ConnectWell Community Support: Volunteer Champions Initiative

The ConnectWell Volunteer Champions Initiative stood out as one of the most impactful projects of the year. Tasked with creating a campaign to boost volunteer recruitment and engagement, we named the initiative and collaborated with a talented copywriter to develop all its content. This multifaceted project included:

• Volunteer Handbook: Crafted to guide and inspire the dedicated volunteers at ConnectWell.
• Flyers, Posters, Banners, Social Media: Designed to catch the eye and spread the word.
• Video Production: I had the pleasure of contributing to the art direction of a compelling video, produced by a local videographer, that brought the campaign’s message to life.
• Photography: We worked closely with an award-winning photographer—a trusted friend and colleague—on four separate photo shoots.

One moment that stands out is the excitement from ConnectWell’s team when they saw the final materials come together. Seeing their enthusiasm reinforced how impactful clear, engaging design can be in strengthening community connections.

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Illustration Projects

Illustration took centre stage this year, highlighting unique stories and solving creative challenges through visual design. Here are two standout projects:

• Carleton Place Welcome Billboard: This project involved illustrating a warm depiction of Carleton Place, featuring seven key landmarks, including the newly replaced Central Bridge. The goal was to craft a vibrant design that reflects the town’s welcoming spirit. Collaborating with a supportive client made this project a joy.
• Gemmill Park Map: Partnering with the Town of Mississippi Mills, I created a detailed, user-friendly map that will be installed in spring 2025. Developing custom icons required thoughtful problem-solving to meet the town’s unique needs. It’s exciting to know this map will soon help visitors navigate and enjoy the park.

Each of these projects highlights how illustration can enhance understanding and connection.

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Have a creative project in mind? Let’s collaborate!

LogoLounge Wins

I’m thrilled to share that six of my logo designs were honoured in this year’s LogoLounge awards. Two designs, in particular, hold special stories:

• Governance Boutique: This logo features a poppy, as requested by the client. Interestingly, the client later discovered a connection to “tall poppy syndrome,” adding meaningful symbolism to the design. It’s been wonderful to see how this logo resonates with their mission to elevate women in business.
• Petawawa Public Library: Tasked with representing the vibrant community of Petawawa, I designed a stylized black bear in a dynamic pose reading a book. The bear as an icon holds a suite of meanings including family, comfort, and company. In the Library logo usage, the bear also represents the natural environment around Petawawa: the rivers, the forests, and the sky.

The Governance Boutique | Naming, Visual Identity, Website

Petawawa Public Library | Identity, Branding, Website

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Elevate your brand with award-winning design. Let’s work together!

Volunteer Work

Contributing to community-focused projects has been especially rewarding. One such project was the Age-Friendly Together initiative. With a very small budget, I created a tabbed emergency response pamphlet tailored for older adults. I also designed a logo for them within the project’s scope (effectively contributing it at no cost).

Refining their name and developing small illustrations to be interspersed through the pages brought the piece to life. This project is a small but meaningful way to support older adults in the community.

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Looking to make a meaningful impact with your next project? Let’s talk!

Other Notables

Cycle MORE: This project celebrates the region’s natural beauty and encourages active exploration through cycling. The route leads adventure seekers along trails that follow the waterways of the Ottawa and Mississippi Rivers. The logo depicts a bicycle with scenic elements within its wheels, while the website features custom ride maps, experience pages, sponsorship tiers, and a blog designed to highlight the region’s unique cycling adventures.

Rideau Lakes Public Library: We had the pleasure of updating the library network’s iconic loon logo, which had previously earned a LogoLounge Award. Streamlining its design enhanced visual impact while retaining its recognizable charm. The accompanying website update improved navigation and usability, ensuring the library’s online presence is as welcoming as its multiple physical spaces.

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Looking Ahead

Reflecting on 2024, I’m reminded of the power of thoughtful design to help clients connect with their audiences, tell their stories, and make a lasting impact. I’m excited to carry this energy into 2025 and collaborate on new projects that bring fresh ideas to life.