Mark Rutledge on Celebrating Indigenous Artists

Indigenous Innovators

Mark Rutledge, CGD™ talks with Jen about his career as a graphic designer and the journey of how he ended up at Animikii. From attending school in Seneca College to working in Yukon, Mark provides a unique perspective on the difference between supporting and celebrating Indigenous design and appropriation using Indigenous cultural art for personal gain. He also discusses strategies for Indigenous youth interested in becoming an illustrator or graphic designer in today's tech industry. Guest Bio Mark Rutledge, CGD™ is Animikii’s lead designer. As a passionate graphic designer who embraces his creative instincts and intuition, he has a burning desire to cultivate flawless outcomes in branding, photography, and web design. Mark is Anishinaabe and a member of the Little Grand Rapids First Nation. He lives and works on Kwanlin Dün and Ta'an Kwäch'än Council Territories in Whitehorse, Yukon. Mark also serves as National President of the Graphic Designers of Canada. Host Bio Jen manages content, social media, and multimedia projects for both Animikii and their digital communications clients. She is Nakota and Danish with relations from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation in Alberta on Treaty 6 territory. Jen is a passionate advocate for women - particularly Indigenous women - working in technology and strives to promote and celebrate the female voice in a predominantly male industry.