Talia Cohen

With a rich background in Industrial Design from The Rhode Island School of Design and accolades that include Canada's top 30 under 30 recognition by Marketing Magazine, Talia Cohen, instructor at the Cut Design Academy, brings a wealth of experience to the realm of visual storytelling.

Having journeyed through diverse educational landscapes including Brown University, MIT, and Babson School of Business, Talia's experience reflects not just a passion for design, but a profound understanding of its intersection with economics and business. 

From crafting campaigns for global giants like Virgin Mobile and Unilever to lending her creative touch to institutions like UBC and the Vancouver Aquarium, Talia's portfolio is a testament to her versatility and innovation. Join us in this interview as we delve into the world of graphic design with Talia Cohen, sharing her insights on industry trends, and the invaluable lessons she imparts as a graphic design instructor at the Cut Design Academy.

Reflecting on your own experiences, what pivotal moments or opportunities helped shape your path towards becoming a successful graphic designer, and how can aspiring designers actively seek out similar chances for growth and development?

To be successful I believe you need to watch and listen to what people are saying and how they are behaving. You need to understand human behavior to craft creative that is responsive to their needs and wants. 

With your experience spanning across industries, how do you adapt your design approach to suit the specific needs and identities of different brands and sectors

The approach is always the same, watch, listen, analyze, and respond. Good design is about people, and not you. 

What pivotal moments or lessons learned from your journey into graphic design would you highlight as key inspirations for aspiring designers?

Be open. Great design is found in the most boring or mundane areas because they lack attention and that’s an opportunity for incredible improvement. 

In today's competitive landscape, what essential skills and attributes do you believe are most valuable for aspiring graphic designers to cultivate, and how can they work towards honing those skills effectively?

Formulate your own methodology, continue to evolve it, and work hard. Design is a practice you will need to continue to master throughout your career. Seek mentorship and think critically. 

How do you envision the future of graphic design evolving?

The core of communication design will never change. From hyroglyohics to tik tok ads. It’s about forming a connection with the viewer, the only change will be the medium.