Events

November 20, 2024

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Questioning Tomorrow: Design Thinkers, Vancouver 2023

Design Thinkers is Canada’s biggest Design conference. Organised by the RGD (Registered Graphic Designers of Canada), the event takes place annually in both Toronto and Vancouver.

This year’s theme was ‘Question Tomorrow’, exploring the ways in which we as designers are both individually and collectively tackling the design problems of tomorrow and beyond. We’re living in a climate of what feels like constant evolution; AI is seemingly unstoppable, with social media and news outlets awash with headlines proclaiming the immanent demise of creative careers. This in itself is a huge point of discussion, one that certainly divides opinions and generates its fair share of concern.

Pum Lefebure spoke of the way in which her studio, Design Army, has recently integrated AI generated visuals into a stunning campaign for Georgetown Opticians. Hit with a 3 week window within which to conceptualise, develop and deliver the campaign, her team turned to AI for a solution. Thas Naseemuddeen on the other hand openly spoke of the ways in which her LA based agency Omelette is experimenting with utilising AI as an internal tool; one that helps speed up the admin, research and development process, but does not (as of yet) feature in any final client work.

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This wasn’t the only topic of conversation though, another theme that emerged was that of human connection and creating for the greater good. In a world of visual noise, it is extremely refreshing to hear from the likes of Theresa Fitzgerald, who’s work at Sesame Street has helped combat Syria’s refugee camp education crisis (it’s incredible), alongside that of Alex Center of CENTER for Convict and Tom Hingston of Hingston Studio for David Bowie and Kasabian

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There was also a host of simply ridiculous work from a purely visual perspective. Specifically that of Liza Enemies of Studio Dumbar, who wowed the audience both with her energy and Dumbar’s motion design work for The Northern Jazz Festival, DEMO and D&AD to name a few (it was actually rude how good this work all is). A special mention also goes out to New York native Cey Adams, who’s 40+ year career within the world of Hip-Hop saw him creatively direct projects for the likes of Jay-Z, LL Cool J, DMX and The Notorious B.I.G;

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As simple as it sounds, dialogue was at the centre of it all; be it in regard to how terrifying AI can be, how difficult designing for real change is, or simply how to make people smile though our work. The world of design is a competitive one, there’s no secret there; but it’s also a collaborative one. It’s an industry in which we actively seek the constructive critique of our peers, love to share ideas and constantly take inspiration from one another, seeking to do better and think more creatively.

So what’s the future of design? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to that question. From a simplified perspective it’s a combination of factors; adoption of new technology, pushing of creative boundaries, facilitation of open conversation, active collaboration and the desire to do good.

I’ll conclude with a quote that resonated from Debbie Millman, ’We can talk about making a difference, we can make a difference, or we can do both’.

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Kenshō Agency & Ads.gi Joins Forces with the Capurro Group

INTRO

After several years of collaboration, we’re thrilled to announce that the Capurro Group has acquired a majority stake in Kenshō Agency & Ads.gi, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership that will propel us to new heights.With over 150 years of business expertise, the Capurro Group brings an extensive network and deep industry knowledge, enabling Kenshō Agency to operate on a more global scale.

This partnership strengthens our ability to serve our clients, unlocking new opportunities, markets, and strategic connections that will enhance the value we deliver to them.

Having worked together for nearly a decade, this move is a natural evolution of our shared vision. With Capurro Group's backing, Kenshō Agency is poised for unprecedented growth while continuing to innovate and push boundaries.

We’re incredibly excited for this next chapter and the possibilities it brings, not just for us but for our clients, partners, and the industries we serve.

Stay tuned for what’s next!

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Two Weeks at Kenshō: My Internship Experience

When I first came across the internship at Kenshō, I was looking for an opportunity in Gibraltar before heading into my final year at university... Something that would give me a taste of life in a creative studio and a chance to finally put into practice what I’d been studying. I was lucky to find Kenshō advertising a two-week student internship on their social media, and I applied immediately.

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I had already referenced Kenshō in my university work as an inspiring agency in Gibraltar, so I was familiar with their work. They had a range of different projects with a clean, thought-out style. I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss. It felt like it was the perfect place to learn, contribute, and grow as a graphic design student in Gibraltar and also prepare me for my final year in University.

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Before starting, I was quite nervous. It was a completely new environment, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I worried about whether I’d be able to apply my graphic design knowledge from university in a real-world setting, and even whether I’d enjoy working in a design agency despite studying Graphic Design. I imagined I might just be observing from the sidelines and quietly working at a desk. But from my very first day, I realised I had nothing to worry about. The team couldn’t have been more approachable and welcoming. They made me feel included straight away, showing patience and taking the time to explain their roles in depth. During my first week, they walked me through how to process a new client brief and encouraged me to contribute by sharing my ideas and sketches throughout the design journey.

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Over the two-week internship, I was given the chance to get involved in real client work. I sat in on meetings, joined creative discussions, and watched how ideas are designed, refined, and brought to life from start to finish. It was amazing to be part of these sessions and to see first-hand how the team translates a client’s vision into design, and how they handle feedback in such a professional and creative way. I quickly realised just how much groundwork goes into a project before design even begins, particularly the initial communication and research phases. I discovered I really enjoyed the strategic part of the process, which is something I might not have realised without this internship. Along the way, I also learnt the basics of software I hadn’t used before, like Figma, as well as valuable design tips and platforms that I’ll now take forward into my university work.

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The studio environment at Kenshō was inspiring and extremely encouraging. Everyone was supportive and always happy to answer questions. I enjoyed going into the office every morning and looked forward to it over the weekend. I am now leaving this internship with a much clearer understanding of what it’s like to work in a creative team and how graphic design works in practice. I have learnt how to approach projects, and the difference that good communication makes in producing the best design possible. Every single day within these two weeks I have walked out the office having learnt something new, making it a very valuable step in my design journey. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and excited to take what I’ve learnt into my future work.

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Thank you Kenshō!

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Welcoming Zsuzsa Papp to the team

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