RÉSUMÉ

Click here to download a (print friendly) PDF version of my résumé.

Or scroll down for the online version.

    My portfolio is now available as a paperback book.
    Click here to preview or download a free PDF copy.

    While it is rewarding to have been involved in the creation of award-winning work, it is my philosophy that design is a visual solution to a strategic problem. Though important, a design solution should not be measured by aesthetics alone. It must successfully resolve the nature of the defined problem as well as effectively obtain the client's desired bottom line.

    My professional experience as a designer includes the development of brand identities for a wide range of clients, package designs for both national and private label brands, marketing solutions for real estate developments and the creation of corporate collateral for traditional and web-based companies. I am also a traditionally trained artist whose illustrations can be seen in much of my work.

    Education

    York University, North York ON

    BFA Psychology / Fine Art (Double Major) 1999

    Graduated Summa Cum Laude

      Sheridan College, Oakville ON

      Diploma Graphic Design 1989

      Diploma Electronic Business Computer Systems 1985

      Honours Certificate Art Fundamentals 1983

      Work Experience

      July 2008—

      Art Director

      Harfield & Associates. Vancouver.

        April 2007—April 2008

        Creative

        RETHINK Advertising. Vancouver.

          April 2005—December 2006

          Instructor: Graphic Design

          Art Institute of Vancouver—Part Time Faculty

          • CC112 Design Fundamentals
          • GD121 Concept Development
          • GD212 Electronic Design (InDesign)
          • GD310 Package Design
          • GD311 Art Direction
          • GD312 Design and Technology (Advanced InDesign)
          • IMD102 Digital Visual Composition (Photography)
          • MAA121 Life Drawing

          Duties encompassed: Design and execution of course curriculum, including all lectures, assignments and online support material.

            September 2004—August 2005

            Senior Designer

            swca (formerly SheldanWood Creative Associates Inc.) Vancouver

            • Contract: maturnity leave replacement
            • Revitalized maple syrup line of L.B. Maple Treat
            • Designed new offering: No Sugar Added syrup
            • Participated in corporate rebranding

              July 2001—July 2003

              Senior Art Director

              Assante Asset Management Ltd. Toronto

              Assante Canada was formed through the acquisition of over 18 different and unique businesses, and needed to find a way to communicate its unique value proposition both internally as well as externally.

              A rebranding project was launched to build a consistent look and feel for all Assante materials to build and reinforce the brand position. The lead series of brochures was developed to communicate the core messages, and ultimately was used as the stepping stone for creating a completely integrated graphic identity program for the entire firm.

                May 1997—Present

                Consultant / Designer

                Various Clients: Vancouver / Toronto / Seattle / Chicago (a select list)

                • Gourmet Beverage Company
                • Twin Titan Enterprises
                • wesellvancouver.ca
                • The BodyPerve Social Club
                • Xraymedia.com Inc.
                • Rainbow High Vacations
                • Mike Niven Interior Design Inc.
                • Urban(think).ca
                • ACT (AIDS Committee of Toronto)
                • RobertsonPick Adverting (currently R Group Communications)

                Duties encompassed: Creation, design and execution of visual solutions including (but not limited to): Branding, Corporate identity, Print collateral, Packaging, Interactive multimedia solutions, Trade show exhibits and Displays.

                  1995—97

                  Designer

                  Various Design Firms: Vancouver / Toronto (a select list)

                  • Corporate Visuals Inc.
                  • Loblaws Brand International
                  • Wolf Advertising
                  • Thomas Pigeon Design
                  • Tudhope Assoc. Inc.
                  • RobertsonPick Advertising

                  Duties encompassed: Creation, design and execution of visual solutions including (but not limited to): Corporate identity, Branding, Packaging, Real Estate Marketing, Sales Office Design and Displays.

                    Other Positions Held

                    Art Director • RobertsonPick Advertising (Vancouver 1994-95)
                    Senior Designer • The Watt Group (Toronto: 1989-94)
                    Assistant Photographer • Fichter Studios (Hamilton: 1983-85)
                    Graphic Designer • Corporate Decals Ltd. (Edmonton: 1980-82)

                      Publications

                      Wintre, M.G., North, C. C. & Sugar, L. A. (2001).

                      Psychologists’ response to criticisms about research based on undergraduate participants: A developmental perspective. Canadian Psychology.

                      But Can She Cook? (1993).

                      Fundraising Cookbook. Concept & Design: C. North. Author: C. North. Contributors: B.Gentile, P. Croke, D. Dilio, M. Moran. Photography: George Leet. Bittersweet Press.