by Stella Shepard

Kellie-Ann Perry, of Souris, wins big in the Atlantic Lottery with the ticket she designed. Perry, a recent graduate of the Holland College Graphic Design program, is the grand prize winner of the 2004 Atlantic Lottery Corporation Scratch 'N Win Lottery Ticket Design Contest. Her ticket design was chosen amongst 60 concepts submitted from universities and colleges across all four Atlantic Provinces.

"I was speechless. I could not believe I won the grand prize of 2500 dollars. And my entry Moonlight Sequence will be the basis for a new scratch and win Atlantic lottery ticket sold in the Atlantic Provinces," says Perry with a broad smile. "When I first learned I won, I immediately telephoned my parents, Bert and Debbie. Because I was so excited telling them the news, they first thought I had won 2500 dollars in the lottery. Mom and Dad are very proud and called family and friends to share my good news."

Perry learned of the contest in her final year of study at the Island's community college. Nigel Roe, learning manager of the Graphic Design program, encouraged her to enter the contest. Drawing from her past experience of playing board games with family and friends, and using her imagination, Perry created a board game of strategy and chance. "I had to figure out a way of translating a normal deck of cards into something easier to see on a small scale, the stars and moons worked very well and was easier to see than on the board game. It took about two weeks to design the concept, where you have to scratch two lines of five in any direction to win the grand prize."

A version Moonlight Sequence Scratch 'N Win tickets will be available within the year at retail outlets that sell Atlantic lottery tickets. "I am going to buy more than a handful as gifts for relatives and friends and say, 'Oh, by the way, I designed the ticket,'" Perry says showing an impish smile.

The Holland College two-year Graphic Design program focuses in addressing the needs for strong graphic designers by specializing in a Diploma in Graphic Design. This program of study prepares students to work in any of the exciting areas that are open to designers today.

Perry always knew Art was her calling since early childhood. "I would be sitting in class doodling in my scribbler instead of doing my schoolwork. We didn't have an Arts program at school so I had no formal training when I applied to the Graphic Design program. It's just amazing I won the contest with no earlier formal study except for the Holland College training.

The 23-year-old graphic artist, fresh out of college, has already acquired an impressive portfolio. While enrolled in the Graphic Design program, Perry successfully completed an on-the-job training with the Marketing and Recruitment department of Holland College. She continues to freelance with Holland College and for Island businesses. And she is ready to embark on a career journey that will take her to Canada's North. "This fall, I am seriously considering to accept an offer to work at a design firm in Iqaluit, Nunavut."

Perry's future career plan includes starting her own graphic design business creating more competition on Prince Edward Island. "Starting my own business after I have gained more experience in the field will offer freshness to the industry," says Perry who has a promising career looming before her.