On June 14, 2023 the Design Professionals of Canada (DesCan), at its Annual General Meeting, honoured two Canadian designers as Fellows.
Fellowship is awarded by DesCan to a designer who, by accomplishment or influence, has made a major contribution to graphic/communication design in Canada. It is the highest honour that can be bestowed by the Society and has only been granted to 77 other individuals since 1960. The recipients this year were Andrea and Paul Tétrault of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Andrea Tétrault is a prairie girl at heart, she returned to Winnipeg in 1994 to work at Circle Design under the mentorship of Fellow Robert L. Peters. This experience played a pivotal role in shaping her approach to design, further fuelling her dedication to the profession. She served as president of the Manitoba chapter of GDC and was involved in the organization’s early days. “I’ve seen our industry go from paste-up to AI, and am absolutely certain that design and designers are an essential constant in this ever-changing world. The GDC (now DesCan) introduced me to a network of designers across Canada at a time when those connections were very difficult to establish. To be recognized with this designation alongside my partner in our 25th year of business (and marriage!) is incredibly meaningful.”
Paul Tétrault is a longstanding member, volunteer, and contributor to Design Professionals of Canada, involved at both the national and local chapter levels. He readily shares his expertise by serving as a mentor to aspiring students and as a design juror.
“DesCan excels at forging connections among individuals driven by their passion for graphic design. It’s woven in the fabric of our careers and who we are at our core. I love how this diverse group of dedicated people have come together to create meaningful, long lasting friendships offering an exchange and support; both locally and from coast-to-coast-to-coast.”
Paul is a dedicated and accomplished professional who takes great pride in his heritage as a Red River Métis. With a strong sense of cultural connection, Paul is committed to honouring his roots.
DesCan Executive Director Melanie MacDonald, remarked “Fellowship is DesCan’s version of the Order of Canada. As the single highest honour we can bestow it is awarded only to those who have made an outstanding and significant contribution to the betterment of the profession or the Society. I can think of few people who deserve this honour more than Andrea and Paul Tetrault. The association, and by extension, the profession have benefited tremendously from their decades-long local and national efforts. They are the true embodiment of DesCan Fellowship.”
You can read the biographies of each of this year’s Fellows, plus many of the previous nominees here.