Making a Save with ClickBeforeYouDig!

Mike Sullivan - President - Utility Safety Partners

Several years ago, I connected with Sylvie Poitras through a mutual friend. Sylvie is a distinguished illustrator and artist on canvas from Chicoutimi, Quebec who has also carved a unique niche in the world of sports art through her exceptional airbrush designs on goalie masks. As the founder and creative force behind Airbrush Zap, Sylvie has transformed protective sports equipment into captivating canvases that narrate personal stories and embody team spirits.​

For quite some time, I had been waiting for the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind goalie mask commemorating the damage prevention industry that has given so much to so many and this year’s Utility Safety Partners’ Safety Conference, with at least 200 expected registrants at the JW Marriott at Edmonton’s Ice District, was the perfect opportunity to do so.

Sylvie’s artistic journey is rooted in her studies in Fine Arts at Cégep de Chicoutimi. Her passion for design and meticulous attention to detail have earned her collaborations with renowned goaltenders. Notably, she was the artist behind Martin Brodeur's mask designs for several years, blending classic elements with personal branding to create iconic pieces. In 2007, and a little closer to home, Sylvie worked with Edmonton Oilers goalie, Mathieu Garon, to craft two distinctive masks for the season, showcasing her ability to capture individual player personalities and team heritage. Beyond goalie masks, Poitras's artistic prowess extends to various surfaces, including helmets and motorcycles, demonstrating her versatility in airbrush art. Her dedication to transforming clients' ideas into unique artworks is evident in her portfolio, which boasts over 530 completed projects and a clientele exceeding 120. ​

I first reached out to Sylvie a few years ago but her schedule was jammed with commitments. Then, almost a year ago, we finally secured a time slot. I told her about Utility Safety Partners, about ClickBeforeYouDig, and about the upcoming safety conference. I provided her with our branding guidelines and basically said, “I leave the final outcome in your most capable hands!” and what she created for us is sensational!

All 2025 Safety Conference attendees are automatically entered into the draw for the commemorative mask and additional tickets can be purchased on-site.