I'm Dave Upper, a creative, award-winning, results-driven designer with a proven track record of delivering research-driven solutions that drive company growth. I bring expert UI/UX design and a collaborative leadership style that helps teams craft intuitive, engaging, and aesthetically compelling experiences. I excel at translating complex requirements into clear, user-centered design, building strong cross-team connections, and aligning design work with business goals. See my portfolio at daveupper.com. My work spans branding, web design, UI/UX, and product design for startups and established brands alike. I thrive in fast-paced environments, value thoughtful critique, and love turning ideas into tangible, impactful results that enhance user satisfaction.

Dave Upper

I'm Dave Upper, a creative, award-winning, results-driven designer with a proven track record of delivering research-driven solutions that drive company growth. I bring expert UI/UX design and a collaborative leadership style that helps teams craft intuitive, engaging, and aesthetically compelling experiences. I excel at translating complex requirements into clear, user-centered design, building strong cross-team connections, and aligning design work with business goals. See my portfolio at daveupper.com. My work spans branding, web design, UI/UX, and product design for startups and established brands alike. I thrive in fast-paced environments, value thoughtful critique, and love turning ideas into tangible, impactful results that enhance user satisfaction.

Available to hire

I’m Dave Upper, a creative, award-winning, results-driven designer with a proven track record of delivering research-driven solutions that drive company growth. I bring expert UI/UX design and a collaborative leadership style that helps teams craft intuitive, engaging, and aesthetically compelling experiences. I excel at translating complex requirements into clear, user-centered design, building strong cross-team connections, and aligning design work with business goals. See my portfolio at daveupper.com.

My work spans branding, web design, UI/UX, and product design for startups and established brands alike. I thrive in fast-paced environments, value thoughtful critique, and love turning ideas into tangible, impactful results that enhance user satisfaction.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Graphic Designer at The Letter Marketing
January 1, 2014 - September 5, 2025
Partnered with account executives to produce top-quality corporate branding, exhibits, and direct mail. Developed intuitive and accessible WordPress websites for non-profits and municipal clients. Oversaw the creation and distribution of extensive monthly email campaigns.
Graphic Designer at Inbox Marketing
November 1, 2016 - September 5, 2025
Developed compelling email campaigns for banks, insurance companies, and non-profits. Created innovative and engaging designs in line with corporate branding guidelines. Managed internal branding and marketing projects, including a corporate website overhaul.
Web Designer / Sales at PlanetCPU
December 1, 2017 - September 5, 2025
Created WordPress websites with booking and payment functionalities; translated client visions into effective web solutions. Drove outbound sales and developed networking and communications skills.
Product UI/UX Designer at System1 Canada
August 1, 2023 - September 5, 2025
Conducted user testing to identify challenges and opportunities in online advertising products. Analyzed data to design user flows, systems, and prototypes, expediting development. Crafted the corporate website and brand collateral; increased brand visibility with compelling social media content.
Product UI/UX Designer at System 1 Canada
August 1, 2023 - September 5, 2025
Conducted user testing to pinpoint challenges and opportunities in online advertising products. Analyzed data to design user flows, systems, and prototypes, expediting development. Crafted the corporate website and developed brand collateral. Increased brand visibility with compelling and shareable social media content.
Web Designer/Sales at PlanetCPU
December 1, 2017 - September 5, 2025
Created WordPress websites with booking and payment functionalities, aligned with strategic goals. Partnered with clients to translate their unique visions and branding into effective web solutions. Successfully drove outbound sales and developed strong networking and communications skills.
Graphic Designer at Inbox Marketing
November 1, 2016 - September 5, 2025
Developed compelling email campaigns for banks, insurance companies, and non-profits. Crafted intuitive and accessible WordPress websites for non-profits and municipal clients. Oversaw internal branding and marketing projects, including the corporate website overhaul.
Graphic Designer at The Letter Marketing
January 1, 2014 - September 5, 2025
Partnered with account executives to produce top-quality corporate branding, exhibits, and direct mail. Developed intuitive and accessible WordPress websites for non-profits and municipal clients. Oversaw the creation and distribution of extensive monthly email campaigns.

Education

Product Psychology Masterclass at Growth Design Institute
January 1, 2022 - September 5, 2025
UX Design Diploma at UX Design Institute
January 1, 2019 - September 5, 2025
Digital Art and Design Certificate at Thompson Rivers University
January 1, 2010 - September 5, 2025
Art and Design Foundation at George Brown College
January 1, 2007 - September 5, 2025
Product Psychology Masterclass at Growth
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
UX Design Diploma at UX Design Institute
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2019
Digital Art and Design Certificate at Thompson Rivers University
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
Art and Design Foundation at George Brown College
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2007

Qualifications

Product Psychology Masterclass
January 1, 2022 - September 5, 2025
UX Design Diploma
January 1, 2019 - September 5, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Education
    uniE621 Guelph Comedy Festival
    Designed this happy-go-lucy, hand-drawn logo for the Guelph Comedy Festival.
    uniE621 Fly Fish Quinte – Logo Design
    Integrated a fly lure illustration seamlessly into the typography, giving the logo an authentic connection to the sport. Used thick, modern lettering for strong legibility across print, apparel, and digital platforms. Added a fisherman silhouette inside the letter "Q", reinforcing the brand identity while adding a creative, memorable touch. Balanced clean design with organic, flowing elements (fishing line and lure) to symbolize movement and the artistry of fly fishing