Michelle Côté | Art Director, Graphic Artist

My experience synthesizes the best of many worlds. I have worked with small advertising agencies on the production management side, taken computer animation training, had a successful career creating kitchen design concepts, and in 2009 brought all these graphics-based talents together by completing a two-year Digital Graphics Program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. My major influences include neo-traditional design, rockabilly/hot-rod/pinup styles and I love anything that involves vintage artwork.

Speaking of major influences, the inspirational name behind my company “Violet De Vine” is my great-grandmother—an amazing woman named Violet Doucette (1905-2005). She was a pioneer and matriarch … an innovator and nurturer … in short, she was a strong woman who also had an incredibly creative side to her.

Violet was a constant inspiration to me because of her forward-looking attitude, her adventurous spirit and her insatiable curiosity about life. One of her favorite sayings was that she considered her life to be “hitch free”. She always attributed this to luck, but anyone close to her knew that she created this herself. She stayed current for her family (she could name many of the modern rock bands), remained dedicated to the connections that keep family together (boy, could she organize a party!) and was one of the most balanced people I knew.

Like her, I have been blessed with a huge appreciation for the arts, music and photography—and I hope that my own great-grandchildren will also say that I had her spirit, humor and strength.

By day I work as Art Director & Graphic Artist for Webtech/CUmarketing in Lethbridge, Alberta. By night I can be found getting creative and crafty at home—designing/editing for existing Violet De Vine or PanBella clients, painting, dreaming up future projects I’d like to tackle and snapping photos on my Canon or iPhone.

Many thanks and much love to my puppy Annie Oakley, family, friends, clients and mentors. You inspire me every day. A special shout out to Jeremy—your encouragement and support has really meant a lot this year.

(Photo Credit goes to Raeleen Badham at Pop Rocket Studios for the image above).