Each year, DesCan Vancouver, together with founding sponsor Metropolitan Fine Printers, celebrates emerging design talent in British Columbia through the Salazar Awards. These honours recognize outstanding student designers currently enrolled in post-secondary design programs across the province.
The awards were established in 1985 by the BC Chapter of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) to commemorate Enrique Salazar, a founding chapter member and national representative. Salazar was a dedicated educator and co-founder of Salazar Graphics, whose passion for design and mentorship left a lasting legacy following his passing in June 1985.
A judging committee comprised of DesCan professionals review and select the winners and honourable mentions. Judging is based on the overall quality of the final design and the quality and clarity of the associated design rationale.
2025 Judges
Dennis Boyle, CDP — Boyle Design
Rod Roodenberg, CDP — Roodenberg Design Consultants
Jeff Harrison, CDP — 123 West
Diana Castaneda, R.G.D. — TRIUMF
Johnathon Strebly , CDP — JVS Consulting
2025 Winners
Oleksandra Polska — Branding
Anh Dang — UX/UI
Rowena Huang — Print
Cody Garcia — Video/Motion
2025 Wilson School of Design Honourable Mentions
Raff Torres — Branding
Georgia Stone — Branding
Cameron Macdonald — UX/UI
Jessica Araiza Viramontes — UX/UI
Veronika Kansaka — Print
Rica Reyes — Print
Eva Morenets — Video/Motion
