What is your background?

After a couple of years in agency work, I started at Canada Post in 1984 as a graphic designer.

After a promotion to a manager position, I was asked to set up an internal design group in 2001 and was named Director, Graphic Design. This group was set up under an agency model, with the team charging internal clients for work. That task involved hiring the team, setting up a timesheet and invoicing system from scratch, and acting as art director for all work done by the group.

In 2013, I was promoted to GM, Creative Services and Production. Along with continuing to lead the graphic design team, I also assumed the responsibility for the writing, linguistic, events, intranet and video teams. This was a wonderful challenge, and it gave me a chance to work on most of the big initiatives Canada Post was involved in.

Through it all, I was able to continue to do hands-on design for many projects, so I feel my skills are still in tip-top shape.

What skills do you have?

I think I would answer this by referring to what a couple of different bosses have told me. In their previous experience, they had dealt with people who either:

a) had good business acumen, and could work well on that level, or;

b) had a great design sensibility.

Rarely, if ever, they said, had they seen someone embodies both qualities as I do.

Oh, yeah, and I know InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Powerpoint, etc. Really well. But finding people who know the software is easy. Using the software to solve problems is the challenge.

I have a good eye for design and can get to the root of a design challenge quickly.

What services do you offer?

I am a graphic designer through and through. In my freelance life so far, I am especially enjoying working on branding and designing logos. But I am happy doing most types of design, and will do production work as well.

Do you do web design or development?

I am interested in web development. I’m teaching myself html and css, and designed and built this site from scratch for practise. There are doubtless many who are more experienced and adept in these areas. But I would be happy to have a go at a smaller site myself or team with others I know to work with you on your digital needs.

Do you work onsite?

We can talk about that. It would depend on the situation.

What is your rate?

That’s a tough one, and my answer would certainly be affected by the type of work involved. But suffice it to say that I am now doing this purely for enjoyment, so I can probably work within your budget.

Why should I want to work with you?

Well, let’s see... I listen well. I ask questions you may not have even thought of. When I start a project, I am kind of consumed by it, so you’ll get my full attention. And all that experience translates to thoughtful, on-point solutions. Plus, I am easy to get along with.

Would you go back to leading a team?

I’m retired, not expired. If the right challenge came along that interested me enough, who knows?

Why are you talking so much about yourself?

Hey, you clicked on this page, and you’re reading it... To tell the truth, I’d much rather talk about your project! Drop me a line.