Alessandra Villeneuve
Graphic Design was never the original plan—it was a plan B…more like plan Z. I spent my youth carefully planning my future, calculating the best choices for long-term success. But when my plans fell through, I needed a new direction.
I’ve always believed everything happens for a reason, but staying in North Bay for post-secondary felt like failure. Graphic Design was a temporary choice while I figured things out. The program at Canadore felt easy compared to the International Baccalaureate program in high school. With less academic pressure, I had time to explore other interests—most notably, writing. Being forced into a communications class unexpectedly reignited my love for storytelling. I started reading novels and writing stories, which led me to rediscover hyperrealistic art. This fed into my love for editorial design, branding, and photography. I realized they all connected through storytelling—whether in words, or visuals, I loved bringing ideas to life.
As part of the program, we had to create a personal brand. I chose "Allivae"—from the Latin suffix "Ivae," meaning "doing"—a perfect fit for someone immersed in design. Coincidentally, it also resembled my name, much like how everything I’d discovered felt accidental yet meaningful. This journey led me to a future far better than the one I originally planned, simply because I took a step off my intended path. More than skill or work ethic, I gained passion and an appreciation for the present. My love for design and writing existed long before I tried to control my future. This happened for a reason: that reason was the little girl who once sat drawing and stapling homemade books, shaping dreams she didn’t yet recognize.
If you would like a takeaway, it is that everything does happen for a reason. If it’s now, or in twenty years, success is not linear. I am doing graphic design not because I have to, but because I want to. I’ve developed a passion for making dreams, and goals a reality—for myself, and others. It is for my past, present, and future self, as well as anyone else that can resonate with my reason to tell this story. It’s never too late to start on page one.
