MEET AMY

Hi.

I'm a graphic designer, illustrator, public artist, educator, and storyteller based in Nanaimo, British Columbia. For more than 20 years, I've helped businesses, municipalities, nonprofits, and community organizations tell their stories through thoughtful design, branding, illustration, public art, and creative strategy.

I believe great design should do more than look beautiful—it should create connections. Whether I'm developing a city-wide public art installation, illustrating a children's book, designing a tourism campaign, teaching university students, or helping a local business find its voice, my goal is always the same:

create work that leaves people and communities better than I found them.

Over the years I've had the privilege of working with organizations of every size—from local startups to international brands—while staying deeply rooted in the Vancouver Island community that I call home.

Beyond Design

When I'm not in the studio, you'll usually find me in front of an easel painting surreal worlds, writing and illustrating children's books, teaching creative workshops, or chasing whatever wildly ambitious idea has captured my attention next. Curiosity has always been at the heart of everything I do.

I believe great design and great creativity can transform more than just brands. They can strengthen communities, inspire curiosity, tell meaningful stories, and create experiences people remember. Whether you're launching a business, building a community initiative, designing a public space, or simply looking for a creative partner who approaches challenges from a different perspective, I'd love to help bring your vision to life.

  • Community has always been at the heart of my work. Beyond client projects, I'm passionate about using creativity to support local organizations, education, arts, tourism, and placemaking.

    Current Community Roles

    • Board Director, Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce

    • Member of the City of Nanaimo Urban Design Roster since its inception

    • Instructor, Vancouver Island University (Design Communication)

    • Instructor, Nanaimo Parks, Recreation & Culture

    • Artist in Schools Facilitator with the Nanaimo Art Gallery

  • Some of my favourite work has become part of the communities where people live, gather, and explore.

    Highlights include:

    • Sensing Nanaimo: A permanent public art installation exploring our senses through illuminated projections in downtown Nanaimo.

    • Love Letters from Nanaimo — an interactive public artwork celebrating connection and belonging.

    • Community banner programs for Downtown Nanaimo and the Old City Quarter.

    • Tourism illustrations, maps, placemaking projects, and visitor experiences.

    • Public murals, installations, interpretive graphics, and community storytelling initiatives.

  • I'm honoured to have received recognition for both my creative work and community involvement, including:

    2025
    Nanaimo Business Awards Winner: Creative Services

    Women of Influence Nominee: Arts & Culture

    2024
    Women of Influence Nominee: Arts & Culture

    Summit International Awards: Bronze - Logo

    CommunityVotes:Bronze - Graphic Design

    2023
    Muse Creative Award: Gold Website Design

    2022
    Summit Internaitonal Awards - Bronze Web Dev

    Muse Creative Award: Gold Website Design

    Muse Creative Award: Platinum Website Design

    Muse Creative Award: Gold Website Design

    Muse Creative Award: Gold Website Design

    2021
    Muse Creative Award: Gold Website Design

    2019
    Top 20 Under 40 Finalist

    Nanaimo Chamber Nominee Small Business & Creative Services

    2018
    Top 20 Under 40 Finalist

    Small Business BC Awards - Nominee Best Company

    2017
    Top 20 Under 40 Finalist

    Victoria Chamber of Commerce Awards - Nominee Young Entrepreneur

    Small Business BC Awards - Nominee Best Company

    2016
    Top 20 Under 40 Finalist

    Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Awards - Winner Emerging Business

    2015
    Top 20 Under 40 Finalist

    Small Business BC Awards - Nominee Emerging Business

    2014
    Top 20 Under 40 Finalist

    Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Awards - Top 3 Finalist (Best Startup)

    2013
    Summit International Awards - Silver Website Redesign

    2010
    Summit International Awards - Silver Web Dev

    VIU Faculty Award of Excellence