About Me
I focus on artists and non-profit arts organizations in relation to marketing and graphic design.
This site serves up my blog where I talk about issues, things I’m thinking about and facing as well as some graphic design tips.
You can get more information on some of my design work on my print and web design pages, or view my workshop page to learn more about Communication by Design.
From my experience in the world of the arts, I know first-hand that there are challenges to producing good quality promotional and marketing materials (web or print) on the budgets that most artists and non-profits operate within.
At its core, my design business is a creative endeavour for me, just as it was being a performing artist or in creating a vibrant and healthy, member-driven arts organization. As author E.M. Forester said, “Only Connect.” A performer with his audience, an organization with its customers or a designer with his clients… connecting is what it’s all about.
My father, George McLachlan, was a freelance illustrator, graphic designer and painter. When I was thick into the music business as a performer, he designed my promotional and related materials such as educational study guides for my school performances. One year, he was unable to do the design for a new 30-page guide so I had to come up with something in a hurry (and at a small price).
Using his guidance and feedback, I began a journey of discovery, looking at design on a page, typography, balance, etc. I discovered that I could find an artistic outlet in this arena as well as from my music, so for several years the two coexisted. As the Internet and the Web started to emerge, I expanded into creating websites and this led me further into the world of design.
The short bio…
Born and raised in Vancouver, John McLachlan was a touring singer/songwriter for 15 years followed by time spent as an Executive Director of the BC Touring Council and the Creative City Network of Canada. He began studying graphic design and in 2003 started working full-time with his company, Gliss Media, specializing in print and web design as well as marketing for the arts. John also consults and is the co-ordinator of the Community Presenters Assistance program for the BC Arts Council.
