Athena believes that function and beauty are not mutually exclusive. A principled and creative leader whose biggest passion is finding solutions to client problems, Athena strives to fully integrate graphic design with the UX process. Her long and winding journey from the United States to Canada has given her a unique combination of design skills and broad industry experience.

Outside of work, Athena can be found reading, traveling, and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Athena holds a BFA in Graphic Design from the Rochester Institute of Technology (1998) and is a Registered Graphic Designer (RGD).

www.akendi.com

Chris Briand is a Graphic Designer from the Maritimes with a decade of experience in print, with a primary focus in packaging.

Chris specializes in product development and brand voice, using his skills to consult startups and individuals establishing their brands. He brings a realistic, organized approach to design, looking for solutions within reach.

With extreme attention to detail, Chris lead the production design of gift packaging at Montreal-based tea retailer DAVIDsTEA while assisting in the visual evolution of the brand. His work can be seen online, on the shelves of their retail locations across North America, and possibly in your next birthday gift.

When not designing, Chris can be spotted traveling, practicing circus arts, and eating large amounts of peanut butter.

www.chrisbriand.com

Paddy has over fifteen years experience in branding, strategy, and design. He has degrees in literature and architecture and has worked in research, architecture, advertising, and design. His clients have included The New York Jets and Giants, Coca-Cola, McDonald's, Unilever, the Holy City of Mecca, Li-Ning, and the Fogo Island Inn in Newfoundland. He is an award-winning writer and filmmaker and has spoken at several design conferences as well as at Brown, Harvard, and the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing. Paddy was formerly the SVP Design Innovation and digital creative director at Indigo Books and, prior to that, executive creative director at Bruce Mau Design.

www.frontier.is

Julian is the designer and entrepreneur behind the motion design studio ON THE CHASE!. Just under ten years young, OTC! has won international awards and collaborated with diverse clients ranging from retailer Shoppers Drug Mart and consulting giant Deloitte, to video game maker Ubisoft and charity WWF. His videos have racked up millions of views and he has been profiled in design magazines as a rising young talent. A proud member of the Association of Registered Graphic Designers (RGD), Julian is a past-VP on the RGD Board of Directors and an avid speaker and design advocate. He is a graduate of Toronto's York/Sheridan Design Degree program, a world traveller and, most recently, a proud and terrified father.

www.onthechase.com

Elen Winata is an art director and illustrator based in Singapore who ironically hates writing in 3rd person.Her works span across different mediums such as illustration, digital, design and advertising. Over the years, she has provided illustrations for brands like Google, The Times of London, Airbnb, Swoon Reads, Uber, SilkAir, Unilever and Starbucks. She has also been awarded at The One Show, D&AD, Communication Arts and The FWA.Her works are known for their clean lines and vibrant colours, which are held together by simple but thought provoking ideas.When she's not pushing pixels, you can find her surfing memes, doodling quotes and stalking the neighbourhood cat.

www.elenwinata.com