My world has been small and humble (though my ambition has always been huge). Things take time and I'm more apt to let the calendar ride whilst I perfect my game. As such I'm nothing, believe me. Certainly nothing like the great Erykah Badu — and yet this poetry slam of hers has always struck a chord.

My greatest inspiration in life is my grandmother Zoie Gardner. Awarded the Order of Canada, this woman overcame amazing odds to care for hundreds of foster children through her life. "Amazing odds," I reiterate — with no exaggeration.

She always put herself first and as such was extremely successful at her art, expressing a deep want for the unwanted. Thousands of people's lives had been directly shaped as a result of her care and while she had numerous friends (famous and otherwise) she was not necessarily popular in life. Obstinate to the end, she lived life the way she wanted. And through her own means she did pretty well financially too.

My entire family is devoted to care, and while my work is perceived as a necessity of capitalism, I am devoted to social service too. I have always stated, "I will only work for companies that I believe in." and I am rigorous in maintaining this, even at my own cost and risk. 

I'm currently unleashing a huge five year plan and some of my "friends" think I'm going about things the wrong way — mayhap for not taking the safe-enough approach. These are the "friends" who haven't taken the time to get to know me. At first glance it is assumed that my work is profit or glory minded, and of course like every person born in the west that is often on my mind. It doesn't drive me though. Not in the slightest.

I do what I do to make capitalism easier to swallow. My work is meant to improve the lives of consumers. A good deal of my work is low-paid or volunteer, focused on non-profit brands who are dedicated to more directly helping people. It's never been easy — and though I'm exceptionally good at what I do my success has less to do with talent than it has to do with my blind ambition. The truth is I am prepared to give everything — and always do.

I am a designer. I am a brand strategist. I build real value into corporations in order to bring them more in line with their stakeholders' expectation. I help them exist more effectively. 15 years into my career, I am only 28 years old. From the beginning I have worked with serious brand names. From the beginning I have done everything with very little help — and faced with much resistance I've dominated in every arena I've entered. This is the way it has been. This is the way it is. My friends and clients who have stuck with me through the years reap rewards. They accept me for what I am, and typically they profit by me. I don't mind... it's what I was put on this planet to do.

Let me leave you with this...

My first graphic design project was contracted by the Catholic Women's League of Morinville. I was 13 years old and this was the first time that I had ever felt my calling. It was a giant embroidered banner to hang in the newly opened high-tech Catholic high school in Morinville, Alberta.

My design was of two people, one extended laying sideways on the ground, the other sitting cradling the first's torso in his or her arms. Somewhat abstract, the two people together were occasionally interpreted as a hand extended. Suggesting, mayhap, the hand of God?

It was fitting as the accompanying copywriting chosen by the client was__

"Lord, make me an instrument of your peace."

My work is contrary to what has been taught in business schools for centuries, and yet I consider myself successful. This is how I Blaspheme. And this is how I choose to live. Accept me, or not. Either way I'm chill.

— BOURNE