Jason Kuhrt

Designer

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

514.585.1887

I am designer in Montreal Canada concerned with problems that implicate end-users. I think about how the user's interaction with a product, service, or experience can be seamless and fulfilling, even poetic.

I also consider broader contexts that situate problems. I believe a multidisciplinary approach with a firm grip on history, politics, culture, technology, and cognition are important to solving many problems in a technocratic society and on an overburdened planet. I try to apply all my thinking, passion, and knowledge to each new problem I encounter.

My craftsmanship varies from programming software interfaces to designing graphic art. I am interested in a myriad of issues related to such domains as society, politics, architecture, governance, technology, biology, innovation, exploration, design, sustainability, art, and the future.

I hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Concordia University and will likely continue higher education studies in the fields of Cognitive Science, Computer Science, and Interaction Design.

Through a life-long commitment to Design I hope to improve the world in my lifetime and beyond.

Education

Montreal, Canada

Sep 2005 – Aug 2010

Concordia University

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design

I had the special experience of going on an exchange to a Master-level digital media program in Bremen, Germany.

I also graduated in the top 15% of my class and was subsequently invited as a Golden Key Honour Society Member.

Languages

English (Native), French (Conversational)

Interests

The Future
Architecture
Politics
Society
Governance
Technology
Biology
Innovation
Exploration
Design
Sustainability
Art

Characteristics

Want to improve the world
Integral
Believe strongly in craftsmanship and edification

Technical Skills

JavaScript, HTML, CSS, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Indesign, os x, Windows, Wacom Tablet, Processing, Python, PHP, Wordpress Customization

Experience

Montreal, Canada

Oct 2010

time's thievish progress to eternity FILMS

Freelance Designer

I will be designing a poster, website, and promotional material for the film At the Bottom of the Hill. It is directed by Vanya Rose and about a Canadian solider returning from Afghanistan.

Montreal, Canada

Mar 2009 – Mar 2010

Realisatrices Equitables

Freelance Designer

Working with two colleagues we rebranded this non-profit organization working for representation of women film Directors. Work continued afterward in the form of helping construct weekly HTML Email newsletters.

May 2009 – Sep 2009

Icograda

In-house Designer

I Executed two projects. One was a redesign and reconceptualization of Icograda's Biennial Review produced for each World Design Congress. The other was a redesign and reconceptualization of Indigo's website.

Montreal, Canada

Sep 2008 – Oct 2008

Concordia University Fine Arts

Freelance Designer

Designed the campaign for Concordia University Fine Arts. The event was an opportunity for prospective students to have their portfolios reviewed by a number of people and universities including Concordia Fine Arts, ACAD, NSCAD, and Emily Carr Institute.

Montreal, Canada

Apr 2008 – Aug 2008

VANYA ROSE

Freelance Designer

Created a brand and website for film director Vanya Rose

Montreal, Canada

Oct 2007

time's thievish progress to eternity FILMS

Freelance Designer

Created the poster and promotional stationary for the short film Montreal Stories 1944 by Vanya Rose. It portrayed a child's perspective of her Jewish immigrant family living in the Mile End.

May 2007 – Sep 2007

Icograda

In-house Designer

Created the poster and promotional material for the 2007 World Design Congress.

Awards

Aug 2010

Golden Key Honour Society

Membership invitation for placing in the top 15% of my graduating class

Aug 2008

Adobe

Semi-finalist Adobe Design Achievement Awards

May 2008

Concordia University, Co-op

Entrepreneur Award

May 2008

Concordia University, Co-op

Student Showcase invitation

Jan 2005

Young writers of Canada

Poetry published in the book In a Quiet Forest (compilation of poetry from across Canada)

Jun 2005

Victoria High School

Leadership Certificate, for being Valedictorian runner-up and other positive contributions.

Volunteer

2007 May-Sept
Council Member, Concordia Student Union

2006-7 Sept-January
President, Concordia Design Students

2004-5 Sept-February
Assistant Coach, Totems Basketball Team, Victoria High School

References

Brenda Sanderson
Managing Director of Icograda (International Council for Graphic Design Associations)
+1 514.448.4949 x266
bSanderson@icograda.org

Rhona Richman Kenneally
Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Design and Computation Arts, Concordia University
rrk@alcor.concordia.ca

Valerie Lamontagne
Teacher, Department of Design and Computation Arts, Concordia University / Ph.D. Candidate at Concordia University
+1 514.823.8587
valerieLamontagne@gmail.com

Recommendations

“Jason's design work for the Icograda World Design Congress 2007 in La Habana resulted in unique imagery showcasing Cuba to our international design audience. It's memorability and Jason's work ethic and led to us developing an ongoing relationship that continues today.” (September 1, 2010)

– Brenda Sanderson, Managing Director, Icograda
(managed Jason at Icograda)

“Jason is a talented designer and artist who is both hardworking and inquisitive. His excellent knowledge of web and interactive media / programming matched with keen design skills makes him a unique individual. Besides his technical and artistic abilities, Jason is a pleasure to work and engage with. I am confident that he will find continued success in the field of media arts / design and that he would be a valuable asset to any multimedia / design firm. I highly recommend him.” (September 2, 2010)

– Valérie Lamontagne, Faculty, Design and Computation Arts, Concordia University
(taught Jason at Concordia University)