OCAD University

OCAD University alumni and Faculty of Design Instructors Alex Newman (BDes, Advertising, 2010) and Erin Jacobson (BDes, Advertising, 2007) are among this year’s prestigious Marketing magazine Top 30 Under 30 selections.

Nominations were submitted to Marketing in June, with the magazine’s editorial team reviewing and researching all nominees to determine a shortlist. Each finalist was then able to contribute information and contacts.

Newman, who is also Art Director at JWT Canada, won a Cannes Young Lion award in 2011. With his creative partner Patrice Pollack, he plays an important creative role on the Air Canada portfolio, spearheading their digital launch and helping to create their branding campaign for ‘Your World Awaits.’ Newman was selected for the Top 30 Under 30 along with JWT Canada colleague Mark Phillips, Director of Business Development.

Outside of his ad world work, Newman is an advocate for LGBT youth, volunteers with Toronto PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and is working on publishing a book with Random House Canada that explore the coming-out process.

When she’s not teaching about a designer’s role in social change at OCAD U, Jacobson works as Vice-President, Digital Public Affairs at Edelman. Her career started as a volunteer for Olivia Chow’s 2005 campaign for a seat in the House of Commons. Later she joined Chow’s late husband Jack Layton as communications assistant, progressing through her career with the NDP until she became Deputy Director of Strategic Communications for the office of Thomas Mulcair. She continues to volunteer for candidates seeking office.

Alumna Sky Goodden (MFA, Criticism & Curatorial Practice, 2010), Executive Editor of ARTINFO Canada, has published the organization’s 2014 30 Under 30 list, which includes four OCAD U alumni and one faculty member.

“This year’s list is the product of long thought and good council,” said Goodden. “I’ve had input from 77 curators, artists, academics, collectors, gallerists, and writers nationwide, on the matter to hand.”

Included among this year’s selections are alumni Stefan Hancherow (MFA, Criticism & Curatorial Practice, 2013), Meryl McMaster (BFA, Photography 2010), Mary MacDonald, (MFA, Criticism & Curatorial Practice, 2012) and Caoimhe Morgan-Feir (MA, Contemporary Art History, 2012) as well as Faculty of Art Instructor Francisco-Fernando Granados.

See the full slideshow of ARTINFO Canada’s 30 Under 30 subjects.