Chaz Escoffery
Meet Chaz, our 2019 IxD Alumni & the designer
of this year’s IxD Year End Show
How did you get into interaction design?
“I have been creative from a young age, I always loved dancing, and expressing myself through creative mediums such as dancing, as well as visual arts and drawing. I wasn’t sure how to bridge the gap between creativity and a career, so I took a one-year program at Sheridan called media fundamentals to learn more about production and editing.
Afterwards I was in the general business and fundamentals program at Sheridan, I really enjoyed the marketing courses because they allowed me to create, design and pitch products. Through a friend's roommate I heard about the Interactive Design program, I liked what I heard about the program and was intrigued. I made kind of a bold move, and I switched programs. I learned so many facets of design in IxD, but my favourite is visual and product design. I enjoy the process of working with other creative people to solve a problem. I absolutely love challenges, it’s fun, and doesn’t feel like work.”
What is the meaning behind your design of the Year End Show?
“The purpose of my design for the Year End Show merchandise was to create something that reflected the program, as well as myself as a designer. It is important to reflect and look back on experiences - everyone is unique and every individuals interpretation of interaction design is reflective of that person, their interests and past experiences. The shirts I designed have interaction built in, so that each individual can share their interpretation of interaction design and what design is to them. My intention was to allow the meaning to be defined by the wearer while the design elements stayed true to my street-wear esque, minimal style.“
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What was one of your favourite projects from the program?
“I loved so many of the projects we did when I was in the program, but my favourite was my thesis project. I created a mobile app named CURA, that helps men define their personal style through practical activities and reflective practices.
The process of finding your style is a reflective process. I wanted to share with people how fashion has helped me and how I’ve learned to be open to trying new things.”
CURA App- The app gives users the ability to educate themselves on style practices to help them define their personal style
Did you have to make major adjustments to how you worked because of the pandemic? What was that like?
“Immediately after graduation I had some personal and health problems. I’ve used this time to take care of my health and get my feet back on the ground. For the most part I have been working on freelance projects while looking for a full-time design job. Thankfully, as a designer I have the opportunity to work from the comfort of home,.”
What would be your advice for this year’s grads?
“My advice for this year’s grad’s is to always have a student mindset. Always be open to learning, ask questions, try new things and don’t be afraid to explore your identity as a designer. So many of the skills you pick up and learn on the way are transferable to other jobs or hobbies. These skills can really set you apart from other designers.”
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What's next for you / what are your goals as you continue pursuing your practice?
“My goal is to continue to grow and explore new skills. When I can, I would love to travel and see the world. As for right now I am learning how to cook and I’ve been digital drawing a lot, basically doing anything to flex my creative muscles daily. All the skills I have been learning have been beneficial to me as a designer. Hopefully soon I can get back to working full-time. “
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