About

The first sign that I was meant to be an artist occurred when I was four. My family was enjoying a meal out and while we waited, I drew a detailed picture of the interior of the restaurant on my paper placemat. The rest is history. I had the privilege and benefit of attending a fine arts school for my high school years. That is where my skills as an artist began leading me to professionalism. In 1993, when I was getting ready to decide on a career, I was adamant that I did NOT want to become a graphic designer. The software that makes design work less tedious was just becoming commonly available, and the idea of paste-up and Letraset held no interest for me.

I entered the visual arts program at the University of Victoria right after graduating. The program was exceptional, but I wound up driving and servicing buses for 14 years after completing my education. Apparently, it is hard to make a living as a fine artist. In 2007, I grew completely frustrated at my lack of a creative and financially reasonable situation, and I applied to the Illustration and Graphic Design (IDEA) program at Capilano University in North Vancouver, B.C. Again, I had less interest in graphic design than in illustration.

By the end of the program, however, I was in love with design. I found the tidiness of the computer, the logic and the emphasis on clear communication thrilling. I landed my first graphic design gig with a startup design/ad agency called Dead Famous in downtown Vancouver about eight months after graduation. I worked with them for almost two years and learned an astounding amount. Those two years in the Dominion building in Gastown were among the most rewarding in my professional career. 

In 2012, an opportunity to work as a graphic designer with a faith-based nonprofit that I loved and supported opened up. The job meant a move to Calgary, Alberta, and I quickly found a wonderful family of friends and colleagues here. I continue to work for Wycliffe Canada part time, alongside my freelance work. I hope you will browse my portfolio and get in touch with me if you need any design work or are interested in purchasing or commissioning any fine art. I look forward to working with you.

P.S. If you want to learn more about my crazy (literally) life, you can purchase my book, Liar, Liar, Gown on Fire on Amazon

CV:

Education2016 – 2017 Royal Roads University, Victoria, B.C., Graduate Certificate in Professional Communications Management

2008 – 2010 Capilano University, North Vancouver, B.C., Graphic Design and Illustration (IDEA) Program (3–year Diploma)

1994 – 2000 University of Victoria, B.C. Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours), Visual Art

Related Work Experience

2018 – Present  

Graphic Designer, SIL International (seconded from Wycliffe Canada)

  • Layout and design of print materials, including annual reports, brochures and promotional materials
  • Create Adobe Spark pages and animated PDFs for web use.
  • Provide art direction to interns

2012 – 2017 

Graphic Design Manager, Wycliffe Canada, Calgary, AB

  • Layout design of the quarterly magazine, Word Alive
  • Provide art direction to volunteers and freelance designers and illustrators
  • Manage multiple projects to ensure deadlines and printing requirements are met
  • Design posters, brochures, displays, and other print pieces as required

2010 – 2012 

Graphic Designer, Dead Famous, Vancouver BC

  • Layout, design and production work for a series of print projects
  • Completed layout design for a 320 page commemorative book

Exhibitions

July 2020   Nocturn (Group Exhibition), Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery, AB

Nov 2017   Diaspora (Group Exhibition), Fish Creek Library Gallery, Calgary, AB

Feb 2012   Transit Roots (Solo Exhibition), Deer Lake Gallery, Burnaby, B.C.

Apr 2011    Celebration of Spring – A Fresh Start (Group Exhibition), Deer Lake Gallery, Burnaby, B.C.

Apr 2010    IDEA Grad Show, Harbour Centre, Vancouver, B.C.

Apr 2009    Reflections Vancouver 2010 (Student Group Exhibition), Ferry Building, North Vancouver, B.C.

Apr 2002    Art Spacific (Group Exhibition), Firehall Centre for the Arts, Delta, BC

May 1999   Art Grafias (Group Exhibition), Rouge Gallery, Victoria, BC

July 1998   To Remain at a Distance (Group Exhibition), Open Space Gallery, Victoria, BC

Publications

Liar, Liar, Gown on Fire

Interests

Painting and Drawing

Writing

Digital Art

Graphic Design

Transportation History

Contact

Get in touch with me at:

cbuckshon@gmail.com

403-870-9269

Follow me on social media:

  • Instagram @cbuckshon
  • Facebook @Cindy Louise Buckshon