Cait has been a student of photography since 2009. Cait attended MacEwan University, where she graduated from the Design program with a major in photography. In her final year of studies, PhotoEd Magazine featured her as an up-and-coming photographer to look out for. Cait has taken on roles such as lead photographer for a local apparel brand, worked with local fashion designers developing seasonal catalogues and advertising photography, and has photographed for countless businesses and agencies. She joined Hello Public in 2019 and has since become an integral part of the team. Cait is also the lead designer of the Canadian Women in Design website!
I stumbled into the world of design quite unexpectedly. It all began when I was part of a friend's wedding party and was completely captivated by the wedding photos. My fascination peaked when I witnessed the wedding photographer skillfully capturing intricate macro shots of the makeup spread out on the table. When I saw the final result, I was utterly mesmerized. This moment ignited my passion for photography.
Over the next three or four years, I embarked on a journey of self-teaching and attending numerous photography workshops. It was during this time that I realized I wanted a formal education in photography. After some contemplation, I decided to enroll in MacEwan University's Design Studies program. Initially, I embraced graphic design (reluctantly, at first) as a stepping stone to my photography education, but it didn't take long for me to fall head over heels for it.
Creativity has always been a part of my life, thanks in part to my father, who was a well-known fine artist in the Edmonton art scene during the 80s and 90s. However, fine art wasn't my chosen path. For most of my life, I struggled to find a medium that truly allowed me to express myself creatively. While I could paint and draw decently, I never considered myself exceptionally talented in those areas. As you can imagine, I was relieved to finally find my place.
Every morning, I kickstart my day by preparing a French press filled with whatever coffee beans have caught my fancy at the moment. Among my top choices, Ace #9 stands out as a personal favourite. As the coffee brews, I get myself ready for the day ahead while immersing myself in the world of podcasts or audiobooks.
You could say I'm both a coffee enthusiast and a true crime aficionado. If my path had taken a different turn, I could easily see myself pursuing a career in forensic psychology. The intricacies of the human mind and behaviour have always fascinated me!
One of my core philosophies is that design should always be an intelligent solution to genuine problems. Consequently, it demands an approach that balances creativity with analysis.
Research is a big part of my design journey. I delve deep into understanding the client, their industry, and their competitors. I firmly believe that design, in most cases, should be a rich tapestry woven with creativity and purpose.
While sketching used to be a significant part of my design process, it has taken a back seat as I've evolved in my practice. Much of the groundwork happens in my mind before I even put pen to paper or mouse to screen. I strive to imbue it with depth and intention (and I hope others can perceive this in my work). Rarely do I create something just for the sake of it. For me this is what separates the designer from the fine artist.
I take immense pride in the work I've done with Outloud St. Albert, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting 2SLGBTQIAP+ children, youth, adults, and families. Working with them has been a designer's dream, as they grant me the creative freedom to do anything.
One particularly memorable project was creating the event poster and branding for Pride 2023. This project is a great example of the depth I invest in my work. Given their focus on working with children, we had to strike a balance between making a statement and remaining sensitive to the current climate. At the time, they were receiving an unfortunate influx of hateful messages and threats. In response, I filled the piece with symbolism. For me, it was both a quiet act of protest and a celebration of the diverse experiences of queer and gender non-conforming individuals.
While I'm certainly pleased with the aesthetic outcome, what truly fills me with pride is the impact it had on the organization. When I presented it to the client, their reaction was heartwarming. Some staff members were moved to tears, and kids wanted to hang it on their walls. As designers, we don't always get the chance to work on projects that carry such profound meaning. This experience was a significant moment for me; using my craft to spread love and acceptance to those who still struggle for it, while also raising a voice against their oppressors, is about as meaningful as it gets.
In my book, the idea of "good enough" simply doesn't exist. When someone says something is "good enough," what I infer is that they're either compromising or giving up. Perfection isn't the aim; it's all about striving for excellence.
This question has always intrigued me because I've spent a lot of time pondering the true essence of success. In the Western world, we often link success to job titles and salaries, and while that's one aspect of it, I believe it's just part of the bigger picture.
During my university years, I delved into social sciences, and one area that truly captivated me was sociology. I distinctly remember a case study that revolved around the concept of success. In this study, there was a business owner in an underprivileged and marginalized community who opened their doors to local children after school. They offered a safe haven for kids to socialize, enabled them complete their homework, and even provided them with snacks. The business owners themselves were facing financial difficulties, yet they felt a profound sense of responsibility toward enriching their community.
This situation raised a significant question: Should we consider these individuals any less or more successful than their wealthier counterparts? If external factors such as geography and socio-economic conditions play a substantial role in determining one's financial success, then it becomes evident that measuring success solely through monetary means is incomplete.
To me, success goes beyond financial achievements. It encompasses the fulfillment of personal goals and living a life where one's humanity transcends all other considerations. Success is about making a positive impact on others and the world around us, not just about the numbers on a paycheck or a job title.
The challenges I've encountered as a woman designer closely mirror the challenges I've faced as a woman in general. It's a misconception that we've completely moved beyond patriarchy. While overt forms of bigotry have become socially unacceptable, patriarchal ideologies still subtly operate covertly within our society.
It's worth asking why the majority of senior roles in our industry are held by male designers, despite the fact that most design graduates are women. From a young age, women are conditioned not to take up too much space or inconvenience men. This conditioning often discourages us from challenging the status quo and encourages us to shrink ourselves for the comfort of others.
In my journey as a designer, I've encountered both the best and worst of men in my profession. I've had to endure workplace harassment, but I've also been fortunate to be mentored and given opportunities by some incredibly talented men who recognized my potential and created an environment for me to thrive. I'm grateful for both types of experiences because the challenging ones lit my fire, while the others gave me oxygen to thrive.
In one of my previous questions I indicated that I would have taken the path of forensic psychology. If this didn't work out I would have also loved to pursue jewellery design.
Print! As a young designer I was traumatized by a print job gone wrong. The owner of the agency I worked at proofed my work and missed a typo. 40,000 postcards in 16 boxes haunted me for months. Ghosts of designers past are real!!
Aries Moross is a remarkable artist who excels in various creative fields such as mural painting, illustration, lettering, and design. I'm particularly drawn to their playful and experimental style.
On the photography front, David LaChapelle holds a special place in my heart as my absolute favourite photographer. His work is a treasure trove of artistic richness and depth. LaChapelle has an exceptional talent for storytelling.
Absolutely! That's why I take an analytical approach to design while also unapologetically sticking to my own methods. And besides, as Pablo Picasso once put it, "Good artists borrow, great artists steal."
Employers have increasingly high expectations from us these days. It's no longer enough to have just one specialized skill; now, you're expected to excel in multiple sub-specialties.
While being a multifaceted creative is undoubtedly valuable, it's worth noting that in most other professions, individuals aren't expected to perform tasks or possess the skills of entirely different professions. I think this is far more often the case for in-house marketing and communications than for agencies or studios. It ultimately devalues our work and traps us in a cycle of more-for-less.
A big thanks to Monotype for supplying the typefaces for our website. Their consistent support of Canadian Women in Design underscores their commitment to the design community.
