E D I T O R I A L & L AYO U T
ALISON MCLUSKIE communication design portfolio
A LITTLE ABOUT ME With over eight years of professional experience working in marketing and communications, I have done everything from the 140 character tweet to running national marketing initiatives. I am a communications and marketing professional who also happens to be a graphic designer, event planner, and all around creative. I’ve recently taken the last year off to complete the Communication Design Essentials Program at BCIT and Emily Carr University of Art and Design to strengthen my design expertise. I am an asset to companies looking for a well rounded designer with the communications and marketing background to back it up.
E D U C AT I O N Communication Design Essentials, Fall 2016 Certificate with Distinction, Emily Carr University of Art & Design
Social Media for Business, Spring 2014 Continuing Studies, British Columbia Institute of Technology
Information and Media Studies, Spring 2008 BA, Hons., University of Western Ontario
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Marketing Coordinator and President’s Executive Assistant ZLC Financial, 2011 to 2015
Software
Coordinated marketing projects such as mail outs, client appreciation, targeted product projects, presentations, newsletters and other company wide initiatives Experience with Adobe Creative Suite managing design files, presenting mock-ups, creation of ads for print and sponsorship promotion and various events Responsible for keeping the President’s office running efficiently with a high degree of initiative and self-discipline
Marketing and Development Specialist London Employment Help Centre, 2008 to 2010 In charge of the development and delivery of all public relations, marketing, newsletters and community events
Communications Intern Pillar Nonprofit Network, 2007 to 2009 Managed and implemented media activity, communications materials and event planning projects
Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, After Effects, Acrobat) Sublime Text, Dreamweaver (CSS3, HTML5) and WordPress Client Management Systems (eg. Maximizer)
Design Skills Research and concept development Typography, layout and typesetting Editorial and print design Branding and visual identity design Package design for shelf display Prepress production and work flow requirements
Other Skills Strong time management and organization skills Attention to detail and accuracy Excellent written and verbal communication Adaptability in multi-tasking and prioritizing Enjoys a fast paced challenging environment
E D I T O R I A L & L AYO U T
MAKEOVER MAGAZINE Exploration of Editorial Layout, Magazine Anatomy and Grids Software: InDesign, Photoshop and Illustrator The purpose of this project was to explore the anatomy of a standard magazine. Using a specific topic, the aim was to create a miniature version of a full shelf magazine. Makeover magazine is high end makeup magazine that utilizes bold imagery, edgy typography and pops of colour to create strong layouts.
E D I T O R I A L & L AYO U T
ART & CRAFT Handmade Typography and Editorial Layout Software: InDesign, Photoshop Based on William Morris and the Arts & Crafts Movement of 1800s, the focus of the spread was a handmade piece of typography. Incorporating block printing, patterns drawn from nature, as well as a focus on the craftsman (her)self and tying production to the artist.
E D I T O R I A L & L AYO U T
E D I TO R I A L CO N T E N T A P P L I E D TO VA RY I N G D E M O G R A P H I C S Software: InDesign, Photoshop The purpose of the exercise was to demonstrate the ability to change the messaging of an editorial layout for a specific target audience. Restrictions included maintaining all original content in full and using all original images provided in some capacity.
Young Urban Professional, Lifestyle Magazine
Conservative Fine Art Magazine
Inflight Lifestyle Magazine
A magazine targeted at young urban professionals with an interest in cheeky luxury items, cultural experiences, local artists and lifestyle products. Age range falls between 25 years old to early 40s.
This magazine is aimed an older more refined demographic. This audience is generally more educated and affluent men and women in the 50+ age range with interest in fine art.
This magazine would be the type that might be found in a doctors office or an airline magazine. The aesthetic is more conservative but still fresh. The ideal market would be women age 35 to 50 years old.
E D I T O R I A L & L AYO U T
M E I N H A R DT ’ S S P I C E M AG A Z I N E Editorial Design Software: InDesign, Photoshop The goal was to adapt the current brand identity of a gourmet market and create a fictitious in store free seasonal magazine. The target market was on the go urban foodies (35 - 60 years old, affluent, predominantly female). The magazine featured recipes as well as promotions for in store seasonal products.
BRANDING
ABLE ADVENTURES Brand Identity Creation and Logo Design Software: InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator Able Adventures empowers youth and families living with disabilities or barriers by building confidence through inclusive adventure based programming. I created an identity and logo that conveyed a sense of empowerment, youthfulness and adventure by focusing on energetic colours and a logo that emphasized the programs rather than barriers faced.
BRANDING
SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY Identity and Packaging Rebrand Software: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign Summerhill is the largest certified organic winery in Canada but their visual identity and collateral was inconsistent with their current brand story and message. To simplify, clarify and elevate Summerhill’s brand identity I drew from celestial and organic elements associated with their wine for inspiration with a refined colour palette.
PA C K A G I N G D E S I G N
SUMMERHILL PYRAMID WINERY Identity and Packaging Rebrand (continued) Software: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign The mix textures in layered matte ink with metallic accents in the logo and typography elevate the brand and allow it to stand out amongst competitive wineries. Handmade typography, the representation of the Okanagan Valley’s hillside and celestial accents help reinforce their brand story on packaging.
PA C K A G I N G D E S I G N
S TA S H T E A Logo and Bulk Packaging Refresh Software: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop Stash Tea wanted to refocus on their loose leaf and specialty teas as well as create a tea bar experience unique from their grocery store products. The logo and packaging refresh needed to reflect their values as an environmentally friendly company, with high quality product from fair trade gardens as well as appeal to a younger demographic.
previous logo
refreshed logo
I L L U S T R AT I O N
S E L F P R O M OT I O N P I E C E
IPHONE APP ICONS
C H A R A C T E R C R E AT I O N
Character and Asset Vector Graphics Software: Illustrator
Icon Vector Graphics Software: Illustrator
Vector Graphics Software: Illustrator
In creating a self promotion piece, I wrote and illustrated a cheeky story about what would happen if typefaces met on Tinder. All assets and characters were built in Adobe Illustrator.
Flat design style vector graphics of iPhone app icons. The style is characterized by a more minimal look, bright muted colours as well as sharp shapes and lines without embellishments (shadows, bevels etc).
Created for a recently engaged couple, key qualities of the characters were exaggerated to emphasize their features. This project was an exploration of character design using Illustrator to build vector graphics.
OTHER PROJECTS
SELF PORTRAIT
L AY O U T A N D B O O K C O V E R D E S I G N
Texture Drawing Tools: black ink on bristol paper
Layout for Full Length Novels Software: InDesign, Photoshop
Self directed project exploring a mixture of intricate textures to build upon each other and create a pen and ink illustration.
Using InDesign to implement formatting conventions, typesetting and book construction to layout a full length novel. Important considerations included close attention to typography, readability, margins, and special treatment of chapter openings.