welcome
When I am not busy with my day job as Senior Design Manager for Weddingstar Inc., I am experimenting with generative art, doing watercolor art, out in my garden, or finding inspiration.
I am passionate about design and am currently looking for new and exciting freelance design opportunities. I have had the opportunity to work with many local and Canadian clients over the years.
statement
As a visual communicator I realize the significance of translating ideas into convincing and informative visuals. Since 2001, I have been experiencing the real world of design and the challenge of bringing clarity to a client's vision in a variety of forms:
ART DIRECTION: moodboards, style guides, artwork, photoshoot and imagery concepts
IDENTITY: company or product logo design, business stationery, branding
PRINT: publication design, editorial, advertising, brochures, direct mail, posters, signage
INTERACTIVE: website design, banners, email design, presentations
PRODUCT: idea generation, product diagrams, mock-ups, surface pattern, samples, packaging experience
resume
SENIOR DESIGN MANAGER // WEDDINGSTAR INC.
2005 TO PRESENT
medicine hat, alberta
2005 TO PRESENT
medicine hat, alberta
Oversees the in-house design team in the development of creative content, website, digital marketing, product design and print production. A senior member of the Weddingstar product development team.
Continued guide for operational efficiencies in the project management and print production workflows.
Approves new product designs, visuals and all things related to design within the design team workflow.
Between November 2020 with last implementation in February 2023, revamped the look and layout of www.weddingstar.com and 12 associated sites for Magento eCommerce storefront as well as worked to convert product line to new platform. Conceptualized and implemented a new photo stationery product line first launched July 2022.
Between 2012–2017, role included Assistant Editor, Creative Director, and Designer of the Weddingstar Magazine which was distributed throughout North America with editions in the UK and Australia.
Previous to 2017, role involved supervising the in-house design team in the development of product, packaging, website, and corporate identity collateral under the direction of Executive Creative Director as well as working with internal IT team and web developers for the look and layout of www.weddingstar.com. Previously communicated design specifications for cake toppers, favors, and wedding products to factories overseas.
FREELANCE DESIGNER // SJJDESIGN.COM
2005 TO PRESENT
medicine hat, alberta
2005 TO PRESENT
medicine hat, alberta
Creates personalized design solutions for small business and special events.
PRINT DESIGNER // HOLMES PRINTING
2003 TO 2005
WITH INTERNET ALBERTA
medicine hat, alberta
2003 TO 2005
WITH INTERNET ALBERTA
medicine hat, alberta
Produced print design solutions according to client's needs.
Clients included: Medicine Hat Tigers, Medicine Hat Lodge, AgeCare Assisted Living, Medicine Hat College
WEBSITE DESIGNER // INTERNET ALBERTA INC.
2001 TO 2005
medicine hat, alberta
2001 TO 2005
medicine hat, alberta
Developed commercial websites with site planning, layout, site launch, maintenance, hosting, email, and domain names.
Clients included: Medicine Hat Tigers, CFB Suffield, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Southern Alberta Curling Association, Saskatchewan Appraisal Institute of Canada, Saskatchewan Network of Watershed Stewards
certification
Certified Design Professional, Certified Graphic Designers of Canada
2015 TO PRESENT
education
Visual Communications Diploma // Medicine Hat College
2001
medicine hat, alberta
Obtained Louise McKinney, Alberta Weekly Newspaper, and MHC Scholarships.
skills
Driven to interpret client's needs and translate them into compelling visual designs.
Demonstrated knowledge and use of Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, Acrobat)
Well versed in Magento eCommerce including front end web design, landing pages, category pages, product pages, media assets and CSS, HTML as well as URL category tree structure.
Advanced computer software skills in Microsoft Office suite, Slack, Wrike and virtual environment on MacIntosh and Windows XP networked environments.
Specialized knowledge of formatting and layout, pre-press and print production, design techniques required for Xerox Iridesse, large format printing and plotters, foil stamping, UV printing, embroidery, and engraving.
