That’s me, sitting at an outdoor patio in the Byward Market having a drink with my five nephews who stayed with us one summer. Pretty casual I know, but it gives you an idea of what I look like. More importantly, this is what I am capable of doing…
Skills
Over thirty-three years experience with the design process (strategy to delivery)
Strength in print and information design
Solid working knowledge of web design
Extensive knowledge of Mac OSX software (Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft PowerPoint and Word)
Ability to:
• lead clients and team members through the design process
• set objectives and give clear instructions to achieve desired results
• work under pressure with multiple deadlines
• deliver on my promises
Plain language editing
Fillable PDF forms
Mentoring (once a teacher, always a teacher)
Training (1, 2, and 3 day courses for Design, InDesign and Acrobat Pro)
Experience
C3 Design, Ottawa, Ontario
Principal and Graphic Designer
In 2004, I bought out my highly respected partner and friend, Dani vanDriel, closed down the Saskatoon office, and officially moved it to Ottawa where I have been living and working since 2001. I continue to provide clients with the high level of graphic design service they came to expect from Concepts III.
The Training Company, Ottawa, Ontario
1,2, and 3-day courses in Design, InDesign and Acrobat Pro
In the spring of 2015, Peter Hall contacted me and asked if I was interested in going back to the classroom. I jumped at the opportunity and I love it. Thank you Peter! On average, I’m in the classroom 2 days per month. Plus teaching the software I use everyday in my own work has made me a more efficient designer. Thank you again Peter!
Concepts III, Public Relations + Design Inc, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Principal and Graphic Designer
In 1993, with Dani vanDriel and Colin Davis, I set about designing a company with a cornerstone service of corporate communications for clients using excellent graphic design and fully integrated public relations tactics – Concepts III. For eleven years, our provision of business-to-business service earned us provincial and national recognition, and our firm’s reputation was often recognized by peers in management and communications. Over the years we had the privilege of mentoring and working with some outstanding designers (Christian Jensen, Darren Halliday, Trevor Wall, and Jacqueline Germin), two lovely project managers (Heather Hill and Alayne Sewell), and one amazing – and super fun – comptroller/office manager (Sandra Kary, our first employee who stayed with the firm until 2012).
Tandem II Design, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Sole Proprietor and Graphic Designer
Believing I had acquired enough experience from working with the best, I established my own graphic design business – Tandem II. In the school of hard knocks, I learned how to operate and market a business, as well as collaborate directly with suppliers and clients. During this time I was contracted by Hangs & Associates to work with them on a few projects where I was fortunate enough to meet Dani vanDriel, who would one day become my business partner.
Mckay, Goettler, Miley, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Production and Graphic Designer
After moving to Saskatoon from Vancouver, I was hired by Bob Goettler and joined one of the top marketing firms in Saskatchewan. I had a great experience working with ‘the guys’. They taught me solid project management skills, how to build relationships with clients and suppliers, and how to make things right when they went wrong. They also modelled an excellent corporate culture, which I took with me when I began Concepts III.
Zacharko Design Partnership, Vancouver, British Columbia
Production and Graphic Designer
Upon graduating from Emily Carr, I was hired by one of our typography instructors, Terrance Zacharko, where I gained experience in the design process with an emphasis on typography. Terrance’s attention to detail, passion for type, and in-depth design research was fundamental in my training. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to work with him.
Assiniboia Composite High School, Assiniboia, Saskatchewan
Art Teacher
Three years after I graduated from high school, I was hired by the same high school as their very first art teacher. I had the rare opportunity to introduce, develop, and implement an art program comprised of the creative and technical processes, art history, and art appreciation for grades 9 through 12. It was amazing but after counselling my art students in careers where they could apply their talents, I myself became interested in other career options. After six years of teaching, I packed my bags and moved to Vancouver to study graphic design.
Education
Degree in Design, Emily Carr College of Art and Design, Vancouver BC
Majored in graphic design, minored in print making. Graduated with honours.
Bachelor of Education, University of Regina, Saskatchewan
Majored in fine art, minored in history.
Professional and Community Highlights
Awarded a Fellowship by the the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) in 2008. A fellowship is awarded to a designer or individual who by influence and/or accomplishment has made a major contribution to graphic design in Canada. As of 2017, only 71 individuals have received this accolade since 1960.
Elected as National President of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada in 2000
Served on the National GDC Board of Directors for 10 years
Elected as Saskatchewan North Chapter President in 1994
Became a member of the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) in 1991. Served on the Saskatchewan North Board of Directors for 8 years
Elected as Chair on the Saskatoon Broadway Business Improvement District (BBID) in 1998
Served on the Saskatoon BBID Board of Directors for 6 years
References
David Berman
David Berman Communications
613.728.6777
berman@davidberman.com
www.davidberman.com
Dani vanDriel
Action Battery Service and former business partner
306.260.0026
dani.vandriel@sasktel.net
Peter Hall
The Training Company
888.922.1132
peter@thetrainingcompany.ca
www.thetrainingcompany.ca