Every year, The Society of Graphic Designers of Canada, British Columbia, and Metropolitan Fine Printers come together to proudly present the Salazar Awards; a celebration of the best in student design.

The Awards ceremony this year took place on May 9 at the Roundhouse Community and Arts center in Yaletown and we were joined by Stefan Sagmeister who gave the keynote address to a packed house of over 300 people who had gathered to see the awards (along with the students’ awarding-winning work), view the 2008 Graphex Awards exhibit and the Kwantlen University College GDMA grad show.

All this in the same venue (along with the chance to mingle with fellow designers over food and drinks) made for great evening well worth the price of admission!

Sagmeister’s speech, “Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far” was inspirational, witty and, yes, I have to say modest despite his “design superstar” status. Speaking personally with Stefan you quickly realize that he is just one of us (only a little bit better as a designer!), and that he doesn’t feel famous or feel the need to act like a pop star. All of this made me realize the importance of being modest but confident, being truth to your beliefs as a designer and to try new things.

In an evening of many highlights, including of-course the awards themselves and the inspirational work of both student and professional designers, Stefan Sagmeister was a stand-out. For some of us, the night ended with the feeling of having gone to see our favorite band, only to discover a mini-festival that was amazing and curiously extraordinary.

If you were not lucky enough to go, you should check this photos…

Video to come soon…