About Me.
Art Director and Graphic Designer
Creative Leader | Brand Strategist | Design for Good
Driving Engagement and Elevating Brand Identity
Creative leader with experience delivering high-impact brand and marketing projects across digital, social and print platforms. Adept at mentoring design teams, refining brand identities, and ensuring consistency across all touchpoints. Collaboratively led creative strategy for branding and marketing initiatives with marketing and communication teams to deliver cohesive and engaging visual narratives.
Known for bringing warmth and strategy to creative work, and always learning to stay curious, adaptable, and in-tune with how design can help people thrive.
Creative Problem Solving | Brand Evolution | Cross-functional Collaboration |
Mentorship & Coaching | Project Management
Work Experience
Communications
Design Lead
​2022 to 2024
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The University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus
Kelowna, BC Canada
Contributed to the design and execution of projects (brand, web, social media, digital advertising, print, way finding) in a cross-functional environment ensuring alignment with strategic marketing objectives, strong design and compelling storytelling.
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Developed and maintained visual identity systems for programs on campus, enhancing brand consistency and enabling clients to leverage the university's 100+ years of established brand.
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Contributed to the creation of essential brand resources for internal and external communications and marketing. This facilitated the growth of the university's brand as more users adopted and applied the brand consistently.
Communications Design Team Lead
2020 to 2022
The University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus
Kelowna, BC Canada
Managed a team of designers, fostering a collaborative environment to deliver cohesive design solutions. Established and led project calls, streamlining communication and setting clear expectations with internal stakeholders, and cultivating strong relationships with faculties and departments. My team consisted of three direct reports and one indirect.
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Implemented processes to improve project management efficiency, client interactions, and alignment with communication and marketing goals. This allowed the design team to keep up with the demands of our clients, improve our briefs, and streamline project intake.
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Committed to the success of the design team, I drove efforts to improve capacity and capability, and led by example. Provided mentorship and guidance to intermediate and junior designers enabling them to hone and update their evolving skills to keep up with industry demands.​
Communications
Design Lead​
2017 to 2020
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The University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus
Kelowna, BC Canada
Assumed the inaugural leadership role within an expanding in-house design team, overseeing strategic direction and fostering collaborative growth. This team comprised four designers, including myself.
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Spearheaded the consultation and adoption of new applications for digital advertising and animation, including the creation of animated GIFs, enabling the design team to meet the increased digital needs of the campus's communications and marketing teams.
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Advocated for professional development opportunities that fostered a culture of continuous learning and innovation, serving as a catalyst for the design team to find ways to identify methods for adding value to our offerings.
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IImproved project management processes by collaborating with the team and stakeholders. This clarified the project intake process and adjusted the tools to enhance team collaboration.
Associate Communications Designer (Part-time)
2013 to 2017
The University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus
Kelowna, BC Canada
Delivered high-quality design solutions under tight deadlines, contributing to internal and external marketing initiatives that involved prospective students, current students, faculty, and staff.
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Managed multiple design projects simultaneously, maintaining attention to detail and adherence to timelines.
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Collaborated with management to establish a project management system that improved organization, increased capacity, and communication within the department and clients.
Owner, Art Director, Graphic Designer,
Project Manager
2006 to 2017
dbDesign
Kelowna, BC Canada
Established and led a referral-based design consultancy, delivering comprehensive branding design solutions to clientele from entrepreneurs to large corporations.
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Directed all aspects of business development, networking, and client management, fostering long-term relationships and ensuring client satisfaction.
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Oversaw the end-to-end management of design projects, from initial concept through to final delivery, ensuring alignment with client objectives and timelines.
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Provided art direction for corporate identity development, encompassing web, digital marketing, print, signage, and photography, to establish cohesive brand identities.
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Developed and executed design projects across various mediums, maintaining high standards of quality, clear communication, and adherence to budgets and deadlines.
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Advised clients and communications strategists on appropriate graphic design solutions, aligning creative outputs with overarching marketing goals.
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Maintained a successful referral-based business for over 11 years, with client relationships spanning up to a decade, demonstrating trust and satisfaction.
Education and Professional Development
Visual Communications Diploma, Graphic Design Major with Distinction
MacEwan University
(Formerly Grant MacEwan Community College)
Edmonton, AB Canada
Introduction to UX and UI Design Certificate​
Adobe Education Exchange
Managing@UBC Okanagan
(now known as Developing Leaders Program)
2019 to 2020 Cohort
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The University of British Columbia's Okanagan Campus
Kelowna, BC Canada
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Designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of people managers and to support their success in the workplace.
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Core components: emotional intelligence, a strong professional network, and a broad understanding of organizational structures, systems, and priorities.
Certification and Awards
CDP™ Certified
Design Professionals of Canada
CASE District VIII Communications Awards
2019
CASE Award Silver for Redesign of ok.ubc.ca
Contributing team member.
University Relations (Randy Lievers, Margo Yacheshyn, Diana Bartel) and Web Services (Jamie Edwards, Steve Quilala, Jithin Shaji, Andrew Alcantara, Yan Yong)
Tommie Awards
Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence
Canadian Home Builder's Association
Gold
Best Logo Design, 2009
Best Ad Design, 2006
Best Brochure Design, 2005
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Silver
Best Logo Design, 2006
