About Me

Tori English is an award-winning graphic designer, illustrator and surface pattern designer from Calgary, Canada.

My work reflects a playful and honest version of the world I experience. I strive to design without ego and to work collaboratively with like-minded people.

I am currently working as a freelance designer and illustrator for a wide variety of clients, contracting for studios and agencies, and maintaining a personal artistic practice on the side.

Outside of work you can find me attending local art events, mountain biking, sweating through a HIIT class, and reading equal parts self-development and cheesy chic-lit novels.

Education

Alberta University of the Arts, Bachelors of Design with Distinction

2015 - 2019

Recipient of the Board of Governors Graduating Student Award and President’s Honour Roll.

Recipient of the following scholarships: Graphic Designers of Canada Alberta South Chapter Scholarship, Louise McKinney Post-Secondary Scholarship, Jason Lang Scholarship, and Alexander Rutherford Scholarship.

Experience

Tori English Design, Designer & Illustrator

2016 - Present

I design, illustrate and create thoughtful and unconventional work for small-to-medium-sized businesses, agencies and non-profit organizations. Along with the creative biz, I do all my own business development, marketing, client communications and book-keeping.

Select clients: Alberta University of the Arts, Mount Royal University, Sprawl Calgary, Little Thunder Clothing, Gentle Lion Communications, WILD PR, Calgary International Film Festival, DirectHer Network, and Calgary Homeless Foundation.

Studio Millie, Designer & Illustrator

Contract Position

2020 - Present

Millie is a brand identity, digital and content agency supporting lifestyle businesses in all stages of their biz, from ideas-on-a-napkin to acquisition and beyond.

My job roles included assisting the team with graphic design, illustration, branding, and brand workshops.
Millie’s colourful clientele includes ice cream brands, fitness studios, personal coaches, death doulas, preschools, skin care brands, grocery stores and more.

Roadmap, Designer & Illustrator

Full Time & Contract Position

2019 - 2023

Roadmap is a marketing, sales, and customer experience strategy agency backed by best-in-class technology.

My job roles included assisting the creative director in graphic design, illustration, marketing, brand workshops, research and reporting.

I worked directly with clients, and often collaborated with art directors, web developers, photographers, animators, stylists, and more. I managed and led projects with multiple team members and helped with creating quotes and estimates.
Select clients: Alberta University of the Arts, Whitecap Resources, CP Rail, CLS Landscape, Digital Media Academy, and EcoPoxy.

Wordfest, Design Director

Full Time Position

2018 - 2020

Wordfest is an entrepreneurial arts non-profit founded in 1996 as one of Canada’s leading literary festivals.

As design director, I designed print materials, ad campaigns, promotional graphics, website design, set design, and all other festival related collateral for two festival seasons.
I collaborated with Wordfest staff, printers, web developers, photographers, authors and artists under tight deadlines and equally tight budgets.

Tools & Technology

Design Tools: Adobe Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop and Rush), Figma

Website Builders: Squarespace, Wordpress

Email Builders: Mailchimp, Squarespace

CRMs & Social: Hubspot, Hootsuite, Later, Instagram, Tik Tok

Project Management Software: Asana, Teamwork, Notion

References & Testimonials

Lana Rogers

403.519.7959

lana@gentlelion.ca

Shannon Hewlko

403.400.5327

info@hewlko.com

“I started working with Tori on a freelance basis while she was still in school. Her level of professionalism has always been top notch and equally matches her talent. Her love for illustration shows through in her unique style, however she has an ability to create a multitude of different styles pending the type of illustration and a clients brand. She is a well rounded designer, and has the ability to create well crafted, beautiful brands, and all the assets that make up a cohesive system from stationery to reports, websites and social media campaigns. Working with Tori over the years has been a true pleasure. Always a team player, ready to lend a hand where she can. She knows where her strengths are, yet works to continually improve. She is empathetic, kind, generous and an all-round wonderful person! Once you work with her you’ll know.”

— Shannon Hewlko, Head of Strategy & Creative Directorat Roadmap Agency

“Tori is a wonderful visionary, artist AND delightful to work with professionally. She has a strong social awareness that was able to translate the complexities of our discussions into approachable and creative designs. Professionally, she is timely, accountable and always open to feedback to get illustrations on point.”

— Cari Ionson, Dating, Domestic & Sexual Violence Services at Mount Royal University

“We truly enjoyed working with Tori. She captured ideas from our casual conversations and was able to create beautiful illustrations along with sharply designed collateral. Her process, and her work are thoughtful and professional. We’re looking forward to the next opportunity to work with her.”

— Art Leslie & Josh Methot

“If you are looking for someone who can take a vision and a lot of information and turn it into a beautiful and easily digestible (and shareable) final product, use Tori as a partner. With minimal direction Tori has supported us in creating an industry report and other graphics that help us get across our bold messages. ”

— Chanel Cabaj, Executive Director & Founder of DirectHer Network