Who we are
Shaun Vincent
Shaun Vincent is an award-winning artist, graphic designer, and entrepreneur. He earned his Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design, Communication Design from Red River College Polytechnic in 2003.
Shaun’s connection to his Métis roots runs deep, having spent much of his childhood in the community of St. Laurent, on the southeast shore of Lake Manitoba. Métis people have lived on this shore since the 1800s and today, he continues to care for the land, the place where he feels most at home. As an Elder once told him, “The land knows your feet here.”
In 2007, after several years in the design industry, Shaun founded Vincent Design. Driven by a desire to create representational design, he established a branding and marketing firm focused on uplifting Indigenous communities, organizations, and companies. What began in the basement of his St. Boniface home soon grew into a thriving business. In 2017, Vincent Design became incorporated, marking a milestone in Shaun’s journey. Today, the company employs over 35 highly skilled creative professionals.
Shaun didn’t set out to specialize in Indigenous design, but as he began working with Indigenous clients, he quickly realized that the traditional Western approach to branding couldn’t fully capture the depth and meaning within these communities. In the early days, there wasn’t a clear process in place—he was applying conventional branding methods to concepts that carried far more cultural significance than those frameworks could handle. The lessons came through experience, discovery, and consultation with Elders, who taught him the importance of timing, process, and pacing in a way that respects Indigenous ways of being.
The biggest challenge, Shaun discovered, was that each project is unique—just like the people, languages, and communities they represent. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every job requires a deep understanding of the story behind it, and those stories are as diverse as the animals, plants, and landscapes that have been part of these cultures for centuries. Designing a logo for an Indigenous organization is not just about aesthetics; it’s about reflecting their history, values, and the pride they feel in their identity. It’s about making them feel included in today’s world of technology and modernism, while honoring their connection to the land and their roots. Through this complex, iterative process, Shaun has learned that each design is a journey—one that can only be fully understood by doing it over and over again.
Shaun learned very early in his career the need to move beyond cliche, overused symbols, such as the oxcart, inukshuk, or eagle feather. Instead, he incorporates animals and plants, representing ideas that transcend Western concepts of borders and boundaries. Influenced by the Woodlands and Cape Dorset styles, as well as traditional Métis beadwork and clothing, his unique approach reflects a deep connection to Indigenous culture. His work embodies “Two-Eyed Seeing,” a philosophy that blends Indigenous knowledge with Western practices.
His collaborations with notable Indigenous organizations, such as Southern Chiefs’ Organization and Ka Ni Kanichihk, have cemented Vincent Design as a leading Indigenous-led marketing and design firm in Manitoba.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Shaun is actively involved in his community. He serves as a Troop Leader for the 3rd Winnipeg Scouts and has been recognized for his volunteerism with awards from the City of Winnipeg and the Province of Manitoba. He also sits on the board of BUILD (Building Urban Industries for Local Development), a social enterprise and training program for people facing barriers to employment. Vincent Design shares space with BUILD in the Social Enterprise Centre, a hub for community-driven initiatives.