Meet Caelin Lloyd – a busy 17-year-old student, an active CNIB program participant and volunteer from Bridgetown, N.S.
When Caelin heard CNIB was thinking about designing a new logo for the CNIB Learning Academy, he took it upon himself to create something spectacular. We spoke to him about his volunteer experience with CNIB and how he designed the logo.
How long have you volunteered with CNIB? How did you get involved?
I have been a client of CNIB for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t have much involvement with the organization until I applied for the SCORE (Skills, Confidence, Opportunities through Recreation and Education) program in 2020. Rhonda Underhill-Gray and Stephanie Pilon interviewed me, which led to volunteering with other Children and Youth programs.
The CNIB team is beyond impressed with what you created. Tell us more about the project and why you decided to take it on.
There had been multiple mentions of a creating symbol to represent the new umbrella of CNIB Learning Academy programs. Once the new year rolled around, it was time to start promoting the SCORE Scholars, Junior Explorers, and Young Achievers programs, and we wanted to have a unique graphic to represent the three program offerings.
I thought it would be an opportunity for a piece of my work to be used and recognized for an extended period instead of the event-specific work I often create.
I understand you’re self-taught. How did you learn about the principles of graphic design, Adobe Illustrator software, etc.?
I’ll level with you – I have no idea what the principles of graphic design are. My design is based on my previous two years of participating in CNIB’s programming and working with CNIB’s brand on various projects. I am self-taught in Adobe Illustrator, and I was able to transfer concepts from my previous work with Inkscape and Affinity Designer. I mainly learned by figuring it out as I went, and trial and error. Google is a very useful tool for folks that learn this way.
What went into the creation of the logo? What was your creative process like?
My logo is based primarily on the SCORE Scholars program, which is the final step in the three-tiered series of Learning Academy programs. SCORE Scholars is a program that teaches skills through experiential learning for post-secondary and career goals, so I chose to highlight the education portion, as it can also symbolize transition.
Why did you choose the iconography that you did? What message do you think your design conveys?
My goal with this design wasn’t to reinvent the wheel. Instead, I incorporated CNIB’s black, white, and yellow brush stroke style and the existing iconography and built on that.
The final design includes half (one face) of CNIB’s “programs” icon with a graduation cap. On the surface, this highlights the Learning Academy’s goal of preparing students for success in post-secondary. It also shows how our programs prepare students for transition in their lives, whether it's throughout their education journeys or in the world of employment.
In designing it, I made sure it would fit in with CNIB’s other logos, such as Come to Work and CNIB Lake Joe.
How would you describe your design to someone who is blind?
This design features a brushstroke outline of a smiling face viewed from the side. The illustrated student is wearing a yellow graduation cap with a tassel hanging down the left side.
How does it feel to see your work as part of CNIB’s branding?
It is very exciting that this piece will be used as part of CNIB’s brand. This piece will impact the Learning Academy program for years to come.
Do you have any interest in pursuing a career in graphic design or illustration – or is this just a fun hobby?
I’m not interested in making a career in graphic design; however, I believe it is a valuable skill for any future career or hobby. I hope it will serve me well as I pursue post-secondary education in the public relations field.
I understand you’re attending SCORE this summer. What are you looking forward to learning/participating in at SCORE?
I am looking forward to refining my self-advocacy skills and job readiness at SCORE this summer. I also look forward to meeting peers and other role models with sight loss and learning from their experiences.
Follow Caelin on social media:
Twitter: @caelinlloyd
Instagram: @caelinlloyd
Facebook: @caelinjrlloyd
Website: https://caelinlloyd.ca