Fineline Co-operative
In 2021, OCAD University launched a project with the support of the Future Skills Centre to incubate an art marketplace and a co-op that helps artists and designers grow their business online, while developing cultural entrepreneurship skills. The result is Fineline and the project has been shaped by artists and designers every step of the way. Following a 2021 user research study and collaborative design process, a call for expression of interest to join the first co-op board was released in July 2023. A team of co-op Directors (bios below) incorporated the co-op to enable co-ownership, co-governance and peer-to-peer support for members.
Mission Statement
The Fineline Co-operative is a non-profit, co-operative whose purpose is to help artists and designers grow their business online, while developing entrepreneurship skills in creative businesses.
This includes providing:
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Education, resources, training and mentorship in creative entrepreneurship
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Community building, networking and outreach
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Capacity building for artists and designers to increase their profile and sales
Meet the First Directors
Pascale Ramalingum
Artist and Fashion Model, IADT Fashion Marketing and Merchandising Grad, Fineline Accelerator Grad 2023
Pascale is an artist and a model based in Toronto. Born and raised on the island of Mauritius, she is an avid learner, full of charm and enthusiasm. As a fashion graduate, her artwork reflects modernism and sensuality. Her creations are very personal and touching, which relates to her past life experience. She is an undeniable romantic and her creations reflect her personality.
Demilade Olaleye
Design Director, OCADU Alum (Master of Design in Digital Futures, 2023)
Demilade Olaleye is a designer, artist & engineer based in Toronto. He is the founder of Fraymer.com and a jury member at Awwwards, assessing the talent, effort, technicality, and insight that goes into the most cutting-edge and innovative digital experiences.
Sarah Alinia Ziazi
Illustrator and Muralist, OCADU Alum (Illustration), Fineline Co-Lab (April 2023)
Sarah Alinia Ziazi is a Toronto-based Illustrator and Muralist who holds a BDs in Illustration from OCAD University. She is passionate about creating images from personal experiences to conceptual narratives. Reoccurring themes of identity and nostalgia are used to provide engaging connections through the use of traditional and digital mediums. She is a recipient of numerous awards and has exhibited artworks in several Canadian galleries. As a freelance illustrator, she has worked for reputable international clientele and has showcased her work in published forums and magazines.
Kate Collins
Multimedia Artist, Writer and Business Coach
Kate is a Toronto-based multimedia artist developing a practice that brings together her passion for Artist Books and her writing. With a strong background in community development, incubation of business skills for creative entrepreneurs and membership growth, Kate is excited to help the Board build momentum for the Cooperative.
Nevita Sankar
Multidisciplinary Artist, OCADU Alumni (Cross-Disciplinary Art: Life Studies 2019) & Continuing Studies Grad, OISE Visual Arts Teacher Candidate
Nevita is a multidisciplinary artist based in Scarborough. She works in drawing, painting, film, photography, sculpture and more. These different mediums and forms of working are sometimes brought together into multimedia pieces. With interests in both the sciences and the arts, there is no limit to the direction in which her work can go.
Tess Hoover
Multidisciplinary Artist, OCADU Continuing Studies Grad, Fineline Co-Lab and Accelerator Grad 2023
Tess Hoover is a multidisciplinary artist based in Toronto, Ontario. Driven by a passion for design, she constantly working on new projects for her personal business, Hoovprints (www.hoovprints.com // @hoovprints) highlighting and retailing artwork. She is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s Architectural Science program, and recently earned a Postgraduate Certificate in Graphic Design and Visual Communication Skills from OCAD University’s School of Continuing Education.
