Reporter artist is Valedictorian at Art Institute of Toronto

Reporter artist is Valedictorian at Art Institute of Toronto

TORONTO–Lawrence A. Garcia, graphic artist of The Philippine Reporter, graduated Valedictorian of the Digital Design, Winter 2005 class of the Art Institute of Toronto – the Toronto branch of a prestigious international chain of art schools in major cities of the world.

Garcia won top honors, despite a major obstacle, when his brand new Macintosh Powerbook laptop was stolen from his wife Ana Liise Ticson’s car which was broken into a month prior to the school’s portfolio viewing and graduation. Several months of work were lost, as there was no back-up for the latest versions of his works.

Undaunted by this setback, Garcia, spent days and sleepless nights catching up with the class requirements, even as he continued to perform graphic artist functions at The Philippine Reporter.

Come porttfolio viewing time – one with family, and another with Toronto’s businesses – Lawrence came up with a professionally-presented output which he had completed with flying colors, that he was chosen by his own peers, with the school’s blessing as Valedictorian of the Digital Design class.

During the garduation ceremonies, Larry Eisenstein, instructor on Digital Illustration, who introduced Garcia, described him as “a quiet artist, yet very creative, a lyricist and a passionate storyteller, who can weave and write his own story, provide the illustrations, design the book cover and come up with the finished product in no time.” Another instructor described Garcia as an artist who worked best under pressure.

In accepting his plaque, Garcia thanked his parents, Hermie and Mila Garcia, his wife Ana Liise Ticzon, his teachers for their wisdom and patience, and his peers for their support.

In a surprise graduation celebration organized by family and friends on Saturday, March 26, , Lawrence thanked everyone for their support, including the huge Garcia and Ticzon clans of Toronto.
Garcia shares honors with the other Valedictorians for IT, Residential Design, and Animation.