Community Connected.
Life-long Learner. Creative Problem Solver.
Hi, I'm Debi
I’m a York Region based graphic designer with more than 15+ years of experience working across branding, publications, print, digital communications, websites, photography and illustration. I’ve always enjoyed the mix of creativity and problem-solving that comes with design. Whether it’s organizing a lot of information, bringing a new idea to life, or figuring out how different pieces of a project should work together, I like finding a way to make things clear, useful and visually engaging. People are an important part of that process. I like getting to know the people and ideas behind a project and creating work that feels like a natural fit for them and the people they’re trying to reach. I’m curious by nature, enjoy learning new things, and believe there’s almost always another way to look at a problem.
My Experience
GANZ - Woodbridge, Ontario
2008 to 2014
THE FAREN GROUP - Aurora, Ontario
2006 to 2006
MCA - Woodbridge, Ontario
2005 to 2006
Since 2013, I’ve worked with small businesses and organizations to bring their ideas to life through branding, websites, marketing materials, publications, photography and digital content. Every project is a little different, which is one of the things I enjoy most about freelance work.
In 2018, I started creating original illustrations and clipart for my Etsy shop, exploring a different side of design through drawing, character work and digital illustration. What started as a small creative project grew into a large collection of original artwork used in everything from classroom resources to personal and commercial projects by clients all over the world.
Beyond the Design & Into the Community
Life isn’t all about design. I’ve always enjoyed being involved in my community, from volunteering with local schools and organizing fundraising events to creating environmental programs for students. It’s a part of my life that gives me a chance to connect with people, contribute where I can, and use my skills in ways that reach beyond my day-to-day work.
Eco Club Leader
For 3 years, I volunteered as the Eco Club leader at my children’s school, creating hands-on environmental programs and activities that helped students learn about the natural world around them. I developed workshops and projects, organized community events and secured a WWF Canada school grant to bring many of these ideas to life, from building bird feeders and bug hotels to planting native wildflowers and exploring local habitats.
Environmental Educator
After running the Eco Club for a few years I started developing in class environmental workshop for students in grade k to 8. I created hands-on environmental workshops for students that combined creativity, exploration and the Ontario curriculum. I developed the branding, website, programs, the storytelling around the workshops and projects for different grade levels, with a focus on sustainability, ecology, growing food and understanding the world around us. In early 2019, I began testing the workshops in local schools, bringing the idea I had developed through my own Eco Club to a wider group of students.
