Solutions-driven and highly organized Graphic Designer and Packaging Specialist. Creative by nature and a strategic thinker. Proven expertise in managing and launching D2C/B2C brands across various industries. Proficient in collaborating cross-functionally with stakeholders and working hands-on with marketing and design teams.…

Sonya Laurenssen

Solutions-driven and highly organized Graphic Designer and Packaging Specialist. Creative by nature and a strategic thinker. Proven expertise in managing and launching D2C/B2C brands across various industries. Proficient in collaborating cross-functionally with stakeholders and working hands-on with marketing and design teams.…

Available to hire

Solutions-driven and highly organized Graphic Designer and Packaging Specialist. Creative by nature and a strategic thinker.

Proven expertise in managing and launching D2C/B2C brands across various industries. Proficient in collaborating cross-functionally with stakeholders and working hands-on with marketing and design teams.

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Work Experience

Owner, Designer & Marketer at Jusu Wellness Inc.
April 1, 2022 - April 1, 2024
Oversee all aspects of the company, including team management; Handle D2C and B2B sales and strategy; Lead product development from concept to commercialization; Manage line planning, including seasonal planning; Develop and design packaging, sourcing primary and secondary components; Conduct competitive market analysis; Ensure quality assurance and regulatory compliance; Oversee financial planning and analysis.
Project Manager & Packaging Designer at Better Plant Sciences (Jusu, Urban Juve, Komo, Wright & Well)
April 1, 2019 - April 1, 2022
Creates project documentation and strategy plans across 4 B2C and D2C brands; Accountable for complete project lifecycle from inception to close; Manages and documents feedback, revisions, and quality assurance process for creative assets; Vendor/supplier management, and resource assignments; Collaborates with stakeholders to determine project timelines and budgets; Leads market research and competitive analysis; Provides guidance to marketing, creatives and cross-functionally; Leads development and design of packaging initiatives (sustainability first).
Senior Project Manager - Marketing at Faith Wilson Group Realty Services
March 1, 2017 - October 1, 2018
Managed in-house design and marketing team; Developed and managed monthly marketing campaigns across all platforms; Vendor/supplier management, and resource assignments; Worked closely with sales team to determine project timelines and budgets.
Creative Director & Brand Manager at Steve Nash Fitness World & Sports Club
May 1, 2014 - April 1, 2016
Creative direction for monthly campaigns and events, across all platforms; Successfully led marketing initiatives for four fitness facility grand openings; Creative/project management for pre-sale spaces and new club design; Art direction for campaign specific photo and video shoots.
Senior Footwear Developer at John Fluevog Shoes
March 1, 2011 - July 1, 2012
Design and development of seasonal women’s collection; Trend research and implementation of new construction and materials; Creation of product tech packs; Global vendor management; QA via daily communication with internal team and external partners.
Creative Director, Designer, Project Manager at A. Mordo & Son Ltd.
March 1, 2006 - May 1, 2008
Creative direction for entire Action Sports Division, comprised of six snowboard brands; Managed design, production and marketing support materials for seasonal product lines; Traveled to factories to manage sample production of seasonal product lines; Design and management of marketing campaigns and assets; Managed outside creative agencies, working together to develop seasonal graphics.
Instructor - Continuing Studies, Fashion Arts Diploma Program at Vancouver Community College
March 30, 2012 - May 30, 2014
Courses: Technical Fashion Illustration, Level 1 & 2; Technical drawing instruction and tech pack design; Courses: Product Development; Product development lifecycle: Line planning, garment production, sourcing strategies.
Owner & Principal Designer at Turn Designs
February 1, 2010 - Present
Lead brand strategy, packaging design, and marketing execution for emerging and established food, beverage, wellness, and personal care brands across Canada and the U.S. Specialize in CPG brand development from concept to commercialization, including brand identity systems, compliant packaging design (CFIA & FDA), print production management, and go-to-market strategy. Collaborate cross-functionally with founders, product developers, and printers to deliver shelf-ready solutions that drive retail placement and consumer engagement.

Education

Diploma in Graphic Design at Sheridan College School of Animation, Arts and Design
September 1, 1996 - April 1, 1999
Art Fundamentals Certificate at Sheridan College School of Animation, Arts and Design
September 1, 1995 - April 1, 1996

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Retail, Real Estate & Construction, Consumer Goods, Wholesale & Distribution
    paper Packaging Design & Marketing Support Materials

    Gusto Baking Mixes approached Turn Designs to create compelling stand up pouch packaging designs that would appeal to health-conscious bakers looking for high-quality, easy-to-use baking solutions. The goal was to craft a visual language that conveys premium ingredients, wholesome indulgence, and the joy of home baking.

    The result is a Clean and contemporary layout with strong shelf presence. The vibrant yet natural colour palette was selected to differentiate product SKUs while maintaining a cohesive brand presence.