Altan Design

Earlier this winter, our studio created the commemorative coin design for the Vyshyvanka Association of Canada to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Vyshyvanka Day in Canada.

The design draws inspiration from Ukrainian embroidery traditions and the rich visual heritage of Indigenous cultures in Canada. One side features traditional Ukrainian floral ornamentation, while the other presents a stylized red-and-white maple leaf interpreted through decorative forms. Behind them, a textured, fabric-like structure references the textile foundation of embroidery, extending symbolically from East to West and connecting both cultures through heritage, craftsmanship, and shared identity.

Projects like this require not only a creative vision, but also a deep understanding of the production process itself — including the possibilities and limitations of sculpting and minting technology. Throughout the process, we collaborated with the producers to refine the artwork, relief depth, textures, and compositional balance to ensure the final piece would translate successfully into metal.

Last week, we were honoured to attend the Ceremony on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, where the commemorative medals were presented to Members of Parliament and leaders of the Ukrainian Canadian community.

We would like to sincerely thank the Vyshyvanka Association and Volodymyr Palagniuk for the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful cultural initiative and celebration.

Event photography by Maryna Shum and Misha Lytvynyk

Happy International Design Day!

“Design is not art. Design is solving problems.”
- Otl Aicher
The real skill isn’t making something look good, it’s making it work so well no one questions it.
Hard Truth: If it doesn’t solve a real problem, it’s decoration.

“Design is not art. Design is solving problems.”
- Otl Aicher

The real skill isn’t making something look good, it’s making it work so well no one questions it.

Hard Truth: If it doesn’t solve a real problem, it’s decoration.

We are looking forward to being part of this upcoming event with the Ukrainian Canadian Professional and Business Association (UCPBA Toronto) — a community that brings professionals and entrepreneurs together to connect, share knowledge, and support growth.

We’ll be sharing insights on brand development, focusing on how clear positioning helps present your brand and business more effectively.

Mark the date: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
📍 Trident Events, 145 Evans Ave., Toronto
🎟️ Register here: https://startups360_UCPBA.eventbrite.ca

Topics of the forum:
• Funding insights & access to capital
• Sales strategies that drive growth
• Branding & market positioning
• High-value networking with founders and professionals

It is a great opportunity to gain practical insights and meet the right people. Hope to see you there! 👋

This Christmas, we look to tradition for inspiration — to stories told in light and shadow, shaped by craft and care over centuries. It keeps us moving forward, with joy filling our hearts. ♥️
Wishing you a season filled with warmth, meaning, and quiet moments that matter to you and your family.
Merry Christmas! 🎄Веселих Свят! ✨

Today, we celebrate a country built on bold ideas, stories, and a shared appreciation for beautiful things — from masterpieces of architecture to breathtaking nature, from fine art and design to our cozy neighbourhoods. 🎉
Here’s to this beautiful day and to the future in a country we’re lucky to call home. 🇨🇦

Join us at the opening reception of Still in Time | The Prints of Jacques Hnizdovsky, a stunning exhibition celebrating the life and legacy of Jacques Hnizdovsky, a Ukrainian-American artist renowned for his incredible work in painting, printmaking, illustration and graphic design.

This year marks the 110th anniversary of Hnizdovsky's birth—a milestone that invites us to revisit and appreciate his iconic prints' masterful craftsmanship and lasting legacy. We are pleased to have participated in this project, contributing to celebrating his work and profound impact on the arts and design community.

Opening Reception: Saturday, January 25, 2025
Time: 1:00 to 4:00 pm
Station Gallery: 1450 Henry Street, Whitby, Ontario
stationgallery.ca

Hope to see you there!

*Artwork: Llama, woodcut, 16" x 14", 1972

The Design Thinkers conference by not only brings designers together, it makes creative juices flowing fast.

✨We wish our customers, partners, and friends a joyful Canada Day weekend! 🇨🇦 Whether you're diving into fun activities or enjoying some well-deserved rest, may your holiday be filled with happiness and pride for our beautiful country–O Canada!

Let's get emotional! Whether you're feeling happy, sad, hopeful, frustrated, or anywhere in between, join us in celebrating World Industrial Designers Day today by acknowledging the profound impact of design professionals on our quality of life through designs that evoke emotions and enhance our everyday lives.

This week, we joined The Association of Chartered Industrial Designers of Ontario members and design enthusiasts at the Cortex Design office to celebrate . Though we were trained as Industrial Designers over 30 years ago, we continually champion good design and sound design approaches that lead to better experiences.