Crafting a Personal Haven in the Tropical Caribbean
In the heart of the Caribbean, Barbados is witnessing a revolution in its design scene. This transformation is marked by community-focused projects, a focus on sustainability, and a vibrant spirit that aligns aesthetics with community impact and environmental responsibility. One of the many individuals contributing to this evolution is Marc Sutherland, a recent graduate from an Ad Design program.
Sutherland, a Barbadian native, found his passion for design while creating a business card and flyer for a friend. This initial foray into design sparked a desire for more knowledge, leading him to enrol in an online Ad Design program. The flexibility of online studying allowed him to access class material at any time and work at his own pace, developing discipline in time management.
During his two-year journey, Sutherland significantly improved his skills in Photoshop and Illustrator, and now boasts a strong portfolio. To expand his marketability, he plans to learn other programs outside of the Adobe Suite, including Blender, the 3D rendering program.
Outside of his studies, Sutherland enjoys spending time with his two sons, going to the movies, photography, music, cycling, and drawing digitally or with pencil and paper.
As he prepares to embark on his career, Sutherland aims to start at a junior level in the advertising design field and learn from seniors in the industry. His first professional goal post-graduation is to contribute to the dynamic design landscape of Barbados.
One of the most notable examples of this evolving design scene is the 2025 Lyceum Fellowship. This initiative invites students to reimagine two reclaimed beachfront buildings in Bridgetown, transforming them into vibrant hubs for culinary innovation. By blending adaptive reuse with contemporary design, the project aims to foster community engagement and support Barbados' food culture in a sustainable way.
Events like the Trade & Innovation Expo, held recently at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, further highlight Barbados' focus on innovation, collaboration, and resilience in design and infrastructure. This emphasis on integrating design with practical solutions that bolster community strength and sustainability is a growing trend in the island nation.
The design scene in Barbados is close-knit and competitive, providing a challenging yet supportive environment for aspiring designers like Sutherland. As he embarks on his career, he is ready to bring his skills and passion to the table, contributing to the continued evolution of Barbados' design culture.
[1] More information about the 2025 Lyceum Fellowship can be found on the institution's website. [2] For those interested in learning more about the Trade & Innovation Expo, visitors are encouraged to visit the event's official website.
- Marc Sutherland, inspired by creating a business card and flyer for a friend, pursued an Ad Design program to deepen his knowledge, learning valuable skills in Photoshop, Illustrator, and time management.
- To boost his marketability, Sutherland intends to learn Blender, a 3D rendering program, in addition to the Adobe Suite.
- Outside of his studies, Sutherland indulges in hobbies such as spending time with his sons, going to the movies, photography, music, cycling, and drawing, whether digitally or with traditional pencil and paper.
- Aiming for a junior-level position in advertising design, Sutherland aspires to contribute to the vibrant and evolving design landscape of Barbados, currently marked by initiatives like the 2025 Lyceum Fellowship.
- The 2025 Lyceum Fellowship, a project that seeks to reimagine reclaimed beachfront buildings, is among the examples illustrating Barbados' focus on innovation, integration of design with sustainable community solutions, and support of local food culture.
