Hi, I’m Kristen Hickey. I’m a creative and strategic designer with a passion for turning ideas into clear, impactful visuals and brand experiences. I’ve spent over two decades leading creative direction, brand development, and project management across diverse sectors, mentoring teams, and delivering results-driven design from concept to completion. In addition to running Amies Illustration & Design and teaching design, UX/UI, and design thinking at Mohawk College, I enjoy helping students and clients develop user-centered experiences that are both aesthetically compelling and effective. My practice combines UX/UI design, print, digital marketing, and identity design to craft compelling brand stories that resonate with people and drive results.

Kristen Hickey

Hi, I’m Kristen Hickey. I’m a creative and strategic designer with a passion for turning ideas into clear, impactful visuals and brand experiences. I’ve spent over two decades leading creative direction, brand development, and project management across diverse sectors, mentoring teams, and delivering results-driven design from concept to completion. In addition to running Amies Illustration & Design and teaching design, UX/UI, and design thinking at Mohawk College, I enjoy helping students and clients develop user-centered experiences that are both aesthetically compelling and effective. My practice combines UX/UI design, print, digital marketing, and identity design to craft compelling brand stories that resonate with people and drive results.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Kristen Hickey. I’m a creative and strategic designer with a passion for turning ideas into clear, impactful visuals and brand experiences. I’ve spent over two decades leading creative direction, brand development, and project management across diverse sectors, mentoring teams, and delivering results-driven design from concept to completion.

In addition to running Amies Illustration & Design and teaching design, UX/UI, and design thinking at Mohawk College, I enjoy helping students and clients develop user-centered experiences that are both aesthetically compelling and effective. My practice combines UX/UI design, print, digital marketing, and identity design to craft compelling brand stories that resonate with people and drive results.

See more

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Owner / Freelance Graphic Designer at Amies Illustration & Design
December 31, 2015 - November 10, 2025
Lead and execute branding, print, and digital design projects for B2B and B2C clients. Manage projects end-to-end, develop user-centric wireframes and UI prototypes, conduct user research, and translate ideas into visuals across brand identity, marketing collateral, and digital experiences. Collaborate with clients to define branding systems, accessibility standards, and measurable design outcomes.
Part-Time Professor at Mohawk College
December 31, 2017 - November 10, 2025
Instruct courses in user research, UX/UI design, typography, layout design, and design thinking. Develop and write curricula for subjects such as user research, user experience, layout design, and typography, ensuring students receive a thorough education in gaming and design.
Graphic Designer at Brickworks Communications
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2016
Collaborated with clients and senior account teams to plan and design marketing materials, including brand identities, brochures, ads, direct mail, and digital projects for a diverse clientele.
Graphic Designer at Kula/Be Yoga and Wellness
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2013
Developed marketing plans to enhance brand awareness, including brand identity, website UI design, digital advertising, and print advertising strategies.
Graphic Designer at Sims Advertising
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2011
Created marketing materials and campaigns, contributing to print and digital collateral for various clients.
Graphic Designer at Jigsaw Advertising
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2010
Produced brand identities and promotional materials, supporting multi-channel campaigns for a range of clients.
Graphic Designer at 5th Business
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2008
Designed brand identities and marketing collateral, contributing to integrated campaigns.
Graphic Designer at The Canadian Institute
December 30, 2005 - December 30, 2005
Supported marketing and communications through brand identities, print collateral, and campus communications.

Education

Diploma Graphic Design at George Brown College
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2004
Master of Arts in User Experience (Distinction) at Falmouth University
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2025

Qualifications

Internship with Bruce Mau Design (Institute Without Boundaries promotional exhibit)
January 11, 2030 - November 11, 2025
200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
January 11, 2030 - November 11, 2025

Industry Experience

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