RADmag

Admit it. You set the alarm early, planning to knock everything off your perpetual checklist. Read chapter 12, which happens to be 80 pages? Grocery shop, because your avocados went bad a week ago and you're living off take out. Clean your room, but mainly do your laundry because your clothes hamper is beginning to resemble Mount Kilimanjaro. Start your essay, even though you know it will not even have a title till 12 hours before it is due.

One skim over the list and you're uninterested. So what do you do instead? Treat your three hour lecture as if it is the Met Gala, and get severely overdressed. But do not fear. We are all guilty.

After ripping through your closet, containing the few clean clothes you have left, you finally find something suitable to wear. It only took you 45 minutes? Track record. Everyone knows accessorizing is a must, you would hate to leave the house in an outfit with untapped potential. So you try on every necklace and pair of sunglasses you own. Next is shoes. Why do you have so many pairs of shoes? You are just making this more difficult. One glimpse at the clock and you no longer have time for your daily Starbucks fix. 

Not to mention, you spent all this time on the perfect outfit, and you do not have time to share it on Instagram... In this oversharing culture, did you even get dressed if your Instagram feed didn't see it?

The key to a good Instagram picture is a photographer who knows your angels, and every true friend does. So you send out a text warning them you are in need of a photoshoot after class. The pressing issue is the hour break until your next one. And you still need a coffee! Where are you going to find appropriate lighting and an aesthetically pleasing location? Look no further than your own campus.

RADmag is happy to present to you, the Top Five Instagram Locations on (and around) our beloved Gould Street. 

1) Interior Design Building

Even if you hate interior design, odds are the first time you saw the building, you wished you had applied. For us commoners, whom suffer from high school induced nostalgia every time we step foot into Kerr Hall, the interior design building is a dream. And the perfect location for your next Instagram photo, if you are able to sneak in.

2) Exterior of the Interior Design Building

Get kicked out of the Interior Design building? Run out the back door! The lighting is better anyways. And there is a fire escape........

3) Behind the Image Arts Building

When fleeing the scene of the crime which was the Interior Design building, look both ways before you cross the street, and walk straight behind the Image Arts building. The aesthetically pleasing, but random church, has plain walls for any monochromatic theme. Or keep walking toward the mosaic wall behind Lake Devo if your feed is in need a pop of colour! 

4) Kerr Hall Washroom

The girls washroom is a magical place. And I cannot speak from experience, but Im sure the boys washroom is great also. Although the building is quite old, and wonky, the pink tile is so dainty and feminine! Forget the mirror selfie, do as Rihanna would, and POSE!

5) Student Learning Centre

This building cost too much money to not be featured on your Instagram at least once before you graduate. The full panel window walls surrounding the building is the perfect lighting for your next upload. We recommend taking the picture before you lock yourself on the quiet floor until close, in order to finish that last minute project you did not do, because you were too busy treating Ryerson as your own personal runway.

Written by: Maxine McCarthy

Ryerson is a great campus to people watch. With a student body filled with creative and inventive minds as well as our own fashion program, it’s always interesting and inspiring to see how other people dress themselves. Toronto is known to be on the forefront of what Canadian fashion is, and what a better place to observe what’s hot and trending than a university. The students of Ryerson are a good representation of current fashion and what new styles are being driven forward.

Ryerson became an official university in 1971, yet students have been attending the technical institute for decades prior. Taking advantage of the Archives department in Ryerson’s library some photo were found of students from previous years providing a perfect snapshot of the fashion from that time.

The 50’s

A decade of class and simplicity. After Christian Dior had set off a revolutionary ‘new look’ in his 1947 show, his designs inspired those on both sides of the Atlantic. Although you may not have not have seen Ryerson students walking around sporting a Dior suit, the fashion house had a major influence that trickled down to “return to an ideal of civilized happiness” said Dior himself which very much reflected the style of the fifties. As seen in the cafeteria line, woman wore simple skirts, some with pleats and paired with button-up layered with a jumper on-top. An icon off the 1950’s was the black and white saddle shoe. You could compare their popularity to a pair of Nike Air Maxes. Men as well as women were dressed conservatively sporting the button up and jumper too, but rather with a pair of slacks and dress shoes. In colder weather, a fashionable choice was to slip on a long coat. Completing the clean-cut look, a long coat is a piece that has retained its freshness for decades.

The 60s

Although these photos are still monochrome the 60s were a transitional decade bringing fashion out of the conservative styles of the previous years. Shorter hemlines, more voluminous hair and eclectic patterns served more casual looks day to day. Dressed nicely for the radio broadcast, the guy below is suited in sharp black including the dress shoe, resembling a member of the Beatles who at the time were the biggest celebrities in the scene. In women's fashion, formal, fit-flare dresses and skirts of the fifties were pushed aside to make room for casual dresses with more room and less form-fitting shape, such as the long-sleeved trapeze dress seen on the woman radio announcer. For a more casual look to go to a dance in the Kerr Hall gym, sport your favorite cat shirt. The sixties brought increased amount of liberty in fashion and culture as this woman doesn’t seem to have a problem kicking her heels off.

The 70s

Although this was before the days of struggling to navigate the RAMMS portal, there’s nothing pleasant about dealing with Ryerson Registrar. However this woman is dressed at ease in a long floral patterned dress and hair left flowing untouched. It may remind you of the of something that would be worn by hippies in the previous decade, but their style and loose floral dresses to the floor were carried on into the the seventies. Trademarked as being the poster girl of hippie fashion, Joni Mitchell, a Canadian musician was one of the style icons of the of this time, giving inspiration to woman across the country. Something to point out is the portable cassette player hanging off the guys belt in the photo below, this has to be the best accessory of this photo series. The bellbottom pants seen on the guy below are also an iconic piece in seventies fashion, some say they should never be brought back, yet in some areas of fashion they are making a reappearance with the rebranded name, 'flared trousers'. 

Moving away from dress slacks, men and woman have both switched into wearing denim and casual pants around campus. The seventies were times of increasing freedom that skyrocketed from the last decade as well as a new sense of identity making it a time known for increasing personal expression in comparison to older times.

The 90s

As we all know the 90s are ICONIC for fashion and style. But why? Something about the inspired looks from stars of the time, when pop culture had become a large focus for youth. Musicians like Gwen Stefani, movies such as Clueless and models like Kate Moss were seen everywhere influencing everything. There were many different styles in fashion that made this decade notable, but clearly this photo displays what we call street style. Taking off from the 80s, street style became ever more inspired by hip-hop culture and rapper's style in the nineties. Key-words: baggy & oversized. Maybe this isn't a good representation of the average student’s fashion on campus near millennium, but it shows hip-hops great influence on nineties style.

Its interesting to look back in time and see the fashion from the past, whatever else you can tell about the times from these photos. It’s even more intriguing when they’re in a familiar setting. The best part about fashion at Ryerson today is variety of styles and culture from all areas that are seen everywhere on campus. There isn’t one solid trend you’ll find on this campus, you can say pretty confidently that Ryerson has the most diverse mix of styles in Canada. Grab a coffee at Balzacs one day, sit back and get inspired.

Oh the weather outside is frightful… but seriously, winter has just started and I’ve already had enough of the cold. However, there is a plus to the bitter relationship many of us have with winter… the holidays! The holiday’s are a time of family, friends, and … alcohol! Now, we don’t mean going out every night is the answer to your winter woes - but a thoughtfully designed drink may be what you need to warm up during those frigid nights. Connor Remus, our Managing Editor, got into the holiday spirit and whipped us up one of his favourite cocktails. Read below to get Connor’s take on his go-to gin cocktail! 

I'm a gin lover year-round but I have to admit, with its botanical and alpine notes, it can really illustrate the winter season. Scroll down to learn how to make my holiday comfort drink. And always remember to drink responsibly!

For this holiday cocktail I obviously wanted to start with my favourite - gin - and build from there. Professional gin drinkers are loyal to their favourite brands. I myself have always been a big fan of either Bombay or Dillion's- but Bottega- a family run distillery caught my eye this year with their newly introduced dry gin, BACUR.

I paired BACUR with lighter, sweeter notes like honey or elderflower. It seemed to make the most sense to create a seasonal cocktail that was sweet, fresh, light and also reminiscent of the winter weather. An opposite vibe of a hot toddy. 

Thus, I give you...

Into the Woods 

INGREDIENTS:

3 oz of fresh squeezed lemon juice

1.5 oz of BACUR dry gin

1 oz of Jack Rudy Cocktail Co Elderflower Tonic

1 tsp of natural honey

Ice

2 oz Tonic

Lemon twist and balsam spring for garnish

COCKTAIL PREPARATION:

In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine gin, syrup, lemon juice and honey together.

Shake & strain into coupe glass.

Top with Tonic water.

Garnish with a lemon twist and balsam.

We are excited to announce our newest member of the RADmag family, Iain Ailles! A first-year Graphic Communications Management student, talented photographer, and now Editorial Intern here at Ryerson Art and Design Magazine. In addition to always putting his best foot forward, Iain captures engaging content for RADmag and always does so with a smile . So without further ado, let’s welcome Iain to the RADmag blog!

Read below for Iain’s take on our Issue 05 launch!

Hosted in a "monochromatic" space, RADmag's Issue 05 launch was nothing close to grey. As people arrived at the the Offsite Concept Space, they were welcomed into a modern and vibrant atmosphere. The venue, detailed with black and white sleek designs proved to be the ideal space to hold our launch!

Offsite merges fashion and art with coffee culture, a comfortable size for the social. Adding to the atmosphere were mirrors near the rear of the venue that were illuminated under an ever changing array of lights - providing an impromptu spot for selfies. Stimulating music coursed through the space, creating an accommodating environment for free conversation.  The focus of the night, our newest issue of RADmag, was at the centre of most discussion with copies available throughout the space. Our readers were eager to engage with the new content.

Issue 5 itself is bold, modern and innovative, showcasing the work of current students and alumni. The submissions were full of innovative concepts, highlighting students' creativity and providing those in attendance with much to discuss during the night. Exclusive to this issue was RADmag’s first ever in-house editorial “CMYK”.  A collaboration between our photo, fashion and design editors led to the creation of a photo essay highlighting RADmag's brand identity.  The editorial images within evoked a sense of the team dynamic that brought the magazine to life.

The event was an ideal time for our whole team to come together and celebrate with contributors and friends. The night was full of new beginnings, uniting those who share a love for fashion, photography, and design. From start to finish, the launch was a huge success; showing the work and creativity that RADmag put forth in partnership with Ryerson University.

We interviewed the architect behind the event, RADmag’s previous Events Director, Kira Anderson, to get the details on attending the launch!

1. What was the most exciting part of executing this launch event? I think the most exciting part of planning was when we visited the event space for the first time. The space was perfect for what we had envisioned. It was at that point that everything started coming together.

2. How did it feel seeing Issue05 come to life? It was amazing to see the amount of people who came out to support the team and support the hard work of all the artists involved. Seeing all the pieces in the space made all the hard work worth it.

3. What are some of the most challenging aspects of planning an event? I think any time a student group has to plan an event, the hardest part is just trying to find the time. As a school group, everyone involved is juggling classes, school work and often a part time job. It can be difficult to find the time to get it all done.

4. Name a few details from the event that made it stand out? OFFSITE, the venue for the event, was one of my favourite parts of this event. The layout, the design, and the furniture of the space reflected the sleek, modern, minimalistic aesthetic of RADmag. What stood out the most to me with this years event was how cohesive everything was.

5. If you could give one piece of advice on a must-have for an event, what would it be? A must-have for any event planning is a strong, reliable team.

 A big thank you goes out to Radmag's team and all those involved in pulling off  a successful launch.

We’re working hard towards putting together our next winter issue. If you are a Ryerson student and want your work featured in our next issue, take a look at our submissions page for more information. We hope to see you all at our next issue launch!

Funnily enough, our style secrets aren't exactly hush hush - but what they lack in discretion, they make up for in personality. What better way to get to know the RADmag team than by finding out their best-kept tricks! We asked our team these following three questions... 

1. What is one style secret that you live by?

2. What is the biggest fashion faux-pas or trend you have ever seen or been a part of? 

3. Name two of your biggest style influencers? Why?

Sasha Downie-Ross, Content Creator

1. Start with the staples, a good pair of trousers and a tee.

2. Ill-fitted pants - a saggy crotch or bum is something to always, always avoid! 

3. Pernille Teisbaek is my ultimate style crush. There isn’t a silhouette or colour she can’t mix-match to perfection - And of course Francoise Hardy and Jane Birkin - nothing beats their classic style in the 70s. 

Darci Jones, Publisher

1. There is no such thing as too much denim! 

2. The Victoria Beckham bob haircut - for way too long.

3. Courtney Trop @alwaysjudging, and my mom (thus the bob lol) 

Stephanie Pereira, Content Creator

1. Quality over quantity. 

2. TNA, Uggs, Juicy Couture (still has a place in my heart), the list goes on. 

3. I couldn't really pick two individuals, but I do get the majority of my inspiration from street style and visuals. 

Connor Remus, Managing Editor

1.  "Just because it was cool in high school doesn't mean that it's appropriate now." I realized when my age no longer ended in "teen" that it’s time to throw out all of those Abercrombie t-shirts and skater-boy skinny jeans. Trends will always and forever be trends, but if you’re at that point in your life that you want people to take you seriously it’s time to think outside of the box. In my closet nothing will ever beat dark denim and a pair of sexy brown dress shoes. 

2. Sweatpants! Know I understand the trends and realize that a sleek pair of Roots or Nike sweats looks good ...some days! But having originated from a small town where wearing sweatpants is not "being stylish" I fully believe that sweats are made for the gym and not public.

3. Two of my biggest style influencers are Instagram style bloggers Alex Liang and Ronald Thomas. Both stylists are always featuring the latest trends and the hottest brands. I enjoy watching both stylists post about their day to day street style as well as their personal influences.

Iain Ailles, Editorial Intern

1. I believe it's all in the details. Although I'm not too huge on accessories, I think the details in how you style an outfit are important.

2. I’m going to throw it back to grade 3 when everyone wore silly bands and heelies. Both something I never took part in. 

3. Rather than people, I find inspiration for style from Pinterest (yes I'm a 50 year old woman) and Instagram. My explore page always provides the most inspiration.

Ena Nik, Marketing Assistant

1. A pop of colour! I'm a huge fan of wearing all black paired with bright statement pieces. It's a great way to add a little bit of your personality into your style.

2. Toques in the summer time.....

3. Chiara Ferragni travels the world and reflects the lifestyle and culture of each place she visits through her style and photography. As a young successful business women, she always adds her own personal touch to her style and always has fun with her edgy accessories. 

My Mom! Growing up, I always admired my mom's sense of style and her passion for fashion. I've learn all my best tricks from her but she still always surprises me with her boldness and creativity.

Sarah Man, Art Director

1. Always wear clothes that help you hide your potential food baby. This is a must.

2. I would like to think that I was never a part of the UGGS moment.... but I was.

3. Local creative, Bianca Venerayan. Her style is quirky, without trying to blend into trendy uniformity, or look like everyone else. She successfully styles herself uniquely and stylishly. 

Celebrity stylist, Monica Rose. She's the stylist responsible for the "it girl" looks of the likes of Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Chrissy Teigen, and Chanel Iman. How she styles her clients are an extension of her cool, effortless, and minimal personal style, which I really admire!

Sidney Tsao, Design Editor

1. I live by the men's section. Men's clothing often gets the same budget as women's clothing but is of higher quality due to selected styles. I can find all of my minimal needs there for a cheaper price and of higher quality!

2. Biggest fashion faux pas is not being yourself. Don't fall into trends if it isn't you!

3. I don't have any person specific in mind, but I love minimal fashion- and men's clothing is blessed.

And finally... Graeme's secret revealed:

"It's better to feel confident than follow trends (especially dumb ones)"

Don't forget to follow us @rad_magazine !! More posts and videos to come.

Want to know the secret of getting to know someone really fast? Look in their bag. Seriously, bags hold much more than just your wallet and snacks, they hold some of the biggest keys into our personalities. Whether you’re the organized, minimal type with only the essentials, or the scattered hoarder whose bag weighs about a ton, “the bag” is a beautiful tell on how you conduct your day-to-day lives. So, we thought what better way to introduce our RADmag team to the world. Which brings us to our first installment of our "What's In My Bag" segment, featuring our amazingly-talented Editor-in-Chief, Graeme Montgomery. 

Remember to look out for our next post to get the answer to Graeme's style secret! 

A Ryerson Fashion Communications grad and RADmag's very own former Art Director, Kelly Nguyen describes herself as an "illustrator and digital art director/content creator" who has worked in many areas of design. She now works at John St. Advertising in downtown Toronto- a self-proclaimed "creative collaborative" agency. Take a look for some insight on Kelly's perspective on branding, inspiration, and adapting to the (oh-so scary seeming) real-world out of University, as well as some of her own designs.

How would you describe your time at Ryerson in terms of preparing you for the creative industry? 

To be program specific, in Fashion Communications we had a chance to explore multiple creative techniques, all of which made me and my skill what I am today. Dabbling into a bit of everything allowed me to understand different mediums and develop an eye accordingly. I think preparing for our year end shows had a huge impact as well. Spending a full year developing a creative concept of your very own gives you that sense of independence and professionalism that can be taken further into the industry.

How has the transition been between school and the industry? What would you say has been the most difficult part?

It’s been relatively smooth but can still be a little intimidating sometimes. I often get that lingering thought that “this is the real world and people are depending on me to do my job well,” where in school I could make a mistake and know that I’d still be “safe” on some level.

What about adapting to your job?

To be honest it wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be. I think if you know what you want and know what you’re good at, finding a job that speaks to those things feels second nature.

Let's talk a little about branding- how much effort do you think you dedicate to creating an aesthetic?

My work ranges a lot because I go from illustration and graphic design to art direction in photography and editorial. So I’m always trying to find a way to balance both and figure out how I can turn that into my own brand and aesthetic.    

How does your job inspire your personal brand? 

Right now I work in advertising which means I’m involved with multiple brands. Not all of them inspire me, but they do allow me to understand how to cater to different markets and personalities. I think because what I do here is a little different from what I want my brand to be, it gives me the chance to take a step back and look at my personal work in a different perspective.  

It's pretty easy to find inspiration- but how would you say you channel inspiration? 

Sometimes you just have to let your mind wander and put things together that may not necessarily go together. Often times the most interesting things are the ones that don’t really make sense, but do once put under a different light. 

That being said, what's one creative piece that really inspired you recently? 

I’ve been quite obsessed with the new Kenzo perfume campaign directed by Spike Jonze. It takes the ideal Kenzo woman, someone who stands out from the crowd, who is energetic and quirky, and puts it into this unexpected short film that doesn’t seem to have much context until the very end where Maragret Qually jumps through a gigantic floral Kenzo eye.

We hear you did a semester in Amsterdam, what did you take from the experience? 

YOLO, seriously. My semester is Amsterdam is a huge part of who I am right now. I used to be extremely introverted and very afraid of taking chances. And then I went to Amsterdam and was forced to be out there, to make something of myself in a place where I didn’t really know the anyone or the culture. And then being in a program where they so heavily push creativity and conceptual thinking, changed me in the most positive ways possible. 

Do you see yourself ending up in Toronto? If not, where? 

I see myself going back to Europe or somewhere in the states like L.A or New York. It’s good to challenge yourself with a change of pace. At the end of the day though, I think I’ll always come back to Toronto because it’s home.

To finish things off, what's one thing you think one tip every design student should know before entering the "real world"?

Surround yourself with fellow creatives and be open to criticism. Look to the people who you can trust to be honest with you. There’s nothing worse than being put on a pedestal and then falling off of it when you enter the real world. Know that anything can be a learning experience.  

 What about one design product must-have? 

A good old sketch book. Take the time to reflect on things that inspire you in a doodle or words.

Now that the school year is officially underway (yay?) and weather is starting to feel more like the season we know and love oh-so-much, we took it upon ourselves to browse around campus for Ryerson’s very own trendsetters. More importantly, we searched the Gould-streets for an insight into student’s closets.

Dare I say it? Although this scorching hot weather may create false hope in our minds...Fall is right around the corner, (AKA welcome back to school). All jokes aside, the start of a new school year brings in a rush of new emotions - whether it be the pure joy of entering your final year, or the sheer anxiety of navigating the (Kerr) halls as a first year. No matter what the feeling, it is always a good idea to arrive prepared - which is why the RADmag team and I have put together a list of top spots around campus to help ease this transition.

“Spend the first week of classes figuring out how to take the best notes for yourself. Just because you got that new MacBook doesn’t mean you need to use Evernote etc. I find that handwriting in Muji notebooks helps me pay attention in class, be more organized, and remember the material” - Graeme Montgomery, Editor in Chief

The Hub                                                                                                                          Located on the first floor of the Podium building (P.O.D), The Hub Café has become one of my favourite spots to grab a quick salad in between classes. My go-to includes a trio of mixed greens, feta, cucumbers, carrots, chickpeas, and guacamole (don’t fear, this is not like Chipotle, guac is NOT extra). When I feel like being extra fancy I’ll add in some chicken or falafel for that protein boost. Not only are the portions large, but they are extremely affordable, protein included the salad comes to under $10.

“Keep a detailed calendar from day one. No matter how good you think you are at remembering things, there will come a day when you forget one of five assignments that are due that week” - Sasha Downie-Ross, Content Creator

Elm Street This street, which sits directly across from the SLC (Student Learning Centre), houses two of my all time favourite lunch spots. Patties Express and TLP Sandwich Co. are both prime lunches for the meat-lovers around campus (however there are vegetarian options). My top choices are two of the spicy beef patties at (Patties Express), which comes to under $5, and The Harrison Sandwich at TLP (which are for those days when I’m ready splurge).

“Learn how to use the school printers sooner than later. You don’t want to be running around an hour before your paper is due trying to figure them out. Trust me.” - Kira Anderson, Event Manager

Loblaws at Maple Leaf Gardens                                                                                         Now…I have been dubbed the potato queen more than a few times in my life…so I am confident in saying, I know my potatoes. Located right at Church and Carlton, you will find some of the best fries in the city for under $3. Loblaws is no longer just a grocery store, but the holy grail of hot and cold lunches.

“Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Step out of your comfort zone - you’ll be surprised at how much you are capable of” - Sidney Tsao, Design Editor

Dineen Coffee Co.                                                                                                                     A short walk away from campus, right at the corner of Temperance and Yonge, you will find a darling coffee shop that is more than just instagram worthy. With killer espresso and mouth-watering pastries, Dineen’s is the perfect spot for an afternoon break. Even though this joint is off campus, it is the ultimate filler for those dreaded 3-6 hour gaps in between class.

“The quinoa burger with a side of onion rings from Oakham Cafe is the only meal you’ll ever need … and … wear pink on wednesdays” - Connor Remus, Managing Editor

7th Floor SLC and Basil Box                                                                                                With the addition of the SLC, it has become much easier to find a spot on campus to study, whether it be in between classes or before exams. Tip: some floors are much better than others, hence the title (7th Floor SLC). With bright colours filling the walls on most levels, the 7th floor provides much more relaxing experience with white and grey accents. Additionally, the 7th floor is a quiet zone, meaning you have a better chance at getting work done. Better yet you are only steps away from Basil Box which is directly attached to the building - which makes those late night cram sessions much easier to bare. The 7th floor has become a go-to meeting spot for the RADmag team - so, if you spot us pop in and say hello!

“Bridges are your friends; learn where they are, and remember how to get to them. Your non-frozen fingers and toes will thank you for it” - Megan Kwan, Copy Editor

Never underestimate the power of a well-designed bookshelf. Whether it be crammed and overflowing, or neat and alphabetized, bookshelves possess a narrative that goes beyond the books and into the owner itself. That’s right, I said it - bookshelves can say just as much about a person as their wardrobe does - it even bares the same “hoarding-prone” characteristics. Sometimes the aesthetic appeal alone is warrant enough for a spot on your shelf. However, knowing when to ditch and when to add is as much a part of the styling process as great finds.

I’ve highlighted a few of my go-to rules for inspiration, because let’s be real, you do not need to be a literary god to have a stunning bookshelf.

1. Create a theme

Start by deciding on a theme that represents you as a person. This could be anything from organizing by size, subject or colour. Once you’ve decided on a system, maintaining cleanliness and mastering decor becomes much easier. Personally, I am much more of an organized chaos kind of gal, but that doesn’t mean there’s no order - it just means what may looks like a disaster to some, is actually carefully assembled.

2. Don’t forget about space

Even if you are the type to make disorganized chaos look chic, don’t forget to consider space. Leaving room for negative space will create contrast between your books and decorative objects. Furthermore, it will help your bookshelf breathe, automatically transforming it from stuffy to modern. Designating white space will also allow you to personalize the shelves, for instance including picture frames or accessories.

3. Don’t be afraid to push the boundaries

For all you rule breakers out there… this one's for you. If we’re thinking basics - strictly down to the thought of bookshelves - then sure, they may seem pretty boring. However, bookshelves are exceptionally versatile in the world of design, because they are limitless - they can truly take on any form. Whether you choose to use it purely for books, or for maximum storage (plants, artwork, you name it) bookshelves allow you to add your own spin on the classic staple.

RADmag was lucky enough to get a chance to chat with Megan Campagnolo, the designer behind Toronto-famous brand Rosehound Apparel. The nostalgic line, which features pins, patches, and an abundance of cute accessories is sure to resonate in the hearts of 90’s babies alike. Rosehound currently has stockists both across the city (chances are you’ve seen her designs in stores like The Likely General or Coal Miner’s Daughter) and internationally, from the U.K to Japan. A former Ram and grad of Ryerson’s School of Fashion, here's our sit-down with Megan on how she started her own business, the importance of personal branding, and her plans for the future.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and where your love for design began...

When I was a kid I really wanted to be a writer, actually. I wrote so many novellas and even won a few contest prizes until I got to high school and couldn't really get past what the character was wearing. I began only really writing the beginning of stories which eventually became more fashion-esque drawings. I developed a sense of style when I was very young, and was the first in my grade to wear make-up (silver eyeliner in grade 4). I learned how to sew when I was 6, when my mom enrolled me in sewing school because she thought I was too young to use a machine.

So, you're a former Ram. Why Ryerson? Are there any particular highlights about your time spent there or how it encouraged your entrepreneurial spirits?

When I was 16 I stubbornly announced I was going to fashion school, and the most competitive program in Ontario for it was available at Ryerson. It was grueling...and years at school really diminished my love for it. I pressed on, took an extra year, and interned as much as possible. During that time, I interned for a similar business to mine, which folded. My frustration with that company really fuelled me into thinking, "I could do this".

How would you describe your brand? We recently wrote about how important personal branding is for the blog - how early on did you establish one for yourself?

I think that personal branding was integral to creating Rosehound. I get a ton of inspiration from the things I like, and have a very specific colour scheme that compliments everything I create. I think I began establishing my own personal brand when I was going into grade nine...and despite all of the phases I've been through since then, I find myself still interested in the same things. In grade nine is when I started hand painting sweaters, ripping jeans, collecting records, and watching camp movies like Rocky Horror Picture Show and Crybaby. It's crazy to see what repeats itself, and how nostalgia has really played into what I reference for Rosehound.

Rosehound really blew up- congratulations on that! When did you know you wanted to start your own brand? Can you tell us a little bit about your conception and design processes?

During my last few months at Ryerson, when we were creating our final graduation collection, is when it finally clicked that all along I wanted to be a designer. I was going through a big time Twin Peaks phase at the time, which shouldn't be surprising. Back then I knew that I wanted to do more casual wear, like shirts and sweatshirts and accessories. Most of my ideas come when I am watching movies or listening to music. I let them manifest in my mind until I have time to draw, and start doodling.

Now, let's talk business logistics: how much of this did you have to learn on your own?

I'm going to say that even though I learned how to sew everything from a leather jacket to a ball gown at Ryerson...my entrepreneurial skills were extremely limited coming out of school. A few poor financial decisions and years passed, and I still feel like I am walking around with my head cut off sometimes.

What would you say was one of the biggest challenges you faced in terms of growth and starting your own business?

For me, time management and future planning has always been an issue. I'm currently trying to get in the habit of starting on collections much earlier on than I currently do.

On the flip side, what's one piece of advice you'd give to grads looking to start their own brands, too…

I know it's insanely cliche, but don't give up! Sometimes things can take a year or two to get off the ground, which was completely the case for me. You'd be surprised how resourceful you can be, but I didn't see any money until almost a year after I started my brand, when pins started blowing up. You're constantly learning and have to keep your chin up. When things get crazy, I try to remember to go to Texworld in New York every January and July, where they have lots of great seminars that always centre me and remind me what I'm doing here. I am actually going next week.

To finish things off, let's talk a little about what's next for you? What are your goals for the brand in the next five years?

I'd love to focus more on clothing! I still want to create pins and patches, but I want to go back to what I originally started on. I'm also interested in taking a shoe-making course and a ceramics course to expand my brand into new mediums. Alex and I are planning to move to Los Angeles, where we can continue to grow.

For more on Rosehound, check out http://www.rosehoundapparel.com/  and follow them on Instagram.

Jenny Barron is a fourth year Creative Industries student at Ryerson. Splitting her time between specialities of Interior Design and Printing and Publishing (formerly known as Graphic Communications Management), Jenny has masterly created a portfolio that pushes beyond one sole medium. Her work beautifully merges digital graphics with her ink-drawn, self-proclaimed doodles. I say self-proclaimed because these doodles are really much more than doodles. They are detail-filled with a complexity that instantly pulls you in. Much like she credits her influencers, I see her work and it kills me.

I sat down with Jenny to get some insight into her methods and go-to’s for inspiration.

RADmag: What are you most inspired by?

Jenny: My first obsession were doodles, and then shoes! Definitely shoes!

think we can all agree, talented is an understatement when it comes to Jenny and her jaw-droppingly realistic designs. But for her it is much more than just her photorealistic eye, it is her want to self express - “I want to be able to put myself in it”. Jenny describes her inclusion of Katakana lettering and favourite characters as a way of referencing herself and cultural background in her work.

Brimming with detail, Jenny’s designs also make for the perfect fashion piece, which can be seen in her 94’ branded graphic tees (you can see the shirt in our cover pic!). Using a heat transfer method, Jenny has made numerous original prints, which let’s face it, are so. damn. cool. (I’m eagerly waiting for mine).

RADmag: Are there any artists that have inspired your work?  

Jenny: Kerby Rosanes, he’s this illustrator from the Philippines that works with black ink pens and when I saw his work it killed me. Also Hayao Miyazaki and Yohji Yamamoto, they are both favourites of mine.

RADmag: What do you want to do after you graduate?

Jenny: I want to travel to Japan and learn more about my culture while also exploring the language, fashion and design that inspire my work. But most of all I just want to doodle.

RADmag: Can you see your designs turning into a brand or business in the future?

Jenny: Yes! That’s definitely a goal of mine. I’d love to start making tees that specifically reflect Toronto and my on-going experiences as an artist.

Want to see more of Jenny’s stunning work? Follow @jennaybarron on Instagram!

Jenny Barron is a fourth year Creative Industries student at Ryerson. Splitting her time between specialities of Interior Design and Printing and Publishing (formerly known as Graphic Communications Management), Jenny has masterly created a portfolio that pushes beyond one sole medium. Her work beautifully merges digital graphics with her ink-drawn, self-proclaimed doodles. I say self-proclaimed because these doodles are really much more than doodles. They are detail-filled with a complexity that instantly pulls you in. Much like she credits her influencers, I see her work and it kills me.

I sat down with Jenny to get some insight into her methods and go-to’s for inspiration.

RADmag: What are you most inspired by?

Jenny: My first obsession were doodles, and then shoes! Definitely shoes!

think we can all agree, talented is an understatement when it comes to Jenny and her jaw-droppingly realistic designs. But for her it is much more than just her photorealistic eye, it is her want to self express - “I want to be able to put myself in it”. Jenny describes her inclusion of Katakana lettering and favourite characters as a way of referencing herself and cultural background in her work.

Brimming with detail, Jenny’s designs also make for the perfect fashion piece, which can be seen in her 94’ branded graphic tees (you can see the shirt in our cover pic!). Using a heat transfer method, Jenny has made numerous original prints, which let’s face it, are so. damn. cool. (I’m eagerly waiting for mine).

  RADmag: Are there any artists that have inspired your work?  

Jenny: Kerby Rosanes, he’s this illustrator from the Philippines that works with black ink pens and when I saw his work it killed me. Also Hayao Miyazaki and Yohji Yamamoto, they are both favourites of mine.

RADmag: What do you want to do after you graduate?

Jenny: I want to travel to Japan and learn more about my culture while also exploring the language, fashion and design that inspire my work. But most of all I just want to doodle.

RADmag: Can you see your designs turning into a brand or business in the future?

Jenny: Yes! That’s definitely a goal of mine. I’d love to start making tees that specifically reflect Toronto and my on-going experiences as an artist.

Want to see more of Jenny’s stunning work? Follow @jennaybarron on Instagram!

Jenny Barron is a fourth year Creative Industries student at Ryerson. Splitting her time between specialities of Interior Design and Printing and Publishing (formerly known as Graphic Communications Management), Jenny has masterly created a portfolio that pushes beyond one sole medium. Her work beautifully merges digital graphics with her ink-drawn, self-proclaimed doodles. I say self-proclaimed because these doodles are really much more than doodles. They are detail-filled with a complexity that instantly pulls you in. Much like she credits her influencers, I see her work and it kills me.

I sat down with Jenny to get some insight into her methods and go-to’s for inspiration.

RADmag: What are you most inspired by?

Jenny: My first obsession were doodles, and then shoes! Definitely shoes!

think we can all agree, talented is an understatement when it comes to Jenny and her jaw-droppingly realistic designs. But for her it is much more than just her photorealistic eye, it is her want to self express - “I want to be able to put myself in it”. Jenny describes her inclusion of Katakana lettering and favourite characters as a way of referencing herself and cultural background in her work.

Brimming with detail, Jenny’s designs also make for the perfect fashion piece, which can be seen in her 94’ branded graphic tees (you can see the shirt in our cover pic!). Using a heat transfer method, Jenny has made numerous original prints, which let’s face it, are so. damn. cool. (I’m eagerly waiting for mine).

  RADmag: Are there any artists that have inspired your work?  

Jenny: Kerby Rosanes, he’s this illustrator from the Philippines that works with black ink pens and when I saw his work it killed me. Also Hayao Miyazaki and Yohji Yamamoto, they are both favourites of mine.

RADmag: What do you want to do after you graduate?

Jenny: I want to travel to Japan and learn more about my culture while also exploring the language, fashion and design that inspire my work. But most of all I just want to doodle.

RADmag: Can you see your designs turning into a brand or business in the future?

Jenny: Yes! That’s definitely a goal of mine. I’d love to start making tees that specifically reflect Toronto and my on-going experiences as an artist.

Branding Series Pt. 1: Establishing A Brand

Branding is a crucial component in today’s professional world, especially online. When it comes to personal branding (yes, you have to start thinking of yourself as your own brand), everything you put out in the world becomes a curated, mediated thing. Though, as noted by Meg Button, CEO of Nuscreen Inc., a digital marketing and branding firm in downtown Toronto, it is crucial to make sure your offline persona is equally as perfected: be sure to work on the real-life version of yourself that can't edit-before-you-speak, that has emotions and will need to perform live - every day.

On one end, students (and all creators as a whole) must be articulate and purposeful with what content they publish- yet it should also never feel forced. From a business perspective, determine your own personal value proposition- that is, what you have to offer to the world, and build a brand based off that. This will yield the most successful, honest result that translates well in a professional way. Thinking of yourself as a unique skillset (using branding as a way to frame it) will help you to conceptualize what exactly a brand is- no fluffy marketing buzzwords needed.

I’ve broken down my branding guide into three simple steps to consider whether you’re just getting your personal brand started or you’re a seasoned pro looking for some refining.

1. Visual Consistency:

Yup, we’ve all heard the word aesthetic about a hundred times, but it truly is an important way to set yourself apart in a world of similar social media accounts. Visuals are everything (a picture really does say a thousand words), and is one of the quickest ways to get a message across to an audience. Communicating who you are through a group of photos can benefit your career and help you align with like-minded/similar people. In fact, in this digital age, it is almost a necessity to have your own website, especially if you’re a creative. Making a highly visual, dynamic sight is as easy as spelling ‘Squarespace’, right? This opens more opportunities for collaboration! Perfecting visual composition/content (a time-consuming and oftentimes difficult task), will be covered in the second part of our series with some tips for creative pros- so be sure to stay tuned for that!

2. Voice :

Complementary to stand-out visuals, the words you use are equally as important as what you/your brand look like. They come in a package, and tone and word choice are everything. Take a moment to establish your own professional (or not) tone, and stick to it. That’s the most important thing. If you use emojis, always use emojis, if you luv a gr8 shortened word, do it. RADmag sticks to only a handful of emojis and stays away from too many exclamation points. At the end of the day, consistency will make your brand stronger. This will help to establish a unified persona that further bolsters your brand and hireability. This especially goes for the keywords/language you use on your resume, LinkedIn, and even blogs.                                               

3. Demographic:

Knowing your demographic is actually key (not just something you learned once in your Marketing 101 course). In simpler terms, every message has an audience, and so, you have to know your audience to properly tailor your messaging to them. It’s important to find a balance between talking to peers, and potential employers/collaborators- but just be yourself! It doesn’t need to be as in depth as you think (no SWOT analysis necessary) but a general idea of who your posts will be reaching that you should consider prior to posting.

There is often a huge misconception around interior decorating that you need to spend a lot for quality designs. This notion is 100% false. It’s not about over-spending and changing everything, it’s about finding one or two pieces that help tie everything else together. In actuality, you’d be surprised what a couple accent pieces can do for a space. After all, your home is your retreat, and you should take the time to ensure that you’re happy with it. Like our design editor, Sidney Tsao says “think about what problem you are trying to resolve through your design and simplify your solution over and over until you have the most efficient design”.

To help ignite some inspiration, I’ve searched through some of my favourite Toronto stores to find classic pieces that can work for you.

CB2:

What can I say about CB2. It’s AH-MAZING. But seriously, whether you are a student or a 9-to-5er, you are sure to find something that suites your personal lifestyle. Not only is the selection to die for, but they have tons of affordable pieces. I am really into greenery right now, so any excuse to invite plants into my room - I’m going to take.

These vases from CB2 are not only geometrically fabulous but they allow us to embrace the botanist in all of us. Start with a small cactus or aloe plant - remember low maintenance is key for beginners - and I promise you won’t regret it. Plants provide more than just colour and freshness, they can seriously elevate a room in seconds!

Ikea:

Who doesn’t love Ikea? I can just remember walking around as a kid, pretending I lived in each display (long before 500 Days Of Summer made it look cute). Long story short, Ikea pretty much invented the hunger for a perfectly designed house. What’s even better is everything is so cheap! You can take the simplest wooden nightstand and turn it into a minimally-chic storage system.

Urban Outfitters:

When decorating our homes we often focus on bedrooms and living areas and neglect the kitchen. I’ll let you in on a little secret… kitchens are the most important room in a house. Now that might just be the foodie in me talking, but kitchens can seriously make or break a house. I love browsing Urban Outfitter’s apartment section because they really do have the coolest kitchenware.

Brika:

Brika is conveniently located on Queen West, though they also have an impressive online store. They support independent artisans, so there’s also a wide variety in the styles of pieces available. With affordable art, home decor, and accessories, Brika is the coolest spot for eclectic gifts (with online gift categories under $30 and $50). This recipe organizer includes a screen printed design (on birch plywood- finished with a local beeswax) which makes for a cute yet practical addition to any room.

You can also follow our Insta @RAD_Magazine for weekly design inspiration!

There is often a huge misconception around interior decorating that you need to spend a lot for quality designs. This notion is 100% false. It’s not about over-spending and changing everything, it’s about finding one or two pieces that help tie everything else together. In actuality, you’d be surprised what a couple accent pieces can do for a space. After all, your home is your retreat, and you should take the time to ensure that you’re happy with it. Like our design editor, Sidney Tsao says “think about what problem you are trying to resolve through your design and simplify your solution over and over until you have the most efficient design”.

To help ignite some inspiration, I’ve searched through some of my favourite Toronto stores to find classic pieces that can work for you.

CB2:

What can I say about CB2. It’s AH-MAZING. But seriously, whether you are a student or a 9-to-5er, you are sure to find something that suites your personal lifestyle. Not only is the selection to die for, but they have tons of affordable pieces. I am really into greenery right now, so any excuse to invite plants into my room - I’m going to take.

These vases from CB2 are not only geometrically fabulous but they allow us to embrace the botanist in all of us. Start with a small cactus or aloe plant - remember low maintenance is key for beginners - and I promise you won’t regret it. Plants provide more than just colour and freshness, they can seriously elevate a room in seconds!

Ikea:

Who doesn’t love Ikea? I can just remember walking around as a kid, pretending I lived in each display (long before 500 Days Of Summer made it look cute). Long story short, Ikea pretty much invented the hunger for a perfectly designed house. What’s even better is everything is so cheap! You can take the simplest wooden nightstand and turn it into a minimally-chic storage system.

Urban Outfitters:

When decorating our homes we often focus on bedrooms and living areas and neglect the kitchen. I’ll let you in on a little secret… kitchens are the most important room in a house. Now that might just be the foodie in me talking, but kitchens can seriously make or break a house. I love browsing Urban Outfitter’s apartment section because they really do have the coolest kitchenware.

Brika:

Brika is conveniently located on Queen West, though they also have an impressive online store. They support independent artisans, so there’s also a wide variety in the styles of pieces available. With affordable art, home decor, and accessories, Brika is the coolest spot for eclectic gifts (with online gift categories under $30 and $50). This recipe organizer includes a screen printed design (on birch plywood- finished with a local beeswax) which makes for a cute yet practical addition to any room.

You can also follow our Insta @RAD_Magazine for weekly design inspiration!