reflect, in some way, the core values of the company. Be it health and wellness or the environment, they are important aspects of Roots.” As prolific as he is on the job, Ilich also finds time for his own photography. “I like combining different types of photography — sport, music, nature, fashion — in what I do,” says Ilich, who uses a Canon 5D A hobby, as well as a career, Ilich’s personal photos are often in classic black and white for his digital work, and a Bonita in Algonquin Park, moved to Canada with his family Mamiya RZ67 for his personal and Michael were so inspired by photographing models in a when he was 10. “In high school, work. “I think these things all the place, even in their early natural style and setting for the my soccer coach taught me to visits there,” says Ilich, 31, who relate to each other in some way. images that will form the basis never get too excited and always Walter Iooss, who’s had a huge before starting at Roots, worked of the soon-to-launch holiday to think things through so as not as a graphic artist at Sunrise influence on me, combined all campaign. True to form, in his to panic. Records and Jean Machine these different That styles. I’m very latest photos, Ilich — in collabo- following his studies at George approach Brown College where he traditional when it ration with Stephanie Briers, completed a three-year course in helps me at comes to personal Manager, Graphic Design — work. work. I can spend an captured the essence of the latest Graphic Design. “We have a Sometimes entire weekend in collection, evoking the spirit and really good team of designers the deadhere and the Art Department is a my darkroom and inspiration behind it, all the great environment to be in. Also, lines can not see daylight. I while highlighting the details seem being able to see the design like traditional and texture of the different overwhelmprocess of the clothing really methods of shooting products. ing but my black-and-white “Shooting in Algonquin Park, helps us in our marketing and experience advertising campaigns.” Gelatin Silver films you really understand why Don shows that Ilich thrives on collaboration medium format. I you always with his colleagues and works like developing and get through. closely with Roots Co-Founders printing my own Ads emphasize the connection I try to be a Don Green and Michael between style and the outdoors shots. There is a Budman, who have always been positive role special craftsmanmodel for the rest of the team. I actively involved in the compaship required to work this way as can’t be freaking out or else it ny’s visual communication. one variable can throw everywill have a snowball effect on “We’re fortunate to have thing off.” them. It’s important to keep Ilich on our team,” says With Ilich behind the things moving.” Michael. “His enormous talents camera, the photographs coming Ilich began taking pictures combine beautifully with his out of Roots will continue to when he was 13 after buying his exemplary attitude, personality, reflect and help define the work ethic and overall stand-out first camera, an old 110 film company as it approaches its 35th performance. He’s had a major point and shoot model. He got anniversary next year. True to impact on our visual output interested in photography when form, he’ll keep the image of Many of Ilich’s photos have been showcasing Roots in print and his uncle let him play with his Roots in focus. - R.S. featured on covers of The Source when it comes to photography, 35mm single-lensShot at Toronto’s Casa Loma, the Roots fall he has a great eye. He’s also reflex camera. campaign highlights classic style extremely fit and a great soccer His work is player but I can do more pushconstantly evolving. ups than him.” “It’s been extremely Ilich is as personable, modest helpful to receive and even-keeled as they come feedback from cusand easy to work with. Not for tomers and of course him the attitude of the temperafrom staff at the store mental artiste impervious to level,” says Ilich. “You input from others. see what people “I don’t know if it’s from respond to and how it playing sports but I’ve learned to influences their always keep calm,” says Ilich, a perception of Roots. passionate soccer player who Ideally, the pictures I was born in Guatemala and do for Roots should 4 • The Source
Issue 77 - November 2007