to balance creativity with clarity.
I have also learned that the first idea is not always the final idea. Sometimes a design needs several changes before it becomes successful. Research, experimentation, sketches, revisions, and feedback are all important parts of my process.
WHEN WILL I START MY CAREER?
I am currently building my knowledge and experience through my Graphic and Web Design studies at John Abbott College. After completing my studies, my goal is to begin my professional career in the design field.
I would like to gain experience working on real-world projects and learning from other designers and creative professionals. Starting my career will give me the opportunity to apply what I have learned in school to professional situations.
I understand that becoming a professional designer is a process. I will continue learning even after completing my studies because design is always changing. New technologies, software, trends, and methods continue to influence the industry. I want to keep developing my skills and adapting to new opportunities.