Last week I had the pleasure of attending an AIGA lecture in Denver by PAPRIKA'S Louis Gagnon. Paprika is a Montreal-based graphic design and strategic marketing firm which has won over 400 national and international design awards. They continually push the limits of graphic design, and seek local and international clients who aim to think globally.

Louis was humble and sweet in his presentation style, as English is his second language (French being first). The French influence was obvious in his studio's work, which was simple, elegant, innovative, memorable, and subtle. At the core of every project was a clever concept. The execution was never heavy-handed.

One of my favorite pieces was a holiday window installation — an ice tree for the store, Domison.

Louis' advise to young designers: 

1. Stop reading designer blogs & magazines

A designer should develop one's own style, and not be too influenced by the work of others.

2. Entertain Curiosity

Don't limit one's creative interest to graphic design. Allow the influence of other fields into one's orbit: fashion, architecture, and other cultural forces.

3. Cultivate Passion

Louis is always working. Especially on long walks in the countryside on the weekends. Seek potential solutions in the woods.