When Ott approached her high school guidance counsellor about pursuing a career in graphic design, he told her, “If you’re going to do it, you’ve got to move to Toronto, and you have to go to George Brown,” she recalls.
In 1987, Ott embodied the spirit of a determined young artist and did just that. She packed her bags, left her familiar surroundings, and moved to Toronto with a singular focus: to become a graphic designer. While many of her peers relied on family support to fund their education, Ott charted a different path. She embraced a challenging but transformative experience, working multiple jobs to support herself while she pursued her dream. "I was hungry, I was broke," she recalls with candour. "But I was determined."
Learning through practice
Her journey through GBC was more than just an academic pursuit—it was a crucible of professional development. As technologies, software, and design practices evolved over the decades, Ott discovered that the fundamental principles she learned in her classes remain timeless. The hands-on learning and industry insights she gained during her studies laid a robust foundation for her future success.
After graduation, Ott secured a junior designer position at a prominent Toronto print shop. The terms were blunt: "They told me the pay would be terrible, and I'd do all the grunt work,” she remembers. “But the lessons would be invaluable." She pauses, then adds, "And they were right."
Career Success
Over the following decades, Ott's career has flourished. She has worked with top design studios and agencies, mastering branding, packaging, and web design. Today, she runs her design studio, Varga Girl Design, a boutique practice providing one-stop creative solutions for a diverse client roster.
Her recent achievements speak volumes: a 2024 NY Design Award for packaging design, three 2023 MUSE Creative Awards for branding, marketing, and packaging design, and a 2023 NYX Award for logo design, amongst others. But it's her recent rebranding of Nellie's, a prominent Toronto women's shelter celebrating its 50th anniversary, that brings her the most pride. "I love that I get to work on causes I care about," she says.
Giving back to the next generation
Now, Ott is channelling her success back to her alma mater as the inaugural donor to the George Brown College Alumni Scholarship Fund. The decision stems from her own experience: "I was so close to dropping out after the first year because of money," she reflects. "I want to ease that burden for future students, even in a small way."
Despite three decades in the industry, Ott's passion for design remains undiminished. "I still love what I do because it's always interesting—whether it's animation, websites, or packaging. There's always more to learn." This commitment to lifelong learning has kept her current and competitive in an ever-evolving field.
With her blend of design expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to community, Rachel Ott exemplifies George Brown's legacy of producing industry leaders. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring designers, reminding them that success is not just about individual achievement but about using one's talents to uplift others.
Stay connected with Alumni Relations for future events, initiatives, and career development opportunities. Update your contact information at our Alumni Relations Profile Centre and follow us on LinkedIn. To learn more, check the Lifelong Learning section on the alumni website and register today for upcoming sessions!
