I’m a Creative Strategist with 14 years of experience in graphic design, marketing and front-end web development. I have a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage large-scale campaigns, and deliver innovative design solutions that drive business growth. I contributed to growing Shop3D.ca to 7 figures and set the foundation for Rule1 Agency. Now seeking my next challenge to apply my skills and make an impact.
I’ve been working professionally in graphic design, front-end web development, and marketing for 14 years, but my passion started much earlier. My journey began on the early internet (Neopets and Myspace) where I fell in love with creating digital graphics and coding profiles. Even as a kid, my entrepreneurial spirit shone through, from selling forum signatures to running a mobile lemonade stand on a wagon. Yes, a wagon. Optimizing for product, price, placement, and promotion? Spoiler: it worked.
That entrepreneurial spark stayed with me. In my 20s, while immersed in costuming as a hobby, I saw a need for better resources and created CosplayTutorial.com—a curated hub for costuming tutorials. At its peak, I was running an email newsletter, managing a social media presence with 70,000 followers, and driving hundreds of thousands of visitors daily—before “influencing” was even a thing.
I graduated my second program into the death of my father. My life shifted dramatically: I was caregiving for an ill mother while navigating both legal and medical systems. This pivot demanded a new strategy: finding a way to make a living. The solution? I launched Sarah Designs as a freelancer, gaining valuable experience in sales and client communication while working with notable clients like YukYuk’s Comedy Club, Wendel Clark’s Classic Grill & Bar, CloudFest Toronto, Nobul, and Shop3D.ca.
My partnership with Shop3D.ca turned into something bigger. As their marketing needs grew, I joined full-time, eventually becoming Head of Marketing. I led campaigns, shaped brand strategies, and contributed to the company’s direction as part of the leadership team.
In 2023, I stepped into a new role as Creative Director of Rule1 Agency, helping establish the brand identity, policies, and practices for this new venture. While I’ve laid the groundwork and positioned the team for success, it’s time for me to find my next challenge—one where I can continue to grow, lead, and make an impact.
Do it great, do it fast, learn something new. I bring my A-game to every project, balancing quality and efficiency. I make smart decisions to meet deadlines while maintaining high standards. Every project is an opportunity to grow, push creative boundaries, and solve complex problems.
Define the challenge → Research → Develop → Iterate → Present → Collaborate → Test/Validate → Reflect → Finalize
I’m driven by curiosity and creativity. I love learning new skills, finding creative and practical solutions, and bringing ideas to life with my hands. Outside of work, I enjoy costume-making, prop building, silversmithing, baking, and watercolor painting. I like to stay active with hiking, swimming and tennis.
I focus on building rapport and creating a positive workplace culture across departments. My approach to leadership focuses on fostering collaboration, empowering team members to contribute their strengths, and ensuring everyone feels valued. I believe that the best ideas come from shared input, building on ideas and that success is a team effort.
I provide critiques rooted in design fundamentals and theory, tying feedback to the bigger picture. I focus on equipping them with the right resources—whether it’s a tool, feedback, a book, or even a TikTok video—to help them grow creatively. My approach balances fostering their creative development while ensuring their work stays aligned with strategic goals.
I am passionate about continuous learning and development, not only for myself but for my team. I prioritize mentorship, skill-building, and creating opportunities for my team to grow, both personally and professionally. I value long-term success, ensuring my team thrives while delivering excellent work.
Executive Creative Director
Rule1 Agency | www.Rule1Agency.com
Mississauga, Ontario
November 2023 – PRESENT
Head of Marketing
Shop3D.ca
Brampton, Ontario
Sept 2018 – November 2023
Founder, Creative Director
SarahDesigns | www.sarahdesigns.ca
Mississauga, Ontario
January 2016 – December 2018
Art Director Intern
Vicimus (Dashboard) | www.vicimus.com
Toronto, Ontario
May 2015 – June 2015
Graphic Designer & Front-End Developer
Saysons Web Design and Printing | www.saysons.com
Brampton, Ontario
June 2013 – December 2014
Sales and Marketing(Contract)
Rogers Publishing Ltd, Toronto | about.Rogers.com
Toronto, Ontario
May 2010 – Dec 2010
Web Design Intern
Rogers Publishing Ltd, Toronto | about.Rogers.com
Toronto, Ontario
Jan 2010 – Mar 2010
Humber College — Advanced Diploma, Graphic Design (Honours)
2012 – 2015
Humber College — Diploma, Multimedia Design & Production
2008 – 2010
Graphic Designer
Joe Horneck Campaign
www.joehorneck.com
2022
Coordinator
CovidStop.ca
2020
Graphic Designer
Anime North | www.AnimeNorth.com
2016-2019
CosplayTutorial — Founder
www.CosplayTutorial.com
2009 – 2020
Beauty of the Bees (2023)
An exhibition celebrating the vital role of bees in nature, where I showcased my work alongside other artists.