Join the Pacific Design Academy for a variety of talks on great topics!

May 3 - 10:30am - Pacific Design Academy
Thinking like a Costume Designer - Jennifer Risk, PhD

Walking through the design process for a range of different projects, and share her lessons learned along the way. From collaborating with directors and actors to sourcing materials and troubleshooting on the fly, this talk will highlight the challenges and rewards of the craft. From real-world projects, lessons learned, and the essential role of costume design in helping bring stories to life. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a theatre lover, this talk is an exciting opportunity to explore the artistry and technical skill involved in costume creation.

May 3 - 11:30am - Pacific Design Academy
Branding with Feeling: Psychology-Driven Design - Lynne Risk, Clare Talbot, Zoe Jensen

Great branding isn’t just seen—it’s felt. Branding with Feeling: Psychology-Driven Design explores how psychology, emotion, colour, and typography shape the way people experience brands. Join Creative Director and Design Instructor Lynne Risk, along with talented emerging designers Zoe Jensen and Clare Talbot from Pacific Design Academy, as they share insights from both seasoned and fresh perspectives. Through a blend of history, psychology, and real-world case studies, we’ll uncover the strategies behind emotional branding and how to create designs that truly resonate—because the best brands don’t just look good, they feel right.
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May 3 - 1:30pm - Pacific Design Academy
Advertising Photography - Sergio Petraccone

From humble beginnings to a central position in today’s media landscape, we’ll cover how photography has shaped the ways in which brands communicate with consumers—influencing culture, emotions, and consumer behavior. Beginning in the late 1800s, this talk will highlight key milestones, like the rise of commercial photography during the Industrial Revolution, the visual storytelling techniques that elevated advertising photography to an art form, and the influence on consumer decision making that reveals how carefully crafted images resonate on a deeper emotional level to encourage action and create lasting impressions.
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May 3 - 2:30pm - Pacific Design Academy
Abstract Visuals in Design: Exploring Trends and Techniques in 3D Simulation - Matt Lussenburg
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Abstract visuals used by graphic designers and visual artists apply non-representational imagery to evoke emotions, ideas or moods through texture, shape, and motion. 3D Simulation is a powerful design tool that incorporates motion simulation and physics based animation to achieve more fluid and dynamic abstract visuals. This talk explores accessible modern techniques to further incorporate 3D simulation into all forms of design. It will cover industry trends in 3D simulation such fluid, cloth, and physics dynamics. The work of various motion designers using Cinema 4D will be explored, and techniques that can easily be implemented into any designer’s personal workflow will be demonstrated.