Future Leader: Jennifer Gagnon Associate RGD
Written by Jennifer Gagnon Associate RGD, Creative Currency
The RGD congratulates our first selected "Future Leader", Jennifer Gagnon Associate RGD, who was nominated by Kyle Schruder RGD.
Q. What sparked your initial interest in design?
Before pursuing graphic design, I completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Although I loved painting (and still do) and had a very positive experience during my undergrad, I knew I wanted to take my creative skill set further. I was interested in learning how a creative outlet could also solve problems and communicate important messages and graphic design seemed the perfect direction for me.
Q. What important lessons have you learned in your first few years in the industry?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that it truly takes a team. All those group projects in school certainly do pay off! Your good idea can turn into a great idea with a few other creative brains involved. Also, having a strong team to keep you motivated (and that you can motivate in return) is such a huge asset. Another good lesson is not to take feedback to heart. I learned early on that even the smallest things—like the perfect shade of green for a client's brand—can be such subjective decisions. Learn to love the creative journey and trust the process!
Q. What do you feel most proud of so far?
In terms of design, I think being able to develop major brands and visual identities for organizations and seeing these come to life has been a big accomplishment to check off of my list. There’s just something so satisfying about seeing your designs on a t-shirt, billboard or vehicle. The other thing I’m most proud of is being a part of building out my current design team. It is so wonderful when you are able to see the amazing personalities and diverse skill sets that make up a team. As I said, it takes a team, and I’m very proud of the one I’ve helped build!
Q. What do you hope to accomplish in the next 10 years of your career?
Over the next 10 years, I hope to continue to advance my career and grow as a designer and art director. I pride myself on being a multidisciplinary designer and the creative world of opportunities seems endless and ever-growing. I am always up for the challenge of learning a new skill and plan to learn many over time!
Q. How do you want the design industry to change in the near or far-off future?
The idea of authenticity seems to be a popular subject. What I’ve seen is that people are drawn to moments that are relatable or evoke emotion, especially with our media becoming so saturated with AI. It would be interesting to see our industry focus on this idea of authenticity and consider more traditional art and design!
Q. Are there any resources that you have found useful?
I really love Dribbble. When I’m doing design research or looking for inspiration, that is always the first website I check. I’ve gone down many rabbit holes looking for fun design inspiration. Also, Instagram has a lot of really cool tips and tricks videos. I’ve learned about some helpful tools in the Adobe programs from searching through Instagram. I’ve always been faithful to Coolors as well. Such a handy tool to build colour palettes and see them in action!
Q. Can you mention a project that you are most proud of?
The project that I am most proud of to date is the campaign for Everything Is Not Ok created in 2021 during the COVID-19 outbreak. This was created through Creative Currency (the agency I currently work for) as an advocacy campaign to raise awareness and target decision-makers about long wait times for Ontarians regarding access to mental health and addiction care. I art directed and designed many of the assets for this campaign and assisted in the motion graphics included in the hero video. To be able to work on something that made a difference, and that I strongly believe in, was definitely a highlight of my career so far.
Q. What advice would you give to designers just starting their careers?
Absolutely do not be afraid to ask questions and put your ideas out there. Great ideas can come from anyone who thinks creatively! Also, networking is so important. It's so easy to get stuck in your own little bubble, especially when starting a new job. So ask a creative director you really admire to grab coffee or go to the next RGD event that you see. Having those connections and experiences and creating those relationships will make your design journey a little more interesting and inspire you along the way!
“I have seen Jen grow from an individual contributor to a leader in our agency. Jennifer is a leader because she digs deep to understand client needs, sharing that knowledge with more junior members of the team, elevating all of our work. She also looks for ways to keep our agency on the cutting edge, exploring new techniques and methods to make sure we aren't just doing the same old thing.”
Kyle Schruder RGD
