Hi, I’m Ciara Donnelly, an Irish graphic designer in Toronto known for delivering impactful visual storytelling across digital and physical platforms. My work blends bold visual storytelling with strategic clarity across in-house, freelance, and mentorship roles. With a B.A. in Communications and Creative Multimedia from Dundalk Institute of Technology, I moved to Canada to pursue design with purpose and have since continued to grow as an in-house designer in fast-paced environments, delivering high-impact design solutions with precision and accuracy and building a portfolio that spans social media, branding systems, UX/UI design and print production. While my foundation is in-house, my passion lies in developing strategic brand identities and communication systems where concepts meet impact. That drive has led me to pursue continuous education in niche design disciplines, take on freelance and passion projects, and expand my creative toolkit with strategic thinking and conceptual development. I thrive in environments that value systems thinking, curiosity and creative rigour, infusing every project with colour, sparkle, and a touch of Irish charm.…

Ciara Donnelly

Hi, I’m Ciara Donnelly, an Irish graphic designer in Toronto known for delivering impactful visual storytelling across digital and physical platforms. My work blends bold visual storytelling with strategic clarity across in-house, freelance, and mentorship roles. With a B.A. in Communications and Creative Multimedia from Dundalk Institute of Technology, I moved to Canada to pursue design with purpose and have since continued to grow as an in-house designer in fast-paced environments, delivering high-impact design solutions with precision and accuracy and building a portfolio that spans social media, branding systems, UX/UI design and print production. While my foundation is in-house, my passion lies in developing strategic brand identities and communication systems where concepts meet impact. That drive has led me to pursue continuous education in niche design disciplines, take on freelance and passion projects, and expand my creative toolkit with strategic thinking and conceptual development. I thrive in environments that value systems thinking, curiosity and creative rigour, infusing every project with colour, sparkle, and a touch of Irish charm.…

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Ciara Donnelly, an Irish graphic designer in Toronto known for delivering impactful visual storytelling across digital and physical platforms. My work blends bold visual storytelling with strategic clarity across in-house, freelance, and mentorship roles.

With a B.A. in Communications and Creative Multimedia from Dundalk Institute of Technology, I moved to Canada to pursue design with purpose and have since continued to grow as an in-house designer in fast-paced environments, delivering high-impact design solutions with precision and accuracy and building a portfolio that spans social media, branding systems, UX/UI design and print production. While my foundation is in-house, my passion lies in developing strategic brand identities and communication systems where concepts meet impact. That drive has led me to pursue continuous education in niche design disciplines, take on freelance and passion projects, and expand my creative toolkit with strategic thinking and conceptual development. I thrive in environments that value systems thinking, curiosity and creative rigour, infusing every project with colour, sparkle, and a touch of Irish charm.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Graphic Design & Digital Marketing Specialist at Hicks Morley
February 1, 2020 - Present
Led the creative direction and execution of the firm’s visual branding across all digital and print channels, including social media, presentations, and event collateral. Recreated and rebuilt the firm's visual style guide, establishing a cohesive and modern brand system. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align design strategy with business goals, demonstrating an analytical approach to problem-solving and visual communication. Contributed to video content strategy and production, from concept development to post-editing, enhancing digital engagement. Managed multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating strong time management and attention to detail. Created environmental graphics and signage for firm-wide conferences and student outreach events, using typography and layout systems to ensure clarity and brand consistency.
Graphic Design & Digital Marketing Specialist at Hicks Morley
February 1, 2020 - Present
Led the creative direction and execution of the firm’s visual branding across digital and print channels. Recreated and rebuilt the firm’s visual style guide to ensure consistency. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to align design strategy with business goals, supported video content strategy and production from concept to post-production, and managed multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. Created environmental graphics and signage for conferences and outreach events.
Graphic Design & Digital Marketing Specialist at Hicks Morley
February 1, 2020 - Present
Designed and maintained cohesive visual branding across digital and print assets including presentations, social media, event collateral, and promotional materials. Recreated and refined the firm’s visual style guide to establish a cohesive brand system ensuring consistency across all communications. Created custom graphics, infographics, animations, and web icons aligned with brand guidelines to support marketing and business development initiatives. Collaborated with stakeholders to produce conference materials and promotional items maximizing brand visibility and ROI. Contributed to video content strategy and production from concept development to post-editing, enhancing digital engagement.
Brand & Packaging Designer (Freelance) at Ciara Donnelly Designs
August 1, 2018 - Present
Delivered print-ready custom wedding stationery, including seating plans, invitations, table cards, and signage by preparing files to spec and managing proofs while balancing elegance with functional clarity. Collaborated with another designer on editorial formatting and layout design for the client’s fashion magazine, applying strong typographic and compositional principles to elevate the brand storytelling. Contributed creative concepts and visual assets for the RGD, including a promotional ad for the RGD’s Associate committee which will be featured at the 2025 Toronto DesignThinkers conference.
Brand & Packaging Designer (Freelance) at Ciara Donnelly Designs
August 1, 2018 - Present
Delivered print-ready custom wedding stationery (seating plans, invitations, table cards, signage) by preparing files to spec and managing proofs while balancing elegance with functional clarity. Collaborated on editorial formatting and layout design for a client’s fashion magazine to elevate brand storytelling. Contributed creative concepts and visual assets for the RGD, including a promotional ad for the 2025 Toronto DesignThinkers conference.
Freelance Designer at Ciara Donnelly Designs
August 1, 2018 - Present
Designed custom wedding stationery including seating plans, invitations, table cards, and signage balancing elegance with functional clarity to bring clients’ visions to reality. Collaborated on editorial formatting and layout design for a client's fashion magazine, applying strong typographic and compositional principles to elevate brand storytelling. Served as design manager for RGD’s project-based mentorship program, managing timelines, facilitating team communication, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to client presentations and final deliverables. Designed a promotional ad for the RGD’s Associate committee featured at the DesignThinkers conference, aligning visual messaging with strategic goals to engage emerging designers.

Education

Certificate, Graphic Design & Visual Communications at OCAD University
May 1, 2025 - August 26, 2025
Bachelor of Arts, Communications and Creative Multimedia at Dundalk Institute of Technology
October 1, 2011 - October 1, 2015
Certificate in Graphic Design & Visual Communications at OCAD University
May 1, 2025 - October 24, 2025
Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Creative Multimedia at Dundalk Institute of Technology
October 1, 2011 - October 1, 2015
Bachelor of Arts at Dundalk Institute of Technology
October 1, 2011 - October 1, 2015
Certificate at OCAD University
May 1, 2025 - October 24, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Professional Services, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Education, Other