People

Making sure things are running smoothly has a lot of different facets – I do everything from strategy to project management to creative direction to coaching, not to mention changing studio light bulbs and water cooler bottle management.

I spend a lot of time on client service. I’m proud that our major clients have been with us for 10 to 20 years. It’s a testament to our view that client relationships can’t be self-serving – we all benefit from relationships that mature with time and value mutual respect. This won't get us hired – our design expertise will – but it helps make sure they keep coming back.

I need to be connected to water in some way regularly. It calms and grounds me and gives me a reflective surface to look at life with clarity – in a way that the concrete world doesn't allow. I make my big decisions near water.

My role has evolved greatly over the years. Today, I’m the account manager, art director and the partner in charge of operations. I really enjoy seeing projects evolve, from the inklings of a strategy all the way to final output.

I’m able to interpret “that certain something” that makes clients unique, so that our designers can build an ownable visual language. I always want clients to know that we have their back and they are getting the best value.

Art surprises and delights in a way that’s also true of great design. Janet Cardiff & George Bures Miller's art installation, The Forty Part Motet, was so powerful and simple. It’s just 40 audio speakers arranged in a circle, each one channeling a different voice in a choir. As the music kept building, I felt a visceral reaction of joy that made my stomach quiver. I watched as other people experienced it and watched the delight on their faces. It was magical.

Interactive isn’t a separate discipline. All our work is rooted in the design process, which to me is about asking the right questions to solve the right problems. Even though I'm heavily involved in all our interactive work, I also participate in other design-related activities in the studio, like brand identity and print work.

Everybody wins when clients are an active participant in the design process. Client opinions, insight, and expertise are critical to the success of any project. I encourage and facilitate open collaboration between q30 and client teams as much as possible.

I love running long distances through Toronto’s riverside and lakefront parks. I particularly like the wilder parts of High Park and the Humber River Valley. Running has the dual effect of clearing my mind and filling it with new thoughts and ideas.

Being responsible for Business Development at q30 is an ideal position for me. After all, I get to use my years of experience as a marketer to help companies find solutions to their digital marketing challenges. Our clients tell us that they chose us because we are experts in communicating really complicated information in a way that engages their customers and stakeholders. And the positive outcomes they realize are tangible. The q30 track record is impressive and I get to brag about it!

The fact that I also get the privilege of working with a group of people who have real integrity, are incredibly talented and who simply love doing a great job for each and every one of our clients is just icing on the cake.

I’ve always been fascinated with people, what motivates them, what makes them happy, why they do what they do. I continue to be a keen observer of humanity whether that be simply watching the world go by outside my window or engaging in meaningful one-on-one conversations.

As a Web Developer, I’m always thinking about how salient content development and strong design come together. That’s the question that unites experience design, frontend development, usability and strategy.

You know a site is well-designed when you don’t have to think about what to do. I wish people could see how much thought goes into everything: the strategy behind the work being done, why we made our choices, how we arrived at our conclusions.

Cycling is a must for me. Coupling repetitive action with changing scenery is very helpful in matters where I need to think.

My role as a UX designer is to make sure that a system meets the needs of its users - I help make sure that they can find what they need, complete tasks easily, and enjoy the experience. My job is to back up great design with a solid UX foundation. I enjoy working on collaborative teams like q30 where strategy, UX, creative, and development can work closely together to find excellent design solutions.

I like to think of myself as an advocate for users: through research, interviews, user testing, information architecture, and prototyping, I’m responsible for making sure that users are heard and represented, and for marrying their needs and goals with business requirements to build fantastic user experiences that best represent the clients’ values.

I believe in social advocacy through design. Whether it’s keeping up to date and vocal about AODA, being active in the digital privacy community, or researching and speaking on the importance of inclusive information design, I’m passionate about socially responsible design for all users.

As a Designer, I’m passionate about the craft of design, and making sure the same level of craft comes through in everything we do – whether it’s 2D design, web design, infographics, typography, wayfinding, event branding...

Corporate Branding is much more than a logo, a colour, or a font. It’s a commitment to your employees, your customers and your shareholders to do what you say you are going to do.

A few summers ago I visited two of nine of the Azores Islands, Sao Miguel and Terceria. They’re literally half way between Newfoundland and Europe. You can drive to the top of the peak at the narrowest point on San Miguel, and you’re surrounded by ocean. No other land in sight. A feeling comes over you and you realize just how small you are.

To be a good designer you have to be able to cross boundaries. I work on everything: identity and brand development, print and web collateral, information design, interactive design, illustration, icons.

A brand is something that is experienced. As designers, it’s our job to make this experience tangible, consistent and positive at every touchpoint.

I think it’s important to spend some time living in a place that still runs on low tech – or, better yet, being unplugged for a few days. It makes you aware of how much we depend on technology to keep us connected. It also makes you appreciate and focus on what’s truly important: face time.

As a designer, I seek variety in what I do. Whether it is print, web, mobile or motion design, I give form to ideas people can see and experience.

Creativity and understanding your clients turn feelings of fear from staring at a blank canvas into excitement when you create something beautiful and functional. Reflecting on where you were and how far you have come with a project is one of my favourite parts about designing.

Sometimes I (intentionally) take the scenic route. Exploratory walks to nowhere in particular is my favourite way of discovering.

As a writer and content strategist, I’m dedicated to focusing on complexity and community. The job of a writer is to offer avenues for users to explore, connect, and discover. I try to put these perspectives into practice both as a professional and as a community member. My background is in digital marketing and journalism, both as a team leader and as a freelancer.

Effective content strategy embraces complexity and serves a role. Content should fill a need and delivers a cohesive message, where each piece is valuable both independently and as part of a collective.

I’m a total dog person. Please don't hesitate to show me pictures of your dog.

I've been an active part of Toronto's digital community for over 15 years, working hard to earn the reputation as a dedicated and forthright project manager, influenced by my mentor. Over the years, I’ve grown and changed while watching and experiencing the digital landscape change alongside me.

The different layers of challenging work and diverse opportunities have nurtured my work ethic, impacted my social and environmental views and blessed me with some great and lasting friendships.

Years ago, I set out to see as much of Europe as I could fit into 3 months. I returned 2 years later, having lived in a hut, worked on a potato farm, and toured the coast from the North of France to the Algarve. All of these experiences have influenced me in so many ways. I’ve gained new perspectives, grown my confidence and changed my priorities. I am so appreciative and grateful that I made the decision to stay on.

“Organized efficiency” is what I strive for as Studio Manager. It’s my job to help ensure a place for everything, and everything in its place. The more that’s true, the more everyone here can focus on doing their best work.

If there’s a q30 style, it’s clean, clear, and concise. All the “c” words!

Music speaks to me. I don’t know what it is about the “Nimrod” movement from Elgar’s Enigma Variations, but it moves me deeply each and every time I hear it. It’s an amazing piece of music.