hello

hello

It’s nice to meet you.

The story

I am a branding designer specializing in corporate communications. I enjoy crafting and managing entire projects from the ground up – all the way from high level concept ideation down to the nitty gritty detail work.

  • Before I began designing, I lived in the world of writing and books. I worked at a bookstore, did freelance editing and tutored ESL students. I had a degree in English Literature and was pursuing a certificate in Publishing.

    During that time I realized that while I enjoyed what I was doing, it wasn’t my passion. I made the decision to follow my heart and go back to school for graphic design. My life and career totally changed course, but it was one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

    After 10+ years in the design world, I am still in love with branding and am always eager for new challenges.

Education

University of Toronto

Honours B.A. / English Literature & Philosophy

  • While studying 4 years of English Literature and Philosophy, I spent a whole lot of time reading and writing! This was a very cerebral and theoretical type of thinking, and I developed sophisticated communication skills that I still use today.

Ryerson University

Graduate Certificate / Publishing

  • I spent 2 years in evening classes to get my publishing certificate – I enjoyed it, but ultimately found the book design course to be the most engaging! This is what drove me to make the final decision to become a designer.

George Brown College

Advanced Diploma / Graphic Design

  • During my 3 years at design school I was extremely dedicated and passionate – I achieved top marks, took home the Dean’s Award of Excellence and got a job right out of school.

Career

108 Ideaspace Inc.

Internship / Designer

  • I worked alongside other designers to gain my first real-world design experience, not only in branding, but in the operations of a full-service creative agency.

Global Work Program

Casa Gaia / Designer

  • Through my design school I applied for an international work program where students spend three months employed in another country. I accepted an opportunity to design for a small company in Havana. It was a life-changing experience, and a huge challenge, especially because I do not speak Spanish!

Freelance

Heather Stokes Design / Designer

  • I began doing freelance and side projects as soon as I started in design. I gained valuable experience as a young designer working with all sorts of clients, and I still take on the occasional freelance project today.

Watt International

Retail branding agency / Designer

  • At Watt I worked closely with some national brands in a fast-paced environment. It was a great place to help develop and maintain fully integrated branding practices.

Zync Agency

Digital marketing & branding agency / Senior designer

  • At Zync I really honed my corporate branding skills by working with law firms, insurance providers, data-management companies, not-for-profits and a variety of other clients who required detailed communication and promotional design.

AECO Innovation Lab

Digital transformation consortium / Creative Director

  • My current position is a hybrid in-house/agency style environment where I lead the branding and design projects specializing in servicing the AEC community.

FUN FACTS

  • Growing up I wanted to be a veterinarian and work with animals all day.

  • I love movies – if I had to pick a favourite it would be Spirited Away.

  • I listen to music constantly – mostly indie, jazz, dance and piano.

  • My "I-had-a-hard-week" comfort food is poutine.

  • My favourite place I've visited is the catacombs of Paris.

  • I am very detailed and love personal organization projects.

  • My first job was in a CD store, back when there were CD stores.

  • If I had no responsibilities, you could find me snacking, watching movies or playing video games.

  • My favourite subjects in school were English and Art.

  • The most interesting book I've ever read was House of Leaves.

  • I could be described as an empathetic and patient person.

  • My favourite ice cream flavour is Mint Chocolate, hands down.

  • I am a stickler for the proper use of grammar and composition.

  • My guilty pleasure TV is anything with a supernatural element.

  • My perfect afternoon would be going for a drive in the country with the windows down.

  • My weirdest secret hobby is listening to ASMR.

  • I don't really enjoy cooking very much, but I love eating!

  • My favourite all-time re-watchable TV show is The Office.

  • I am a very strong swimmer and spent ages in the water as a kid.

  • My greatest (non-serious) irrational phobia is trypophobia.

  • The first cassette I ever owned was Aqua. I know. I'm not proud of it.

  • I try not to regret anything – everything is part of the journey.

  • My favourite season is the fall. Crunchy leaves and crisp air :)

  • My advice to my younger self: be comfortable being who you are.

  • In highschool I enjoyed coding – if I were to try a totally new career, that might be it.

volunteer

When I can find the time, I enjoy doing volunteer work in the design community. In the past I’ve done portfolio reviews, mentored design students, participated in design events and presented webinars. Feel free to reach out!