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I'm Danae Thompson, a Senior Art Director and creative lead with a multidisciplinary background shaping brands, leading design teams, and turning story-driven ideas into omni-channel campaigns across digital, social, print, and in-store experiences. I'm a people-first leader who fosters collaborative environments, mentors junior talent, and partners cross-functionally to turn feedback into fuel for growth, iteration, and high-value work.…I'm Danae Thompson, a Senior Art Director and creative lead with a multidisciplinary background shaping brands, leading design teams, and turning story-driven ideas into omni-channel campaigns across digital, social, print, and in-store experiences. I'm a people-first leader who fosters collaborative environments, mentors junior talent, and partners cross-functionally to turn feedback into fuel for growth, iteration, and high-value work.

Danae Thompson

Art Director, Designer, Creative Director, +2

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I'm Danae Thompson, a Senior Art Director and creative lead with a multidisciplinary background shaping brands, leading design teams, and turning story-driven ideas into omni-channel campaigns across digital, social, print, and in-store experiences. I'm a people-first leader who fosters collaborative environments, mentors junior talent, and partners cross-functionally to turn feedback into fuel for growth, iteration, and high-value work.…I'm Danae Thompson, a Senior Art Director and creative lead with a multidisciplinary background shaping brands, leading design teams, and turning story-driven ideas into omni-channel campaigns across digital, social, print, and in-store experiences. I'm a people-first leader who fosters collaborative environments, mentors junior talent, and partners cross-functionally to turn feedback into fuel for growth, iteration, and high-value work.

Available to hire

I’m Danae Thompson, a Senior Art Director and creative lead with a multidisciplinary background shaping brands, leading design teams, and turning story-driven ideas into omni-channel campaigns across digital, social, print, and in-store experiences.

I’m a people-first leader who fosters collaborative environments, mentors junior talent, and partners cross-functionally to turn feedback into fuel for growth, iteration, and high-value work.

Skills

Experience Level

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Expert

Intermediate

Intermediate

Editorial Illustration

Intermediate

Book Illustration

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Work Experience

Manager, In-House Creative Studio (Art Direction & Creative Leadership) at MARK’S / CANADIAN TIRE CORPORATION

January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2025

Led an in-house creative studio for a national retail brand, managing a multidisciplinary team of designers and copywriters. Drove omni-channel campaigns from concept to production, rolled out new brand positioning across digital, print, in-store, web, email, and social touchpoints. Implemented design systems and streamlined workflows, elevating visual identity and storytelling while reducing studio operating costs by 30%. Mentored junior talent and fostered psychological safety and collaborative dialogue. Explored AI/automation to reduce repetitive tasks and free time for high-value conceptual work.

Senior Graphic Designer at STRUT CREATIVE

January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2018

Developed brand identities, campaign concepts, and integrated design solutions for a diverse client portfolio. Collaborated with strategists, copywriters, and developers to create cohesive creative across branding, print, web, and digital experiences. Delivered polished, thoughtful design with strong attention to craft and detail.

Creative Director / Art Director / Senior Graphic Designer at Freelance Creative Services

January 1, 2006 - Present

Partner with businesses, entrepreneurs, and agencies to create branding, campaign creative, digital content, and print collateral. Deliver concept-led, refined creative with emphasis on storytelling, visual identity, and consistency. Adapt to varied project sizes—from solo engagements to collaboration within larger teams.

Art Director at SWERVE MAGAZINE

January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2013

Led visual direction for an award-winning weekly publication, managing concepting, layout, illustration commissioning, and photography direction. Owned full design of each issue from editorial storytelling to production. Attended press checks to ensure print accuracy and color fidelity. Collaborated with editors and freelance photographers/illustrators to craft visually engaging, narrative-driven spreads.