Paris Sturgeon
Graphic Designer
Hi I’m Paris Sturgeon I’ve spent many years developing my skills in graphic design, marketing, programming, company operations and leadership.
I’ve worked with companies and clients from all over the world, creating hundreds of unique projects from concept to product.
This portfolio will showcase some of these works, illustrate my skill sets and help you learn more about myself.
Let’s chat, call or text me: 1-250-999-0380
Education & Certification
Applied Arts Diploma (GRAPHICS)
– Vancouver Island University – Nanaimo, BC.
High School Diploma (with Honors)
– Frances Kelsey High School – Mill Bay, BC.
Excelled Learning Certification
– Senior Visual Arts, Business Education.
Skills
Adobe Creative Suite – Photoshop, Illustrator
Computer Literate – Windows & Mac
Website Design & Programming – WordPress, HTML, CSS.
Fast Learner • Team Player Approach • Strong People & Leadership Skills
Employment History
Vivid Design – Graphic Designer (2002-Present)
As a professional Graphic Designer I offer a variety of design and programming services though my company Vivid Design. Projects to date have included works in branding, website programming, SEO (Search Engine Optimization), email marketing, advertising campaigns, event marketing, television advertisements as well as print media design and production.
I have worked with many unique companies within various different industries acquiring clients from all over the world. Some most notably include; GetBack Chiropractors (2019-Present) – Australia, The Cerbone Institute (2010-Present) – New York, Times Colonist Newspaper (2004) – Victoria.
BC Forest Discovery Centre – Duncan, BC. | Graphic Designer (2011-Present)
This 100-acre open air museum features an operational railway and activities Centre focused on the history and advancements in logging industry.
This contract successfully awarded in 2011 has resulted in a large array of marketing materials for the special events held here throughout the year. Some of the projects have included; poster designs, newsprint and magazine advertisements, digital display and television advertisements, information booklets, promotional flyers, branding and the creation of many other print and digital assets.
Cowichan Theatre – Duncan, BC. | Graphic Designer & Publicist (2005-2009)
My involvement with this organization spanned over the course of 4-years. During that time I was primarily responsible for the design and creation of the bi-annual program guide. Creating posters, advertisements and marketing materials for touring bands and performing arts events were also a part of this contact. My skills were later used to re-design and develop the Centre’s website as well as take a more active role as the Centre’s Publicist.
Mass Media – Victoria, BC. | Graphic Designer (2002-2005)
This position focused on producing animated and static digital display advertisements displayed throughout local businesses. This contract spanned over the course of 3 years resulting in the creation of hundreds of ads designed and developed for many local companies. A branch of this company focused on the Real Estate market also resulting in the creation of many advertisements for Realtor’s and the related market services.
Community Contracts | Graphic Designer (2009-Present)
- Cowichan Sound & Cellular – Graphic Design, Website Design & Marketing Materials (2009-2017)
- The Cowichan Seniors Centre Directory (2011, 2014, 2016)
- Radio Station 89.7 SunFM – Event Poster Design (2013)
- A Country Mile Production touring shows Chris Buck Band & Chicago Blues – Show Posters (2016)
- Cowichan Jubilee Foundation for the Performing Arts – Event Poster Design (2016)
- Serenity Yoga Centre – Branding & Marketing Materials (2019)
- Town of Lake Cowichan – 75th Anniversary Campaign (2019)
- Lake Cowichan Food Bank Society – Event Poster Design (2020)
- Kinsmen & Kinette Clubs of Lake Cowichan – Event Poster Design (2021)
- Lake Cowichan Krakens – Event Poster Design (2022)
Victoria Independent Film & Video Festival – Victoria, BC. | Graphic Designer (2003)
For 4-months each year, this non-profit organization prepares for a 10-day video festival featuring films from all over the world. I was responsible for the media representation and marketing of this event in 2003. This included the designing of a 96-page program guide, posters, brochures, websites, and all other marketing materials used for the media coverage of the event.
IG Design & Publishing – Duncan, BC. | Graphic Designer (2002)
This magazine publishing company designed magazines as well as golf score cards and other such related advertisements for golf courses across BC.
Magazine titles included: Inside Golf, The Canadian Golf Directory, The Western Snow Directory, as well as Home Proud Magazine. My primary role included the design and layout of covers, advertisements and articles for the magazines designed at this firm. I was later appointed as the Art Director for the first edition of Home Proud magazine.
Professional Summary
I am a highly organized, results-focused, democratic-style leader with experience coaching and mentoring teams.
I advocate for a positive, engaging and inclusive work environment.
I have a successful track record of launching new programs, policies and procedures to increase operational efficiencies and improve communication among team members.
Working on many competing initiatives, I understand how to delegate specific tasks to keep projects running smoothly. I use time management strategies to aid the planning, scheduling and organization of projects, assigning team members to specific roles that aligns with their personal strengths.
I am a creative problem-solver. When necessary employing the use of conflict resolution techniques. I listen to team members concerns, get an understanding of the issues from different perspectives, then assemble an effective strategy that works with all involved parties.
Created and Developed Team Member Management Tools:
- Training and performance support tools.
- Company policies and employee resource handbooks.
- Procedure manuals, logs and guides to improve general operations.
- Communication logs / boards.
- Roles and responsibilities checklists.
- Review and redirect team member conflict resolution tool / documentation.
Operations & Leadership Experience
Plantitude – Ladysmith, BC. | Operations Manager (2021-2023)
A 75-seat 100% plant-based vegan restaurant on Ladysmith’s main street. My role here as restaurant manager included overseeing the day-to-day operations with a focus on; food quality standards, customer service, health and safety protocols, staff on-boarding and training, as well as profitability optimization efforts (food costs, menu pricing and waste reduction efforts).
In addition, with my experience as a graphic designer, I took on the design and marketing efforts of Plantitude. Projects included the main website design and updates, the initial setup, logistics and maintenance of additional divisions of Plantitude including; Sweet Treats Bakery, Kind Food Box Meal Kits, Take Plantitude Home and more.
Floyd’s – Victoria, BC. | Manager (2019-2021)
This popular breakfast diner features an extensive breakfast and lunch menu with a 45-seat dining area. My role as the Kitchen Manager allowed me to learn and develop a strong set of leadership skills, training style and restaurant management skills. I take immense pride in the successful development of the strong team and positive work environment created.
Tackling the many daily challenges faced in the restaurant industry has given me the unique ability to quickly adapt. Staff schedules, supplier ordering, food cost controls and procedure development were also some of my primary responsibilities.
Additional Restaurant Work History
Morrison Food Services – Victoria, BC. | Patient Catering (2005-2007)
Boston Pizza – Saanich, BC. | Line Cook (2004-2005)
Tim Hortons – Langford, BC. | Baker & Font Sales Associate (2004-2005)
Joey’s Only Seafood – Duncan & Nanaimo, BC. | Line Cook (2000-2002)
Entrepreneurial Endeavours
- RV Rental Vancouver Island (2018-2021)
- The Perky Bean – Coffee Kiosk (2016)
- Gizmo Depot – Auction Liquidation Services (2006-2011)
