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UBCO Innovation Precinct UBC Industry Partner Signage
The UBC Okanagan Campus Innovation Precinct Signage System Design and Co-Branding Guidelines are designed to celebrate and co-brand UBC and…
UBCO Innovation Precinct UBC Industry Partner Signage
The UBC Okanagan Campus Innovation Precinct Signage System Design and Co-Branding Guidelines are designed to celebrate and co-brand UBC and industry partnerships, while creating a distinctive neighbourhood character for the University’s Innovation Precinct. They provide a consistent yet flexible standard for the co-branding of UBC with UBC Industry Partners. The system seeks to enhance UBC’s profile as a leading global research university by promoting strong industry partnerships, supporting engagement with the wider UBC community, and ensuring a tier-one design standard—brand integrity—across the Okanagan campus and beyond, including all off-campus Innovation Precinct sites.
System Design Development and Strategy
Design of Signs and Signage System
Design Guidelines Development / Writing / Design
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A reminder for these uncertain times
Our living democracy requires an informed and engaged electorate. We have an opportunity to keep democracy alive through our voices;…
A reminder for these uncertain times
Our living democracy requires an informed and engaged electorate.
We have an opportunity to keep democracy alive through our voices;
for the sake of all those world citizens who are losing, or have lost, theirs.Whatever our personal circumstances—
however uncertain or challenging they might be—
right here and right now,
we are fortunate to be in Canada,
on Canadian soil. -
Arlene Cotter . . .
I’m a Vancouver design professional who collaborates with cross-functional teams in the design and delivery of socially, environmentally and economically sustainable projects…
Arlene Cotter . . .
A B O U T A R L E N E C O T T E R
Arlene Cotter is a Vancouver design professional who collaborates with cross-functional teams in the design and delivery of socially, environmentally and economically sustainable projects that brand 2D/3D/digital/social spaces, communications and environments in both the public and private sectors.
P R O F E S S I O N A L P R O F I L E
Designer | Design Director | Strategist | Consultant
Environmental Graphic Designer
Integrates function with form by synthesizing research and project criteria to create award-winning, multi-platform design solutions for stakeholders.
Design Strategist
Develops integrative design frameworks for scaled systems and programs that brand communications in 2D/3D/digital/social spaces and environments.
Design Director and Project Manager
Connects cross-functional public/private sector teams through collaborative processes that support project goals from the design brief, ideation, budgets, critical path, production and implementation through to completion.
Content Creator
Explores diverse client/consultant perspectives to develop concepts, narratives, proposals, communications and design-driven solutions, that are creative, informed, culturally relevant, innovative and effective.
Whole Systems Designer
Contributes professionally and personally to a socially, environmentally and economically sustainable world.
A W A R D S A N D R E C O G N I T I O N
Partial Listing OnlyAmerican Institute of Graphic Arts | Communication Arts Magazine | Eberhard Faber | Georgie | Graphex | Lotus | International Council of Shopping Centers | National Post Design Exchange Effectiveness in Design | Fine Paper Mills | Sappi Fine Paper Ideas That Matter | SAM | Society for Experiential Graphic Design (SEGD) | Studio Magazine | University and College Designers Association (UCDA) | Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) | The Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE)
E D U C A T I O N A N D A C C R E D I T A T I O N
Please use menu icon to visit: www.linkedin.com/in/arlene-cotter
Graphic Designers of Canada (CGD™ Certified / Agréé CGD™)
M O T I V A T I O N
A systems thinker, I like big, messy and difficult communication challenges. As a designer, design strategist and writer, I’ve collaborated on countless communication projects in both the public and private sectors.
C O L L A B O R A T I O N
The diversity of my design projects reflects solid experience and an integrative approach to design. I’m always interested in working with people who are passionate about what they do. Please contact me to discuss opportunities for professional projects. I live and work in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
P E R S O N A L P R O J E C T S
Synthesized of words and images, my personal projects reflect thoughts about creativity, healing and transformation.
a r l e n e is a space for me to share creative projects that encourage transformation across the continuum of human experience. I’ve collaborated on countless communication projects in both the public and private sectors. At some point, the volume of professional work has become too cumbersome to share on a website and, frankly, maybe not all that critical.
We live in a world driven largely by economics and the reality is that so many of my favourite projects were significant not for financial reasons but because I really believed in them. From early in my career I focused on projects for the public good—long before design for the public good became fashionable. In fact, I named my first consultancy PUBLIK Information Design Inc. and penned a mandate to serve socially responsible clients, responsibly.
a r l e n e samples recent work as well as archives from past projects that are meaningful for me because the people, the communication challenge and/or the ideas were stimulating. Whether profound or playful, macro or micro in scope, these projects have been catalysts for constructive change.
selfArchive is a monthly column published by arlenecotter.com about being human in the present moment, aka . . . Now.
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We breathe the same air . . .
We’re all connected. We breathe the same air. If a Flu vaccination is safe for you, and doesn’t compromise your…
We breathe the same air . . .
We’re all connected.
We breathe the same air.
If a Flu vaccination is safe for you,
and doesn’t compromise your beliefs,
you can keep all of us safe by first guarding
your own health.This is a reminder that while many of us remained self-isolated in relative comfort, COVID-19 devastated (and also killed) hundreds of homeless and at-risk individuals here in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES), as well as thousands of healthcare workers, carers, seniors, individuals and families across the street, the province, Canada, and around the world.
We all know the rules, we just need to follow them.
Stay informedWash your hands frequently and thoroughlyAvoid touching your faceLimit your contact with othersRespect physical distancingStay inside as much as possibleSupport others where you canAllow others to help you, too
Health information resources can help us protect ourselves, our families and our communities:
selfArchive Blog 04/20 | Updated 11/24 Awareness | Awakening | Transformation | Words
© 2020 Arlene Cotter selfArchive Blog 04/20
© Arlene Cotter We’re all on the front line . . .
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Campus Colour Guidelines
Project Consultation for Colour Strategy and Guidelines Update UBC Okanagan Campus Design Guidelines for Colour Client University of…
Campus Colour Guidelines
Project
Consultation for Colour Strategy and Guidelines
Update UBC Okanagan Campus Design Guidelines for Colour
Client
University of British Columbia
Campus + Community Planning (Vancouver Campus)
Campus Planning and Development (Okanagan Campus)
Communication Challenge
The scheduled update to the existing UBC Okanagan Campus Design Guidelines by the Vancouver and Kelowna planning units provided an opportunity to review the colour guidelines and address strategies that would increase visual integration on Campus for ongoing development projects.The objective was to work with the UBC team and an advisory panel to develop colour guidelines that would contribute to the positive transformation of the UBC Okanagan Campus by furthering the university’s aspirational goals.
The following Campus Plan Vision Statement, developed in consultation with the UBC Okanagan community, guides the physical evolution of the University’s Okanagan Campus over the next 20 years. The University of British Columbia’s Okanagan Campus aspires to be a centre for learning and innovation that produces global citizens through transformative personal growth and collaboration. Its people, places, and activities are linked by a shared commitment to fostering community, and supporting social and ecological well-being. Deeply connected to the landscape, the campus is an accessible, intimate, and welcoming environment—a catalyst for positive change.
—Excerpted from the 2015 UBC Okanagan Campus Plan
Solution
Developed with the UBC team through a series of development phases, the UBC Okanagan Colour Guidelines provide an overarching strategy to deliver visual cohesion across a unified yet contextual UBC Okanagan Campus experience. The foundation of the guidelines is an integrated UBCO Colour System that informs colour recommendations for the selection of building materials, landscape, and surface infrastructure related to all development projects on the Campus.
UBCO Colour System
Developed over a series of four development phases during 2016/17 (including a colour workshop and several presentations), the colour system provides a conceptual and practical framework for future applications.
Written Guidelines for Colour
The Colour section of the Guidelines was expanded to activate areas within the Architecture and Public Realm sections.
The Colour System Quick Reference provides a tight, comprehensive, stand-alone core reference resource for UBC staff and design professionals. It facilitates presentation briefings with design contractors (architects, landscape architects and allied professionals; including interior designers, environmental designers and communication designers), and provides a simple, accessible framework/tool for discussions about colour.
Research and Development
Colour Workshop
Written Guidelines
Presentations
Quick Reference Guide -
Tiny Trees . . .
I searched patiently for stray needles and sprigs beneath the long rows of cut evergreens waiting to become Christmas trees.…
Tiny Trees . . .
I searched patiently for stray needles and sprigs beneath the long rows of cut evergreens waiting to become Christmas trees. Then I stopped to twist and break my tiny finds. Some had no scent. Others released fragrant bursts, reawakening my senses and a lifetime of forest memories—fresh air, pine, spruce, fir, cedar and snowy silence. (more…)
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More Peace and Less War . . .
November is an opportunity to reflect upon the impact of war and peace in the world and in our lives…
More Peace and Less War . . .
November is an opportunity to reflect upon the impact of war and peace in the world and in our lives… (more…)
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The Accountability Group
The Accountability Group (TAG) is a leader in advancing the regenerative governance (RG) perspective. This perspective grafts onto conventional governance…
The Accountability Group
The Accountability Group (TAG) is a leader in advancing the regenerative governance (RG) perspective. This perspective grafts onto conventional governance as an essential 21st century board shift that prioritizes organizational contribution to whole systems vitality, and helps organizations navigate towards thriveable futures. Based in Toronto, Canada, TAG networks with local, national, and global expertise to support clients.
Professional Development in Governance for Boards, Directors and Senior Leaders
TAG provides professional development in governance for Directors, Boards and Senior Leaders across sectors that readies them for addressing contemporary issues within a whole systems approach.Branding
TAG Resources
Communication Materials
Development / Writing / Design / Infographics
Photograph of Lyn McDonell by Darius Bashar Photography | © 2024
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Projects . . .
selfArchive samples recent work as well as archives of past projects that are meaningful because the people, the communication challenge and/or the…
Projects . . .
selfArchive samples recent work as well as archives of past projects that are meaningful because the people, the communication challenge and/or the ideas were stimulating. Whether profound or playful, macro or micro in scope, the real value of these projects has been as catalysts for constructive change.
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Blog & Column Calendar . . .
Release Dates + Topics
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On Life and Living . . .
Several years ago I had an opportunity to stay with the internationally renowned psychiatrist and thanatologist Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (1926 –…
On Life and Living . . .
Several years ago I had an opportunity to stay with the internationally renowned psychiatrist and thanatologist Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross (1926 – 2004). Dr. Kübler-Ross was a pioneer of hospice in the USA, a courageous advocate for both adults and children suffering from cancer and AIDS, and author of the ground-breaking book On Death and Dying (The Five Stages of Grief) along with over 20 other books.
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Project Management . . .
Ideation is where any communication project begins. Without a good concept and a sound foundational strategy, there is no business case to create…
Project Management . . .
Ideation is where any communication project begins. Without a good concept and a sound foundational strategy, there is no business case to create a project at all. In fact, an idea only assumes a shape when it is measured against its unique set of project criteria, things like: communication goals, timing, budget, function and curb appeal. (more…)
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Book Redux . . .
Redux celebrates a long overdue thank you to my readers, contributors, publisher and agent. It is a formal acknowledgement of my…
Book Redux . . .
Redux celebrates a long overdue thank you to my readers, contributors, publisher and agent. It is a formal acknowledgement of my first book.
For years, I tried to keep my professional and private lives separate. When I wrote From This Moment On: A Guide for Those Recently Diagnosed With Cancer, the schism further widened. While I will comfortably present to 500 people on the topic of design, I had reservations about publicly sharing my private struggles with cancer. I’m an introvert by nature but that wasn’t the reason; I felt uncomfortable about sensationalizing what is for cancer patients and their loved ones an intimate and life-altering journey. My intention was to guide people on their own journey, not to distract them with mine.* (more…)
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Design Strategist . . .
Whether an institutional campaign or brand standards, communication benefits from a strategic approach. My projects incorporate whole systems thinking that anticipates connections and…
Design Strategist . . .
Whether an institutional campaign or brand standards, communication benefits from a strategic approach. My projects incorporate whole systems thinking that anticipates connections and results in expanded solutions. Communications are designed not as one-offs but as part of an integrated framework of templates within a broader program. By shifting ideas across diverse applications, I embed potentials that anticipate future opportunities.
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Design Director . . .
As the world has become more complex, so too have the roles designers are required to fill. Digital technologies are…
Design Director . . .
As the world has become more complex, so too have the roles designers are required to fill. Digital technologies are only partly responsible; social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors have also exerted powerful forces for change. Ideation is a valuable resource that can be fostered and tapped in any strategic group. As a creative consultant, I act as a catalyst for initiating, leveraging and supporting change—from abstract concepts to critical paths with concrete deliverables.
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Designer . . .
Designers breathe life into ideas by synthesizing information and knowledge to create new things. By collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, I design and deliver projects…
Designer . . .
Designers breathe life into ideas by synthesizing information and knowledge to create new things. By collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, I design and deliver projects that raise consciousness, create value and serve communities. Whether profound or playful, macro or micro in scope, I am especially interested in projects that encourage personal transformation across the continuum of human experience such as education, health and awakening. (more…)
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Living Consciously . . .
All lives are precious. This suggestion makes some people indignant. But to judge one life as more valuable than another is…
Living Consciously . . .
All lives are precious. This suggestion makes some people indignant. But to judge one life as more valuable than another is an unsettling idea for many of us.
I thought a great deal about this when I survived my own encounter with death, and continued to live. My experience was not so uncommon. Every day, human beings die from violent trauma and ordinary things like the flu or falling down the stairs.
The Canadian Cancer Society celebrates Daffodil Month each April in an gesture to honour people with cancer and those whose lives have been impacted as survivors, family and friends, researchers and healthcare professionals. April is over but I’m celebrating May by recognizing the individuals among us who have overcome the odds and continue to live—regardless of what they’ve faced. I’ve known many such people, and have lost many others. I’ve also come to respect life more than I have in the past. I now realize that we all have an opportunity to wake up and live our lives consciously.
My new book project honours our every small intention to live an awakened life. It shares what experience has taught me: Every life is valuable and deserves to be honoured. This is our birthright.
If we’re conscious,
our lives can transcend
the privation of
our own self-interest.On 10 May 2018, please celebrate The Courage to Come Back Awards
Over the past 19 years, Coast Mental Health has celebrated 114 British Columbians who have shown courage in the face of extraordinary adversity to emerge stronger and with a deep compassion to help others. Each year, at the Courage To Come Back Awards, we share their stories of triumph with the goal of helping others facing adversity regain the belief that, with courage, reclaiming their lives is possible.
Source: The Courage to Come Back website
