A BIT ABOUT ME
I may have been born gripping a camera or a sketch-pad or a lump of clay, because I don't recall a time in my life when I wasn't creating something or other. I only know that, as an 'artist' barely out of diapers, I regularly pestered my friends and family to suggest ideas for me and to sit as subjects. They were kind enough to keep straight faces.
What I do
I've never stopped working on my own projects—though these days I'm more likely to be found painting vintage doorknobs than making mud dishware for my tree-fort. But now I also have twenty years of experience as a graphic designer and mac artist. The childhood smocks and sketchbooks have been supplemented by the Adobe Creative Suite and website development tools like HTML, CSS, PHP, and Wordpress. I've graduated from drawing bugs in the backyard to producing magazines, designing annual reports, and consulting on work-flow solutions and studio processes. And I no longer have to test the patience of my loved ones—instead I have satisfied clients large and small throughout Toronto, including A-list advertising agencies and publishing companies.
When I am not working
Seeing as I've been fortunate enough to translate a passion for grubby fingers into a full-fledged career, I feel I ought to give something back. I cart around food for Meals on 2 Wheels, for example. But volunteering as an art teacher at Street Heaven's Women's Shelter showed me that my art itself needn't be only a private indulgence—it can make a difference in the lives of others as well. This has increasingly encouraged me to use my design skills in ways that help individuals, communities, and our environment—and clients who share the same aims.
How I can help
I'll be honest, I don't know how to solve the energy crisis we are facing, and I certainly have no idea how to cure cancer, I wish I did. But, what I do know how to do is translate the skills I have into something positive. I do want to make a difference in some small way. I love my community, and I am actively
a part of it. I am inspired by meeting like-minded individuals, groups or organizations who are interested and passionate about constructive social change. Socially conscious graphic design is the idea behind “Nice design, for nice people”. If you believe that the world can be a better place one person at a time, like I do, then please get in touch. By helping communicate optimistic ideas through collateral, identities or websites, it is at least a step in the
right direction.
