Design Lecture Series w/ Eleazar Ruiz (Odd Notion Studio)

The PNCA Design Lecture Series welcomes a broad range of creatives who are breaking expectations of what design can be and do in the world. On 10/21, Eleazar Ruiz of Odd Notion Studio will join us to talk about design with purpose, and how empathy and strategy can come together to benefit people and the planet.

Our 2025-26 Design Lecture Series explores, loosely, the theme of neighborhoods, and Eleazar's practice is an example of how design can help visionary organizations disrupt business as usual. We invite you to take a closer look at the communities around you, whether mapped by shared interests or geographies, in all their wild variation: the intersections between us, the ways we differ, and how design builds connection.

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Eleazar Ruiz (ellie-azar) (he/him) is a Dominican-born, award-winning brand strategist, creative director, and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience across in-house design teams, agencies, and innovative startups. His expertise bridges brand strategy, branding, and social impact, culminating in the successful launch of brands that tell powerful, culturally relevant stories.

Ruiz is the founder of Odd Notion, a certified B-Corp design studio focused on meaningful, purpose-driven brand development. His approach centers on strategic clarity and visual storytelling, guiding organizations from concept formation to confident, distinguished brand identities. Under his leadership, Odd Notion has grown into a creative hub known for its empathetic and principled design ethos, serving start-ups, established companies, and nonprofits alike.

Throughout his career, Eleazar has collaborated with major global clients—including Nike, The Oregonian, Lyft, Microsoft, and Xbox—as well as dozens of emerging ventures. In addition to leading creative projects, Ruiz is active in promoting community-driven design and championing the role of design equity in brand building. His work regularly explores themes of identity, culture, and positive social impact, reflecting his belief that design is a transformative force for good.

Ruiz has earned numerous prestigious accolades, including Webby Awards, Anthem Awards, and recognition from Indie Agency for his outstanding contributions to the design field. His thoughtful, innovative approach has been celebrated in leading creative publications and recognized for elevating brand experiences with both artistic distinction and strategic vision. He continues to be sought after as a thought leader for his principled methodology and commitment to advancing design that matters.

We can't wait to talk with him! Join us!

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FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Pacific Northwest College of ArtIn the first-floor Mediatheque511 NW Broadway, Portland, OR 97209

Livestream event available for our communities who can't be here in person!

Register to receive a link and a reminder.

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Hosted by the BFA Graphic Design program at Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) since 2016, and co-founded with FISK, the PNCA Design Lecture Series welcomes in a diverse range of creative folks to explore the broad and vibrant potential of design. For more than 100 years, the Pacific Northwest College of Art has served as a dynamic creative center for emerging artists, designers, and creators. PNCA is part of Willamette University.

Find more about Eleazar and Odd Notion Studio at oddnotion.com, listen to his Sunny Brands podcast, or find more work on instagram @oddnotion.studio.

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Learn more about the PNCA Design community, including more about our program, inspiring student work, alumni, and faculty, at https://pnca.willamette.edu/academics/bfa/graphic-design/ or by following us on instagram @PNCADesign.

Event posters by Nico Bakh '25. All other images courtesy of our guest.

Host or Publisher Hallie Ford School of Graduate Studies at PNCA