Step One: art school

This is where my love for art and design began. After high school, I attended Nipissing University where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and specialized in abstract painting. To this day, art and painting play huge roles in my life.  I draw and sketch daily and especially enjoy sketching when I go on summer camping trips.

step two: teaching art in korea

Art school also gave me the unique opportunity to teach overseas and bring me out of my comfort zone. While teaching art in Korea, I learned new skills, such as creating lessons plans for young children, and how to read and speak basic Korean. With the help of many great people I met, I used my patience and creativity to teach children art across language and cultural barriers. I also took up a love for cooking, and expanded my worldview.

step three: marketing school

After years of teaching and working as a practicing artist, I decided something needed to change. I enrolled in Algonquin College’s Advertising & Marketing Communications program where I learned how to apply my design eye to a more commercial product. I decided that my ultimate goal would be to help not-for-profits and small businesses share their story and ultimately use my skills to help make this world a better place.

step four: freelancing (current day)

Currently, I work with small and micro businesses to help establish a brand identity. I also design any marketing collateral they may need such as digital ads, social media posts, booklets, and marketing cards. I have been able to succeed in my career because of my creative passion and open-mindedness. I have developed strong collaboration skills and fostered a reputation as a key contributor through critical thinking, organization, and leadership.

I am a multi-disciplined graphic designer with extensive experience in branding, marketing, digital, and production design. I have exceptional collaborative and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as an individual or in team settings. I am passionate about the creative process and innovative marketing strategies and campaigns. I am also accustomed to performing in deadline-driven environments.

Outside of work, I am an avid soccer fan and try my best to play 2-3 times a week. I also love the outdoors. I take weekly hikes and adventures with my dog and life partner, as well as weekend camping trips every summer.

education

Nipissing University - 2008
Bachelor of Fine Arts

Algonquin College - 2016 
Advertising and Marketing Communications

Algonquin College - Current 
UX/UI Design Certification

work history

Colour By Design: 2016 - 2019 
Lead Designer

• Successfully created over 50 brands for clients.

• Oversaw the end-to-end design and production of print collateral, digital media, and presentations.

• Trained and mentored junior designers and interns on best design practices.

Lépine Apartments: 2020 - 2021
Graphic Designer

• Created both print and digital collateral while adhering to multiple brand guides for various buildings in Ottawa.

• Organized and facilitated production schedules with outside vendors.

Freelance: 2016 - Present 
Graphic Designer

• Created and maintained client relations with agencies and organizations.

• Collaborated with clients to develop brands, digitals ads, and print collateral that met their business needs, creative vision, budget, and timelines.

• Created PowerPoint decks and supporting collateral for online courses and presentations.

Skills and Proficiencies

I am well versed in the Adobe Suites (my strongest being Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and AfterEffect) as well as CorelDraw. I am also strong with Microsoft Word, Publisher, PowerPoint, and I have a working knowledge of Google Slides. I built and maintain my own website for my freelance business, Like 40, and my portfolio. I primarily work on an iMac, but am also very familiar with PCs.

I am fluent in English, am an intermediate French speaker, and I know basic Korean.

Thank you for taking the time to review my application!

You can see my design portfolio at www.like40.com. If you would like to discuss my application in more detail, you can call me at 613-608-0505, email me at edward@like40.com, or visit me on LinkedIn.