Designing Paths: Andrew Reutsky shares his story as an immigrant designer

Born in Russia, Andrew Reutsky Associate RGD, moved to Canada at the age of 18. He studied at Humber College in Toronto, graduating in 2021. Andrew became a Student RGD Member shortly before graduating after learning about the organization from school friends.

My favourite part about the RGD is that the organization has been incredibly proactive and kind, allowing me to share my passion for this field. They've supported me in the business I admire and witnessed firsthand how they've done the same for countless others. By lifting the voices that need to be heard the most and guiding our industry towards a better, brighter future, I feel proud to be part of such a forward-thinking team.

Why did you choose to come to Canada to study design?

I come from a small village in Siberia. My parents were doctors, and we had a lot of books at home, which I loved exploring. I got my first computer at seven and discovered Photoshop almost immediately, sparking my passion for graphic design. At 12, I found that the design world fulfilled the intellectual curiosity I inherited from my parents, and I fell in love. Shortly after, I decided to pursue a career in this field. However, there weren't many design schools in Siberia, so I moved to Toronto to study advertising and graphic design at Humber College. I did well, which led to an opportunity to study branding in Florence for six weeks, a highlight of my academic journey thus far.

What was it like getting your design career started in Canada? 

I finished my studies at both universities, and as I was attending the graduation ceremony to receive my degree from Humber, I got an email from Communication Arts, the largest trade industry journal, notifying me that I was selected as one of the 15 most promising young creatives in the world I couldn't stop smiling when they were taking my graduation photo—not just because I was graduating, but because I felt my future seemed bright. 

At the time, I was an Art Director Intern at GREY Canada, an ad agency,, I moved to Leo Burnett under the creative leadership of Steve Persico and Lisa Greenberg, where I currently work. Leo Burnett allowed me to do what I loved for a living; I felt blessed. 

Shortly after starting the new job, I realized I had an unmatched position to share the lessons I learned during my professional upbringing with the next generation. So, I did a lot of research on how to find one’s first job in the creative field, and after consulting with over 30 successful creatives, it grew into a field-tested white paper that has been circulated at numerous colleges and universities. You can check that out at the link here.

How would you compare design culture in Siberia versus Canada from your perspective? 

When I worked as a designer in Russia, I noticed that good design is concentrated in bigger cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg and is rare in Siberia. Comparing the design industry in Canada and Siberia, I acknowledge that they are two completely different environments. It's well-established and vibrant in Canada, while it’s just developing in my hometown. That’s why I moved to Canada—to learn. I was always impressed to see companies from remote areas prioritizing well-designed graphic pieces and advertising banners. However, as I progressed in my professional journey, I noticed I was getting more orders from Siberia. Once you know what good design is, you can’t accept anything less—and considering there’s a growing need for good design in the regions of Russia, I believe the future of our industry in Siberia is strong.

What challenges did you face first in Canada, and how did you overcome them? 

Moving to Canada to pursue my dream at an early age pushed me to become self-reliant in a new and foreign world. As challenging as it was, I would say that Moving to Canada has been a life-changing decision, making me a stronger person and a better professional. The skills I've gained here will stay with me forever.

Check out more of Andrew Reutsky’s work below: 

• Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reutskyandrew/ 
• Portfolio: https://www.reutsky.com/ 

Looking to learn more about Designing Paths? Email us at community@rgd.ca.