I am the founder and principal designer behind Emergent Studios (Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup). With a background in science and conservation and a lifelong love of art, I bring together analytical thinking and creative storytelling to help communicate complex ideas clearly and beautifully. Danielle works closely with researchers, organizations, and mission-driven teams to transform data, science, and environmental knowledge into visuals that inform, connect, and inspire action. This work can include but is not limited to: data analysis and research, scientific illustration, development of knowledge products, copy editing, infographic design, research graphics, web design and branding, and 2D animation.
Outside of work, I love trail running, camping, painting and mixed media art, and partaking in anything that gets me out into nature and the outdoors.
I’ve previously worked for organisations in the conservation sector, such as Fisheries and Oceans Canada_Phone details not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_) and the International Union for the Conservation of Nature_Phone details not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup_), and have done freelance work for those organisations, as well as academic institutions. You can find some of my portfolio work here: Website not available. Sign in: https://www.twine.net/signup
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- Developing a distinctive logo representing the research themes of the DECO Lab, designed for flexibility and usability across digital and print formats.
- Creating a cohesive visual identity system, including colour palettes and typography selections that reflect the lab’s academic and research context.
- Designing a simple landing website (and how-to guidelines for editing the website) that could be maintained by staff and students post-production. The website provided a clear entry point for prospective students, collaborators, and researchers to learn about the lab’s work.
- Developed practical brand guidelines outlining logo usage, colours, and typography to ensure consistent communication across materials.
- Produced adaptable visual assets and templates, including report layouts and email signatures, to support everyday communication needs within the lab.
Brand identity and web design for the Drivers of Environmental Change in the Ocean (DECO) Research Lab at Concordia University, supporting the launch and communication of a new interdisciplinary research lab.
I developed the visual identity and web presence for the DECO Research Lab at Concordia University, founded by Dr. Nicola Smith. The project focused on creating a cohesive and recognizable brand that could support the lab’s communications, outreach, and funding activities. The work included designing a logo that reflects the lab’s research focus, developing simple brand guidelines for consistent visual communication, and creating a website to introduce the lab to prospective students, collaborators, and partners.
DESIGN APPROACH
The project focused on a few key aspects, including:
The branding and web design established a clear visual identity for the DECO Research Lab, supporting its online presence and providing researchers with a consistent set of tools for communications, reports, social media, and funding proposals.
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- Complex scientific concepts were translated into visual diagrams and infographics
- Aligned the pavilion colour palette to that of the ICRI brand
- The Large-scale graphics created a cohesive environment throughout the pavilion space
- The content of the pavilion was structured in such a way as to allow visitors to engage at multiple entry points.
Exhibition design translating coral reef science and research into engaging displays and outreach content.
I designed the #ForCoral pavilion at COP16 to showcase that status of coral reefs, restoration efforts, and a call for a contribution of data on coral reef status. Our goal was to translate the complex information into a compelling call to action for attendees of COP16, create visual materials that would leave a lasting impression, and support narrative of the reality coral reefs are facing globally while still leaving room for hope and recovery. The designs needed to accommodate the public, researchers, and policymakers alike.
DESIGN APPROACH
I developed a visual narrative to guide visitors through the story of coral reef restoration by ensuring that:
The pavilion served as a central space during COP16 for communicating coral reef restoration initiatives, holding seminars, learning sessions, and talks, and connecting community members, researchers, and policymakers alike to work towards supporting the data collection and restoration of coral reefs globally.
- Developed the overall visual concept for the pavilion, structuring the space around three stages that each represented a key impact of the IUCN 2026–2029 Programme.
- Translated a complex strategic programme into visual storytelling, highlighting real-world conservation projects from across ecosystems, regions, and disciplines.
- Designed more than 60 large-format graphics for the pavilion space, using high-impact imagery and concise messaging to engage a diverse international audience.
- Collaborated with infrastructure designers, contractors, and internal teams to ensure project stories were cohesive and impactful, and that graphics were properly scaled, positioned, and integrated into the pavilion build.
- Managed design coordination across a large project team, working with more than 50 contributors involved in the pavilion’s development and production.
- Developed dynamic visual content for the reception area, including presentation materials and messaging to help visitors navigate programming and events throughout the Congress.
IUCN Pavilion Design & Communication Services at the World Conservation Congress, Abu Dhabi
Lead design and visual storytelling for the IUCN Programme Pavilion at the World Conservation Congress 2025, translating the organization’s global programme into an immersive exhibition experience.
I led the design and visual development of the IUCN Programme Pavilion at the World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. As the largest pavilion at the Congress, housing three stages, the space served as a central hub for programming, events, and engagement around IUCN’s new 2026–2029 Programme.
The design transformed the programme’s complex strategic framework into a visual storytelling environment. Through large-scale graphics, imagery, and multimedia content, the pavilion highlighted conservation initiatives from around the world and demonstrated how diverse projects contribute to the pillars of the IUCN programme.
DESIGN APPROACH
I developed a visual narrative to guide visitors through the story of the new IUCN Programme:
Located in a central area of the Congress venue, the IUCN Programme Pavilion became a major gathering space during the event, welcoming more than 10,000 attendees. The pavilion hosted presentations, discussions, and high-profile events—including award ceremonies—and visually showcased conservation stories from around the world, helping communicate and amplify the scope and impact of IUCN’s global programme.
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- Developed a clear report structure and layout to organize forum discussions, outcomes, and commitments into an accessible and readable format.
- Designed visual elements and simple infographics to help translate key ideas and themes emerging from the forum discussions.
- Formatted and edited report content to improve readability and ensure consistency throughout the document.
- Balanced visual design with policy-oriented content, ensuring the report remained professional and appropriate for an international conservation audience.
- Delivered the final report under a tight two-week timeline, supporting rapid knowledge sharing following the forum.
Report design and infographic development summarizing key discussions and outcomes from the World Protected Areas Leaders Forum.
I designed the summary report for the World Protected Areas Leaders Forum, organized by the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas and Metsahallitus. The report was developed to capture the key discussions, insights, and commitments that emerged during the forum and to make this information accessible to both participants and a wider audience. The design focused on creating a clear and engaging layout that would allow readers to quickly navigate the content while highlighting the forum’s major themes and outcomes.
DESIGN APPROACH
The project successfully delivered on a few key products:
The final report provided a concise and visually accessible summary of the forum, allowing participants to revisit key discussions while also serving as a knowledge product for those who were unable to attend. The document now acts as a record of the forum’s outcomes and supports ongoing dialogue and follow-up actions within the protected areas community.
- Developed a distinctive logo concept inspired by the founder’s outdoor lifestyle and personality, creating a brand identity that feels energetic, welcoming, and authentic.
- Established a cohesive visual identity system, including colour palettes and typography that balance professionalism with warmth and approachability.
- Designed a clean and user-friendly website to clearly communicate the company’s services and create an inviting online presence for potential clients.
- Created practical brand guidelines to support consistent use of the visual identity across communications and marketing materials.
- Designed supporting business assets, including business cards, invoice and quote templates, report templates, and informational service posters.
- Developed adaptable visual assets to help the company maintain a consistent and recognizable brand across digital and print materials.
Logo, visual identity, and website design for FINTY Inc., creating a welcoming and approachable brand for a modern bookkeeping company.
I developed the visual identity and website for FINTY Inc., a bookkeeping company focused on supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs across Canada. The project aimed to create a brand that felt approachable, positive, and human-centered, contrasting with the more traditional and rigid visual identities often associated with financial services.
The work included designing a logo inspired by the personality and values of the company’s founder (an outdoor-loving, mountain runner), as well as developing a cohesive visual identity and digital presence that could support the company’s communications, marketing, and client interactions as the company grows.
DESIGN APPROACH
The project focused on a few key aspects, including:
The project established a cohesive brand and digital presence for FINTY Inc., providing the company with a full set of visual tools to support its communications, marketing, and client engagement. The approachable and distinctive brand identity helps differentiate the company within the financial services sector.
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- Developed the overall visual concept for the pavilion, structuring the space around three stages that each represented a key impact of the IUCN 2026–2029 Programme.
- Translated a complex strategic programme into visual storytelling, highlighting real-world conservation projects from across ecosystems, regions, and disciplines.
- Designed more than 60 large-format graphics for the pavilion space, using high-impact imagery and concise messaging to engage a diverse international audience.
- Collaborated with infrastructure designers, contractors, and internal teams to ensure project stories were cohesive and impactful, and that graphics were properly scaled, positioned, and integrated into the pavilion build.
- Managed design coordination across a large project team, working with more than 50 contributors involved in the pavilion’s development and production.
- Developed dynamic visual content for the reception area, including presentation materials and messaging to help visitors navigate programming and events throughout the Congress.
IUCN Pavilion Design & Communication Services at the World Conservation Congress, Abu Dhabi
Lead design and visual storytelling for the IUCN Programme Pavilion at the World Conservation Congress 2025, translating the organization’s global programme into an immersive exhibition experience.
I led the design and visual development of the IUCN Programme Pavilion at the World Conservation Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi. As the largest pavilion at the Congress, housing three stages, the space served as a central hub for programming, events, and engagement around IUCN’s new 2026–2029 Programme.
The design transformed the programme’s complex strategic framework into a visual storytelling environment. Through large-scale graphics, imagery, and multimedia content, the pavilion highlighted conservation initiatives from around the world and demonstrated how diverse projects contribute to the pillars of the IUCN programme.
DESIGN APPROACH
I developed a visual narrative to guide visitors through the story of the new IUCN Programme:
Located in a central area of the Congress venue, the IUCN Programme Pavilion became a major gathering space during the event, welcoming more than 10,000 attendees. The pavilion hosted presentations, discussions, and high-profile events—including award ceremonies—and visually showcased conservation stories from around the world, helping communicate and amplify the scope and impact of IUCN’s global programme.
You can find out more here: https://www.twine.net/signin
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