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culture

Inside the Studio

The creative team at Alphabet^® took some time out from working their magic for clients for a little Q&A to give you a taste of what inspires and motivates them!

Meet Yang Li, Senior Art Designer; Christopher Chai, Graphic + Motion Designer; and Cindy Lagarde, Senior Production Artist.

What’s your favourite project you ever worked on and why?

Yang Li

“My favourite project was the House of Commons branding. The project is very complex and challenging, it had a lot of limitations and I had a lot to learn, at the same time, the client were open-minded and trusting of our opinions. I worked with a historian, illustrators and a photographer to create the core brand image. The research process was also very interesting which included consulting with the historian about the parliament architecture, going inside the bells and organs behind the peace tower, not to mentioned the privileged entries to the House of Commons Chamber to find inspirations. Most importantly, the new brand system will help the people who serves the core of our democracy on a day-to-day basis.”

Christopher Chai

“My favourite project that I’ve ever worked on was the “Unreal Museum” project, it is a virtual interactive museum built with Unreal Engine 4 and the LEAP motion gesture controller by a buddy and myself. We conceptualized the idea then carried out the production of the project within 2 weeks. We pushed ourselves to learn a multitude of new skills such as 3d modelling, texturing, and sound design. Those in combination with our design and user experience skills, we managed to built and showcase our interactive experience at Digifest 2016 hosted at the Corus Entertainment Centre in Toronto. It was a tough few weeks with little sleep, but in the end we were definitely proud of what we have managed to accomplish.”

Cindy Lagarde

“My favourite project to work on was the Fill-a-bus project through the Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum.  It was a pro bono job to help less advantaged children in the National Capital Region learn about the importance of agriculture, science and nutrition. It was the first time I got to co-ordinate a project.”

Why did you choose design as a career path?

Yang Li

“In my last year of university, a team of us did a project called “healthy kids toolkit”. We created a online resource centre helping parents and teachers. I realized how design could really help solve problems for everyday people and make our society better. Starting that point, it was love at first sight, after 12 years in the industry, I still could not have imagined doing anything else. Everyday is different, every hour is a challenge, but it’s worth every minute of my time because I believe design help us communicate better which creates positive change.”

Christopher Chai

“I see design as a beautiful way of communicating an idea. Sometimes ideas aren’t meant for words and speech alone, and that’s when beautiful designs come into play. Effective and purposeful design can help emphasize communication and simplify an idea, so the opportunity to create eye-candy as a career path was too good not to follow.”

Cindy Lagarde

“When I was in high-school I didn’t have the grades to become a mad scientist – graphic design has a been very satisfying alternative.”

Why did you choose to work at Alphabet®?

Yang Li

“I choose to work here because I believe in the company and the people. I like that we are a smaller firm with a relaxed environment despite the large volume of work, people are always going the extra mile and really care about the projects. We all work together for a much bigger goal than ourselves, that synergy is the Alphabet® culture.”

Christopher Chai

“When I chose to move up to Ottawa, I had a few companies in mind to reach out to. Alphabet® Creative was my top choice when I was contacting places. I loved the company’s design aesthetics and when I started working here, it’s apparent where that comes from. Everyone here is fun, energetic, and full of creative ideas. There hasn’t been a day I haven’t looked forward to work. I’m excited to see what’s more to come!”

What’s your dream design project?

Yang Li

“Designing for an event with spectacular fireworks and light show broadcasted around the world…and I am not speaking of the Olympics or the Super Bowl.”

Christopher Chai

“My dream design project would to to incorporate interactive experiences and great design to form something truly immersive. Whether that be Virtual Reality or something more, I’ve always wanted to create an experience that people can be truly immersed in.”

Cindy Lagarde

“I think promoting the San Diego Comic-Con could be an awesome dream job.”