about me...

multi-media graphic designer

About

Hello! I'm Angie Gaal, a designer based in Burlington, Ontario. I consider myself to be extremely fortunate, because my 'job', such as it is, simply entails doing what I love. I call myself a designer as it's a nice umbrella term for web, print, and corporate design.

My love for digital media began in a highschool media class and continued at the University of Waterloo as a Fine Arts major. I continued this obsession and completed my Graphic Design diploma at Humber College. I've managed a nice balance between different areas of design by working with digital and print mediums, creating custom designs and logos, designing and producing websites, and more. I'm always looking for new challenges and I'm currently tackling hand-lettering and calligraphy.

If I'm not sitting in front of the computer, on the yoga mat, or walking my dog, you can find me catching a movie or checking out the latest concerts.

EDUCATION

Humber College - Graphic Design, Advanced Diploma - 2008-2011
University of Waterloo - Bachelor of Arts Degree - 2004-2008


WORK EXPERIENCE

GRAPHIC ARTIST / QUALITY CONTROLLER / TC Transcontinental
Mississauga / Nov 2015 - Present

• Designed editorial layouts for digital and print medias such as flyers, catalogues, booklets and mini-mags.
• Generated graphical elements/templates and style guides.
• Ensured projects were created to client specifications and produced final proofs with required printing standards.
• Collaborated with internal and external creative teams for national retailers such as Canadian Tire and Sobeys.
• Worked with a team of 50+ people in a highly competitive print industry that demanded quality results, in high volume with a short timeline.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER / Canadian Heart Research Centre
Toronto / Sep 2011 - Nov 2015

• Designed and prepared graphic files for printers.
• Produced a complete re-design of the HeartCheckTM website.
• Worked closely with the Creative Director and CEO to develop various marketing materials.
• Responsible for creative conceptualization, design, and production of html websites, email/online/editorial advertisements, booklets, programs, brochures, posters, brand identity, flyers and direct mail.

GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN / Rive Gauche Media
Toronto / May 2011

• Assisted with production-related tasks such as ensuring inputs to layouts were correct and consistent, prepping files, finalizing images and PDF file creations for print.
• Collaborated with Art Director on art and layout by brainstorming ideas and concepts.
• Collaborated with editors and copywriters to input and adjust content.
• Researched images and designed layouts for magazines such as Canadian Jeweller, Viva, Integrated Health Retailer, and Integrated Healthcare Practitioners.

PRINTER TECHNICIAN / Humber College
Toronto / Sep 2009 - Apr 2011

• Key holder, responsible for opening and closing the print office.
• Served as a resource for students and printing projects.
• Addressed printing concerns and assisted with troubleshooting.

Online

  • Website Development
  • Social Media Marketing
  • E-Blasts

Brand Identity

  • Logo Design
  • Stationary Design
  • Creative Direction

Editorial

  • Flyer Design
  • Page Layouts
  • Information Design