So Canadian eh? : Gallery No. Eight

My latest guest is a talented one who shares my love of fonts and graphic design. I am by no means a graphic designer but have always loved to draw and doodle words in made-up fonts. 


Silly I know. 

Please welcome...

Brittany Douglas from Gallery No. Eight

She is

Brittany is a budding graphic designer and has, in my opinion, one of the prettiest and "coolest" blog designs out there.

Isn't her header pretty?

Since nothing stays the same in my home for long, I am also dying for a change in my blog and hope to hire Brittany to help with the re-design - just need to scrape together some $$ to make that happen!

Brittany's blog is always a visual treat, she puts together some inspirational posts full of imagery that would get anyone's creative juices flowing. Not only is her blog a great read, Brittany herself is such a genuine person that really shines through in her posts. There is no doubt that Brittany will have a successful future!

You need to check out her portfolio, she has created some fantastic mini-videos and photography!

Here are some visual boards she put together for our viewing pleasure!

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background, has design always been something you are drawn to? You are currently in school, what are you studying?

I am a third year New Media student; my studies have included video editing, Processing & Arduino, electronics, web design, scenography & set design, with some history and theory thrown in too. It's only been in the last year and a bit that I really decided to focus my studies on interior design.

When I was younger, if you had asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer would have been something in the maths or sciences. They were my strongest subjects throughout my pre-university schooling. I was even planning on becoming an ophthalmologist before I switched to New Media! But I have definitely always been a creative person. I adored painting, scrapbooking, collage-ing, and DIY-ing when I was younger. I even drew up a 'floor plan' to re-arrange my room every few years! In highschool, I discovered graphic design and loved it! I actually chose my program because I had been told it was a graphic design program. Boy were they wrong! But I've learned so much, I don't regret it at all.

What made you decide to start blogging?

I had been reading a few design blogs for about 6 months or so, and I decided to join the fun! I remember my first couple of weeks I had no idea what to post about haha Seems crazy that it's been almost 7 months!

What have you enjoyed about blogging and what has surprised you along the way?

I have loved sharing and discovering all the crazy amazing talent that is out there! I had found a bit through reading blogs, but it's only when you start your own blog that you really begin to discover how insane the talent out there is!

I wouldn't say surprised, but I've been amazed at how positive and kind and encouraging the design blogging community is!! I have had the chance to meet/talk/email with some of the loveliest people that I never imagined would even respond, let alone be so lovely!

Do you find having a blog has helped your graphic design business?

Yes! So far, most of my clients have come through my blog. I think it's important to have a way to display your style & taste to potential clients, as it can help them determine whether or not they'd like to work with you.

Where do you go for inspiration for your blog, for your design work? 

For my blog, I love to look through books, magazines, catalogs, and all the fabulous online stores! I have a whole bookmarks folder dedicated to them :)

For my design work, I lurve fonts. Scrolling through free online font sites always gives me inspiration for a new project!

What are your hopes and dreams for your future?

My career path is still a little uncertain, but at the moment my top picks are interior design and art direction. A job that mixed both would be perfect, but I'd be happy just to design for my friends and family!

How would you describe your design style?

My style is definitely a mix! It's pretty classic & traditional, but a little contemporary. A little bit glamourous, but also a little simple. A dash of English manor with pinch of French countryside. Definitely not fussy. Always elegant and chic.

Tell us one thing about you that would surprise us!

Hmm...my usual answer to this question is that I wanted to be an ophthalmologist when I was younger. Since I already told you all that, I guess another surprising thing might be that I have a rather large nail polish collection. Well, in terms of the online nail polish community, it's pretty small, but it's slowly grown over the last year and a half to around 80 bottles(!). I love looking at all the new collections and finding all the pretty colours :) 

If you were given the opportunity to meet anyone or do anything, what would it be and why?

A designer that I would love to meet would have to be Sarah Richardson! I adore her design work, and her style is just fabulous! I think Audrey Hepburn would also have to be on the 'people I wish I could have met' list. She just seemed so classic and lovely!

Hmmm...I would love to design a whole house from top to bottom! I'm sure I will get a chance to do this, but I haven't yet and it is definitely a challenge I want to complete! 

I would also love to live in the UK! I went and few years ago and loved it! Might be going back soon :D

What do you like to do in your free time?

I'm a bit of a tv junkie, so I tend to watch a lot of TV. But I can get a lot done while I watch TV, so it balances out a little haha

I also really like to paint, but I don't really have a ton of space in my apartment. I don't get to paint as much as I would like, so I try to savor it when I do get a chance.

You recently landed a new job, how do you balance life, work and blogging?

To be quite honest, I'm definitely struggling a little! During the school year, I tend to be a little more focused, but in the summer I find it harder to do so. I'm definitely trying to balance it as best I can, but sometimes 10pm rolls around and I still haven't blogged that day! I try to make the most of the free time I have, and take life day-by-day!

What are your views on the role Canadian design plays in the world design scene? Do you feel that Canadians have a unique sense of style and design, and if so, what is it that you think sets us apart?

On the world stage, I feel like Canadian design definitely has an impact! We have some ridiculously amazing talent and if the world isn't paying attention, it definitely should be!

As a whole, I feel like Canadian design is very diverse and varied. It has a very relaxed, 'chill' sort of vibe. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but it seems very multi-layered and un-fussy.

I'm very excited to see where Canadian design goes next!!

Brittany, I have probably the smallest collection of nail polish. I am always borrowing my girls'. Do you have the OPI Shattered nail polish? That has been a hit in this house! 

Thanks so much for taking time out of your busy summer to participate in my series. It has been such a delight to get to know you a bit better!

Many hugs.

XO Barbara