Who
At 21, I’m Zen Axl Calatin, a Canadian-Filipino junior graphic and web designer in Montreal. As the eldest sibling, I’ve grown into a responsible person driven by a strong desire to succeed. In a Filipino household, being the oldest comes with high expectations, which I view as a powerful motivator. I’m fully committed to pushing my creative boundaries and building a meaningful career.
My journey into the creative world began when I was a kid, spending hours building cardboard models and sketching ideas that popped into my head. While my childhood was simple and ordinary, it was constantly fuelled by a persistent dream of creating something impactful. This inner child guided my decision to pursue a career where technology and visual artistry intersect.
What
My work brings together branding, digital illustration, and typography as connected parts of my creative process. I love distilling complex corporate identities into clean visual systems that tell a cohesive brand story. Typography is a core pillar of my design philosophy, as I believe the subtle selection and spacing of type can alter how users perceive and interact with digital interfaces.
Digital illustration holds a special place in my life. I draw inspiration from incredible artists and animators worldwide. I’m constantly working to expand my expertise in digital illustration, connecting to my dream job of storytelling through visual media.
Where
I’m based in Montreal, Quebec, where I study at John Abbott College. Based in Montreal, Quebec, I study at John Abbott College, where the rich, bilingual arts culture pushes me to experiment with new styles and ideas in my design every day. I collaborate with fellow creators, exchange design feedback, and learn in a hands-on, industry-modelled studio atmosphere, which has pushed me to try new techniques and rethink how I approach each project.
When
I began my formal education in graphic and web design in the fall of 2025. Because this is an intensive, comprehensive three-year technical program, my graduation is still a bit far from now. However, I view this timeline as an incredible advantage. The intensive, comprehensive three-year technical program gives me time to absorb complex design principles, master industry-standard software, and refine my portfolio.
Why
I chose the Graphic and Web Design program at John Abbott College for its diverse methods to create my own products, including coding and building a website. By reducing my commute, I can dedicate more hours to perfecting my designs. I design because I believe visual communication can connect people, and I’m driven to build digital experiences that leave a lasting, positive impression—turning ideas into something others can feel and remember.
Leave a Reply