May 29, 2025

Culture Shock Webinar

Armis Goodarzi RGD, 11th. Floor Design Studio and Amanda DeVries RGD, Eye Candy Design

About this video

Description

In Canada’s diverse and bilingual design landscape, many graphic designers from non-Roman script backgrounds face challenges when adapting to Roman typography, particularly in editorial design. Differences in writing direction, letter structure, spacing, and typographic hierarchy can create obstacles for those accustomed to scripts like Persian, Indian or Chinese. These challenges can make it difficult for designers to integrate into Western design industries or work on multilingual projects. As Canada embraces multiculturalism, addressing these issues is essential for fostering inclusivity in design education and professional spaces. This webinar aims to explore these challenges, fostering discussion on bridging the gap between different typographic traditions.

This webinar is ideal for graphic design students and immigrant designers adapting to Roman typography, as well as educators seeking inclusive teaching methods. Editorial designers, publishers, and UX/UI professionals will also benefit from insights into multilingual design challenges. By enhancing cross-cultural communication and bringing fresh perspectives to editorial design, designers can contribute to a more globally aware and inclusive creative industry.

About Armis Goodarzi RGD

Naghmeh (Armis) Goodarzi is a visionary multidisciplinary designer, creative director and educator with over 25 years of experience. She is not just a designer but a storyteller and problem-solver who blends digital media, branding, and visual strategy to create meaningful, purpose-driven work. Her journey from her artistic roots in Tehran to her career in North America has shaped her ability to adapt, innovate, and bring a global perspective to design. She sees creativity as more than aesthetics; for her, it is a tool for transformation, harmony and connection. Beyond design, Armis is a Pranic Healer, integrating spirituality into her practice to enhance clarity, emotional balance and inspiration. She founded 11th Floor Design Studio as a reflection of her belief in deeper purpose, intuition, and the power of storytelling. Through her work, she helps brands find their voice, solve visual challenges and create lasting impact. In essence, Armis is a creative force who bridges strategy, intuition, and design to craft experiences that go beyond visuals, they inspire, heal, and transform.

Armis Goodarzi RGD

11th. Floor Design Studio

I am a multidisciplinary graphic designer and creative director, with over 18 years of experience. My work opportunities allowed me to experiment and expand my visual aesthetic abilities using various materials. However, my passion remains photography and digital media, which allow me to express my thoughts on identity, emotion, heritage, place of origin, and cultural adaptability. My training in the arts began in Tehran, Iran, in the 1990’s. I graduated with an M.A. from Azad University in 2002. My subsequent work as a designer and educator exposed me to a wide range of artistic strategies, allowing me to gain experience and proficiency in the visual arts. I moved to the United States in 2013 and completed my MFA at Florida Atlantic University in 2016. This is also where I started a career in the North American advertising industry. I moved to Canada in 2017 and reside in Toronto, where I continue to nurture my creative skills and experiences. As an immigrant, I am immersed in rich learning experiences about social issues. And this has allowed my art to take on a new identity. By engaging with my audience and establishing a dialogue, I now incorporate their views into my art to present shared and collective perspectives.

Amanda DeVries RGD

Eye Candy Design

Amanda DeVries is the principal and creative director of Eye Candy Design, a boutique branding and packaging design firm that creates fresh, iconic work for food and beverage companies. She has nearly 20 years experience as a brand consultant, art director and graphic designer. Amanda spent the first 10 years of her career in Ottawa, where governmental agencies kept her busy but not terribly inspired. In 2010, her family moved to southwestern Ontario to start an organic vegetable farm and this presented her with the opportunity to work directly with entrepreneurs and business owners. She also enjoys sharing her knowledge through various teaching gigs and mentoring younger designers. She is the mother of 3 children who share her love of good food, vintage shopping and travel.