A high school art teacher told me I'd have difficulty creating a portfolio; let alone get into a design program. I ended up not only making a portfolio, but also being selected for one of the 100 spots for the 2004 York Sheridan Joint Bachelor of Design Program. I wasn't as skilled as other students but I had passion, grit and tenacity that would prove to be useful in the years to come. I was humbled during my time at YSDN, but it was the best crash course into the industry I could have asked for.
I graduated right in the middle of the 2008 recession and freelanced as much as I could; eventually landing at Cossette Communications. Unfortunately, I was hit with a health issue that had me bed ridden. After recovering, there were not a lot of design or marketing jobs out there but I signed up for a portfolio mixer where I met the influential and iconic Ray Barrett.
Ray listened as I explained the last 2 years since graduating, rarely talking about my portfolio. Once the bell rang for us to switch, he told me to keep in touch - but didn't give me any form of contacting him. Not being one to back down from a challenge, I searched and cold called places until I found him. We met several times where I met the rest of his creative team. He would ask me design questions and after listening intently, he would tell me why I was wrong. I learned more from him in these discussions than I did in any lecture. Essentially, he taught me not to go with what's obvious, or easy, or familiar. Go with what will stop you in your tracks because it scares you. That's when you know you're onto something.
Eventually, I landed at Cadillac Fairview; working with the team that was bringing American brands to our Canadian malls. I then moved to Longo's; working on the marketing team as a graphic designer. I took a study break to obtain a Marketing Communications Certificate from University of Toronto. After the completion of the certificate, I obtained contract roles with The Regional Municipality of York and TD Bank.
I've had the pleasure of working for in-house teams at Recipe Unlimited (formerly Cara), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network, The Department of Surgery at McMaster University and most recently at The York Catholic District School Board.
I approach design challenges with the experience of a life lived, filled with ups and downs, heartache and let downs. Whether I'm designing a pamphlet for a grieving family or coming up with a UX pathway for users; empathy is my main driver. I believe great design is quiet, intuitive, and clear. It's understood quickly and effective in what it communicates. I believe design can tell stories that help people feel seen, drawing on shared experiences to create connection and empathy.
Still a student at heart, I'm continuously learning as the industry pushes forward with new technology and innovation. (Side note, I am a designer; not a web designer).
I graduated right in the middle of the 2008 recession and freelanced as much as I could; eventually landing at Cossette Communications. Unfortunately, I was hit with a health issue that had me bed ridden. After recovering, there were not a lot of design or marketing jobs out there but I signed up for a portfolio mixer where I met the influential and iconic Ray Barrett.
Ray listened as I explained the last 2 years since graduating, rarely talking about my portfolio. Once the bell rang for us to switch, he told me to keep in touch - but didn't give me any form of contacting him. Not being one to back down from a challenge, I searched and cold called places until I found him. We met several times where I met the rest of his creative team. He would ask me design questions and after listening intently, he would tell me why I was wrong. I learned more from him in these discussions than I did in any lecture. Essentially, he taught me not to go with what's obvious, or easy, or familiar. Go with what will stop you in your tracks because it scares you. That's when you know you're onto something.
Eventually, I landed at Cadillac Fairview; working with the team that was bringing American brands to our Canadian malls. I then moved to Longo's; working on the marketing team as a graphic designer. I took a study break to obtain a Marketing Communications Certificate from University of Toronto. After the completion of the certificate, I obtained contract roles with The Regional Municipality of York and TD Bank.
I've had the pleasure of working for in-house teams at Recipe Unlimited (formerly Cara), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Network, The Department of Surgery at McMaster University and most recently at The York Catholic District School Board.
I approach design challenges with the experience of a life lived, filled with ups and downs, heartache and let downs. Whether I'm designing a pamphlet for a grieving family or coming up with a UX pathway for users; empathy is my main driver. I believe great design is quiet, intuitive, and clear. It's understood quickly and effective in what it communicates. I believe design can tell stories that help people feel seen, drawing on shared experiences to create connection and empathy.
Still a student at heart, I'm continuously learning as the industry pushes forward with new technology and innovation. (Side note, I am a designer; not a web designer).