Job Description
I am an independent designer, illustrator, artist and farmer living and loving in Waterloo Region. I work for myself and my clients to create strategic design decisions that build out their business for success.
As a farmer, I grow for my community. I began a farmers market in my neighbourhood and continue to develop community-focused food systems for the families, neighbours, and community around me.
Career Story
I took an extra year in high school to really figure out what I wanted to do with my career. I applied to 5 colleges and 3 universities because I was nervous to not get into any of them. I was accepted to all of them that I submitted a portfolio to. I chose to go to Conestoga College for their Graphic Design Advanced Diploma program. Upon graduation, I applied to a travel agency to work on their in-house team. I got the job and worked there for 2.5 years with a maternity leave in-between. I quit that job and went full-time freelance, but wasn't quite ready. I did this for 10 months before being asked by a local design studio, Him and Her, to work on a project. I was brought on with a 2-week contract. Half-way in, I was asked to extend my contract. A few days into the extension, I was offered full-time. I was with this company for 2 years before I went on maternity leave with my second baby. All the while I was at Him and Her, my partner and I were starting our farm in the background (him working full-time at it). When I went on mat leave, I had the intention of coming back the year later, but was set to return in the middle of a pandemic, during our farm season, with two kiddos not in school and daycare. It was a wild decision, but working at the studio really prepared me to confidently go freelance. I took the chance and focused on doing this full-time with the farm and kiddos. I've been an independent designer ever since running a small-scale farm and farmers market ever since.