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From neuroscience to poetry: Alum's multifaceted career

Dawn Web (BSc’22), a multi-disciplinary artist and entrepreneur, transitioned from studying neuroscience to owning Vivid Illusion Creative Studios and authoring the poetry book Red Corner.

Posted: July 22, 2024

By: Jocelyn Adams Moss

Headshot of alum Dawn Web.

Multi-disciplinary artist Dawn Web (BSc’22) has carved out a new career path by leveraging skills in writing and entrepreneurship. As a student, Web moved to the East Coast to pursue a degree in health promotion and later graduated with a minor in neuroscience.

Web, who identifies as queer and neurodivergent, is the owner of Vivid Illusions Creative Studios, a Canadian multi-media agency specializing in mixed-media production. They recently published a book of poetry and prose called Red Corner. The book shares a raw and vulnerable tone and explores themes of identity, love, growth, perseverance, and navigating intergenerational trauma.

A passion for writing

Growing up, writing was a creative outlet for Web. “I first started writing when I was 12 years old. I used it as a coping mechanism to get through high school,” explains Web.

After sustaining an injury, Web was forced to give up a 10-year competitive dancing career and redirected their passion to playing and writing music. “I built a guitar and learned how to play, and my mom invested in a beautiful upright piano. From there I got into song writing. I pushed myself during the pandemic to continue to write and engage with that part of myself,” says Web.

The journey to publishing a book began during an open mic night. “I got a lot of positive feedback when I started to share my poetry. It was nice to connect with strangers who were opening up about their own experiences and challenges. And it provided them with a safe space,” shares Web.

Red Corner came to life in Web’s final year at Dal, after taking a writing course with Dr. Rebecca Babcock. “I wanted to be able to help my creative writing and songwriting, so I registered for her creative writing course. Through this course I wrote a personal essay and two poems in class.”

The content for the book was written from 2018 until the time they graduated. It then sat there for about two years.

Dr. Babcock played an instrumental role in Web’s writing journey. “I enjoyed her course, English for science students. She was an amazing teacher. I learned so much about communications and writing.”

Publishing Red Corner

Web credits their mother for motivating them to publish their book. “My mom pushed me because she knew my writing would help people. You have to do this.”

Red Corner is the first of five books in the series. It’s part one of the collection Primary Series, a larger component of the colors collection, including blue and yellow. The book titles are based on the colours that the theme brings out. “With red, there is passion, love, angst, turmoil, and lust. The feelings that come to mind when you look at the colour.”

Giving back to Dal

Web recently returned to the Dal Science community and hosted a writing workshop for students participating in the 2024 John Dingle Science Communication Internship. This was an opportunity for students to further develop their writing skills and to explore their creative side.

Web holds a copy of Red Corner standing in a classroom.

The next chapter

Beyond Red Corner, Web is returning to Dal this fall to complete a double major in marine biology and creative writing. “It plays to two components of myself – the creative side and my love for the ocean.” As for Vivid Illusions, they would like to see their business flourish and hope to collaborate with new artists. They also hinted at the release of an audiobook and an upcoming music video.

To learn more about Dawn Web and to purchase a copy of Red Corner, please visit . Copies are also available locally at Agricola Street Brooks in Halifax, where you will receive a complimentary journal, bookmark, and stickers.