Presented by James White.

Growing Up

  • A total child of the '80s: G.I. Joe, Transformers, Pro Wrestling, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
  • Drew obsessively growing up
  • Has $7000 worth of Canadian community college education

Signalnoise

  • Run out of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia in an extra bedroom at home

The greatest thing about that '80s is that it was equal parts awesome and ridiculous.

  • Purple Rain, Masters of the Universe

Highs and Lows

  • Developed a particular style, but grew bored with it since every client wanted fundamentally the same thing.
  • Created a faux sticker series, still influenced by the '80s and Pop Culture, but in a different visual style.
  • Designed a series of patches for various NASA missions and projects. Started sharing the work around online.
  • National Film Board of Canada gets in touch asking for help about designing a program to get kids interested in space exploration.

You never know where your work is going to show up unless you put it out there.

Never overlook a silly idea.

Case Study

If you’re given any sort of creative freedom, attack it with a vengeance.

Lessons

  • Everyone makes it up as they go.
  • Don’t be a dick.
  • Be your brand.
  • Personal passion should never be replaced with monetary goals.
  • The power of self-investment.