​Celebrating up-and-coming designers making their mark

​The Salazar Awards are presented annually by DesCan Vancouver and founding sponsor Metropolitan Fine Printers to talented and inspiring DesCan student members currently enrolled in design programs in BC.

​Established in 1985 by DesCan Vancouver (formerly GDC BC), the award was created in honour of Enrique Salazar. Mr. Salazar was one of the founding members of GDC BC and served as its national representative for two years. He was a partner in Salazar Graphics, and taught graphic design at Capilano College until his death in June of 1985. Students receive awards in four categories: Branding, Print, Interactive/UX/UI, and Video/Motion. Supported by MET Printers, $500 is awarded to the top student in each category.

Guest Speaker:

​Dylan Staniul From Burnkit

​Principal & Design Team Leader

Dylan oversees brand strategy, visual identity, and graphic design at Burnkit. He excels at uncovering a client's core motivations and guiding them through an inspiring creative process to find their brand's unique expression. Known for an engaging approach that fosters dialogue and builds consensus, Dylan instils confidence in stakeholders at every stage. A veteran of the industry with over 25 years of award-winning work, he has judged prestigious design competitions for publications such as Communication Arts, Applied Arts, and Strategy.

About Burnkit
Burnkit is a design studio specializing in comprehensive branding services, including naming, brand strategy, visual identity, art direction and website design. The studio’s unique approach centres on an inspiring, collaborative process that uncovers how a brand can be uniquely expressed.

By gaining genuine insight into their clients' character and motivations, Burnkit creates groundbreaking identities that are both inspired and deeply informed. In this open environment, concepts are shared, nurtured, and refined to ensure effectiveness and impact.

Having worked with a remarkable range of organizations, Burnkit provides its clients with a broad perspective on brand and design, allowing the studio to introduce innovative and industry-leading ideas.

Keynote Talk Topic:
Exploration: Embrace the Creative Process
Through examples of in-progress design exploration for visual identity projects, Principal and Design Team Leader, Dylan Staniul, provides an inspiring, behind-the-scenes look at the Burnkit creative process.