The Learning Zone

Samiya Karim is a recent graduate of the Graphic Design program and after four years in the program she is happy to be able to call herself a Professional Graphic Designer.

We came to know Samiya from her time working with us in the LZ. When Samiya was not on the job, she could be found in the LZ working on multiple class projects. Last May, she co-curated an exhibition for the Learning Zone Gallery called House of Oriental: Northern Style: An Exhibition of Works Exploring Pan-Asian Canadian Foods. Also, a fun fact about Samiya is that she knows a lot of weird trivia about internet culture as well as pop culture.

We caught up (virtually) with Samiya recentyly to talk about her thesis project and more.

LZ: What influenced your decision to major in Graphic Design?

SK: I really want to say something witty and enlightened but truth-fully I really enjoyed making memes and making peoples’ days brighter

What did you enjoy most about the program?

Graphic Design is a program that really allows you to be a jack of all trades, you can explore illustration, motion, packaging, and really make the degree your own.

Can you tell us a bit about your thesis idea and how you decided on it?

My thesis idea revolves around recognizing the role of small businesses in the make-up of the neighbourhood. Toronto as a rapidly growing city is experiencing gentrification faster than ever, and those being most affected are Toronto’s BIPOC community. Bloordale in particular is a place that is close to my heart as my family had established their first roots there when we arrived in Canada. It is particularly sad to see these immigrants’ businesses disappear that often would give us access to a piece of our motherland in a foreign country. This project is intended to preserve that history and the memories of Bloordale’s diverse neighbourhood.

 During this time of physical distancing, do you feel that social media is more important to your work, and in what ways?

I feel it is both important as well as hindering. I feel that a huge part of my work is missing an essential part of human interaction as it is dealing with place, however I recognize that social media has the power of spreading my work much faster.

What do you do to relax?

I find building houses in the Sims is a great way to be relaxing. It’s something that I find great as a way to get rid of any creative blocks as well as distress. If I am looking to relax in short term, I often find myself meditating.

What are your next steps after graduating?

Honestly, my first step is finding a job that pays well so I can support my family. My second plan was to take a vacation to New York or LA but I’m afraid that would not be happening soon.

Is there anything else you want to share with us, any final thoughts?

There are a lot of things that are happening in the world right now, but all the new changes will hopefully be for the better!

In celebration of the 4th annual Mini-Comics Day, the OCAD Zine Library will be hosting a Mini-Comics day workshop in the Learning Zone on Friday March 7th, 11 – 2pm.

Students and members of the general public are invited to join the fun to create, celebrate or collaborate by making a comic zine!

Happy Mini-Comics Day!

A new exhibition video, Toronto Harbour 1688 – 2013, is currently screening at xpace’s off-site gallery External Space hosted by OCAD U Learning Zone.

Toronto Harbour 1688 – 2013, it’s a stop motion sand animation by Marjan Vestappen which captures the shifts in form of the Toronto waterfront shoreline as an imprint of the city’s development.

Verstappen’s first animation, a medium that allowed her to play with the sense of time, tell history through shapes, and set static perspectives in motion.  — Britt Wray

On until February 25th at the Learning Zone.

Broken pencil: The Magazine of Zine Culture and the Independent Arts Issue 61, a Toronto based magazine dedicated to underground culture and the independent arts, is now available at the Learning Zone.

Visit the Learning Zone and check-out a copy!

LEARNING ZONE: Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

TIFFANY PANG: I’m in industrial design, finishing 2nd year.

What do you enjoy most about your program?

I enjoy the materials aspect of this program, being able to learn about different materials and techniques in order to use them.

How long have you been interested in art? How long have you known that this is something you wanted to pursue as a career?

I’ve been drawing since I can remember, my parents persuaded me away from studying art as a career. I tried engineering first but I knew that was not for me, so I went to study architecture. After completing my architectural technician diploma at Sheridan, I decided to come here, OCAD. I hated it at first but I’ve learned that it’s where I needed to be.

Where does your inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from people with the mastery of their craft. On a personal level, I am impressed with the shop technician’s knowledge and expertise. I aspire to like them one day.

Do you have a best time of the day to work on your projects?

Usually late at night or early in the morning, when the shops are quiet.

What are your favourite tools to work with?

Hammers, lathes and milling machines.

What excites you most about the material you work with? Is there another medium you would like to work in?

I like hard materials like metals and plastics. I like them because they each have their own personalities and depending on what you do with them, they can respond differently; I like mastering how to understand them. I would also love to work with Tungsten.

Which project has given you the most satisfaction?

It was a failed project. We were briefed to make a tealight holder, so I tried to make a Stirling engine. I wanted the flame to power the engine — that was much too ambitious to complete in 2 weeks and having never lathed anything.

What two art supplies could you not live without?

Calipers and a square.

What kind of books do you enjoy reading?

I usually read technical books on how to do something. Do picture books count?

Is there any designer from the past you appreciate a lot?

Adam Savage. I admire his obsessiveness and dedication to his craft.

What are three likes and three dislikes of yours?

Likes: dogs, weaponry, watches; Dislikes: ginger, lack of integrity in work, the studio hours this term

Do you have a favourite place to eat around OCAD?

OCAD U free lunch!

What is your favourite thing about studying in Toronto?

I can bike everywhere.

Since you are involved in function and form in industrial design, you will appreciate the critical balance and its effectiveness in design. Do you think that these considerations map itself into your life or artwork?

I’ve always been interested in efficiency and practicality, but I’m not sure if aesthetics is a huge part of my life. I have been trying to embrace it.