About the GDC Foundation Ray Hrynkow Scholarship

This national scholarship is awarded to student entering third or fourth year in a Canadian four-year program whose submission has demonstrated a deep understanding of problem solving through communication design. The Scholarship was created in honour of Ray Hrynkow, a respected Vancouver, BC design professional, teacher and GDC Fellow who passed away in 2012.

2018 GDC Foundation Ray Hrynkow Scholarship Awarded To:

Ata Ojani
Bachelor of Design Program
IDEA School of Design,
Capilano University
Project: "Qmunity”
Program Contact:  Vida Jurcic

"This multi-platform campaign is created for LGBTQ/2S individuals and their allies. It’s purpose is to showcase QMUNITY as a queer resource for folks who are closeted, curious or have no community to speak to.

I am truly grateful to be chosen as the recipient for this award. It's an honour to receive a scholarship that emphasizes the use of socially conscious design. In coming up with projects, I try to engage my sociological imagination and I am interested in representation that reflects the diversity of our community."  – Ata Ojani

Below, QMUNITY Campaign by Ata Ojani: social media, bus shelters, bathroom mirror decals.

Judges comments:

 “Effective work, nice design and fits the brief.”
“Solution provided an engaging campaign that would allow people to see themselves within the Q and therefore the community.”
“Eye-catching bright colour combination. Interesting idea to make the Q into a frame where people can see themselves."

The Cheryl Lynn Rutledge Scholarship and the UX Design Scholarship were not awarded this year.