As part of our exciting new event, Homes First Big Picnic, we’re spotlighting the creators, collaborators, and community champions helping bring it to life. This august Homes First is hosting a free community picnic at Trinity Bellwoods Park to raise awareness about homelessness and housing insecurity.
One of the people helping shape the visuals of this event is Elizabeth, a volunteer designer whose creative vision helps bring community, joy, and accessibility to the forefront. We sat down with her to hear more about her journey into design, why she chose to work with Homes First, and what she hopes people will take away from the Big Picnic.
Q&A with Elizabeth Hum
Q: Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and how you got into this field?
Elizabeth: I’m Liz, or Elizabeth. I originally started in interior design corporate and workplace interiors. I did that for about two years before realizing I really wanted to move into illustration and graphic design instead. That’s been my focus for the past four or five years now, building my skills and trying to make my way into that field.
Q: What made you want to volunteer with Homes First?
Elizabeth: During university, I took a class that used housing in the city as a case studies. I remember one that really stuck with me was about how Regent Park was originally designed. The area didn’t have access to grocery stores for years, and the layout made it feel very isolated. I remember thinking, “That’s wild that something so essential was just… missing for so long.”
That stayed with me. Then during the pandemic, we all saw how much harder it became to access housing or shelter. I think the more people understand why shelters and housing aren’t always accessible, the better we’ll be as a city. And when you’re a designer or illustrator, you have a platform to help shape how people understand those issues. You can help break down stereotypes and connect people emotionally to the reality of homelessness.
Q: Why did the Big Picnic, specifically, stand out to you?
Elizabeth: I really believe in the power of community-based events. They’re such an accessible, welcoming way to educate people and bring them together. For a lot of folks, it’s overwhelming to try to figure out how to help or even where to start. But something like a picnic it’s friendly, it’s in a public park, it draws in all sorts of people. You can show up just to enjoy the day and end up learning something meaningful.
And honestly, I’ve never heard of an event like this in Toronto. The Big Picnic feels unique and important, just the fact that it’s happening in a popular park means even people who don’t know about it ahead of time will come across it and hopefully get curious.
Q: What do you hope people feel when they see the visuals you’ve created for the Big Picnic?
Elizabeth: I hope people see themselves. Whether it’s on a poster, social media, or at the event, I want people to feel like they belong, that they’re welcome, and that they’re part of a community. I think fun visuals can be a gateway something eye-catching that draws you in, and then you realize, “Oh, this is actually a community fundraiser. This matters.”
Q: Why do you think using your creative skills for community causes is important?
Elizabeth: One thing I learnt in school was that bad design is very obvious. You don’t need to be an expert to feel when something isn’t working. So I try to use creativity to make things more accessible, to connect people and help them feel present and represented.
Good design has the power to open doors and remove barriers and that’s especially important when we’re talking about people who’ve historically been excluded, like those experiencing homelessness.
Q: What advice would you give to other creatives who want to give back?
Elizabeth: Just try. Even if you feel like you’re not experienced enough or you don’t know where to start, the important thing is to put yourself out there. I’ve definitely dealt with imposter syndrome, but the more you push through that and say yes to opportunities, the more you’ll find projects that align with what you care about. Whether it’s your job or something like this, volunteering there are always ways to make a difference.
Join Us at The Big Picnic
Elizabeth’s creativity reminds us that art and design have the power to build bridges, create empathy, and help us reimagine what’s possible. We hope you’ll come experience it yourself at The Homes First Big Picnic, Sunday 17th August.
Learn more about the event and how you can get involved at https://homesfirst.on.ca/big-picnic/
To connect with Elizabeth and see her amazing portfolio visit: www.behance.net/elizabethhum
