I'm Harrie T van Tongeren, a creative design leader with 11+ years of experience in visual communication, brand storytelling, and accessible design. I’ve led teams and collaborated with organizations like UNICEF, World Vision, and Movember to craft impactful visual narratives that champion diversity and inclusion. Currently, I lead a team of designers at Canva, shaping design at scale across multiple regions and integrating AI-powered processes to streamline workflows. I previously served as Diversity Lead and Creative Lead for nonprofit initiatives and have delivered freelance and agency work across branding, print, and digital products.…

Harrie T van Tongeren

I'm Harrie T van Tongeren, a creative design leader with 11+ years of experience in visual communication, brand storytelling, and accessible design. I’ve led teams and collaborated with organizations like UNICEF, World Vision, and Movember to craft impactful visual narratives that champion diversity and inclusion. Currently, I lead a team of designers at Canva, shaping design at scale across multiple regions and integrating AI-powered processes to streamline workflows. I previously served as Diversity Lead and Creative Lead for nonprofit initiatives and have delivered freelance and agency work across branding, print, and digital products.…

Available to hire

I’m Harrie T van Tongeren, a creative design leader with 11+ years of experience in visual communication, brand storytelling, and accessible design. I’ve led teams and collaborated with organizations like UNICEF, World Vision, and Movember to craft impactful visual narratives that champion diversity and inclusion.

Currently, I lead a team of designers at Canva, shaping design at scale across multiple regions and integrating AI-powered processes to streamline workflows. I previously served as Diversity Lead and Creative Lead for nonprofit initiatives and have delivered freelance and agency work across branding, print, and digital products.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner
Japanese
Beginner

Work Experience

Co-lead, International Content at Canva
December 1, 2024 - Present
Co-lead international content for global audiences at Canva, delivering culturally relevant, high-quality design across markets. Led exploration, development, and rollout of AI-driven enhancements to improve team efficiency and processes. Responsible for the growth, development, and impact of six designers, as well as hiring new creative leads for other regions.
Design Lead / Founder at Haych Design
August 1, 2019 - Present
Delivered branding, digital, and print design for a range of clients end-to-end. Supported agencies including Strategy Christchurch and Not Another™ Diversity. Lead, Creative Content.
Graphic Designer at Guzui Inventions
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2019
Created branding and packaging design work for various clients.
Design Lead - Scale & Enablement at Canva
January 1, 2018 - Present
Leading a team in the international content team, designing at scale for multiple regions, and designing and implementing new AI processes and systems.
Senior Graphic Designer at Haych Design (Freelance)
January 1, 2017 - Present
Delivered freelance design solutions across branding, print, and digital for diverse clients.
Graphic Designer at Traverse Advertising
January 1, 2014 - January 1, 2017
Rebranded clients and designed across branding, print, and advertising; developed strategic design outputs for major campaigns.

Education

Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Hons) at Massey University, Wellington
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026
Bachelor of Visual Communication Design at Massey University
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2016
High School Diploma at Burnside High School
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011

Qualifications

Spanish Diploma (in progress)
January 11, 2030 - January 20, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Education, Non-Profit Organization