Industry Insights

I love Christmas. The message of love, redemption and salvation expressed in the celebrations, the colours, the carols and the good cheer bring joy to the soul. I can’t think of a better way to end the year. I don’t believe there is a better way to start a new year either.

We have a philosophy here at Compass Creative that we have been exploring for some time. It is expressed simply as “Live artfully.” This boundless idea challenges us to a more intentional way of life and to season our work with beauty and love. To live artfully is to be ever grateful, to care deeply and to bring joy to others.

The great thinker C.S. Lewis said it something like this:

“Art, like friendship, has no survival value but rather is one of those things that gives value to survival.”

Last night the entire Compass Creative team enjoyed a stage production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music at Theatre Aquarius. Rather than our usual Christmas dinner we dined instead on song, music, laughter and story. You certainly can’t survive on that stuff alone, but without it, survival loses much value.

The performers gave us excellence. Sharing the gifts we’ve been given is also living artfully. Those gifts aren’t necessarily wrapped in colourful or glittery paper. Most often they come wrapped in humility and dedication.

“Through all the world there goes one long cry from the heart of the artist: Give me leave to do my utmost.”
–Isak Dineson

Perhaps our greatest opportunity to give gifts is not on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning but rather every day by doing our absolute best in our work. That is why I am so thankful for the team of talented individuals I get to work with every day – not just for their skill but also for the genuine care they show for our clients, for each other and for me.

Now, as in years past, we will close the doors of Compass Creative’s studio for a while to pause and reflect on the year that was, give thanks, give gifts and refill one another before taking up our work again in the new year.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy, Prosperous & Artful New Year!

– Jason Bouwman

Holiday hours:
Closed: Monday, December 23rd – Wednesday, January 1st
Open: Thursday, January 2nd

In case of an emergency: Call (905) 978-3479

P.S. The folks at WestJet gave us a fun story of giving this year. If you haven’t seen this yet, please enjoy: