Stephen Canning is a designer and founder of ID8 Creative. His practice is grounded in the belief that strong ideas and collaborative thinking lead to the most effective design. Prior to establishing the studio more than 30 years ago, he worked as a glass artist, collaborating with architects and craftspeople to develop custom carved and etched glass installations. This early experience shaped his approach to working closely with others, valuing shared insight and specialist expertise. Today, while continuing work in architectural glass, and glass art, Stephen works across brand and graphic identity, print and packaging, web and digital media. While he often manages small projects independently, he continues to seek opportunities to collaborate with other skilled professionals. He is motivated by the process of developing ideas, refining them, and bringing them to life in clear, purposeful and well-crafted design outcomes. To find out more, visit id8.co.nz.…

Stephen Canning

PRO

Stephen Canning is a designer and founder of ID8 Creative. His practice is grounded in the belief that strong ideas and collaborative thinking lead to the most effective design. Prior to establishing the studio more than 30 years ago, he worked as a glass artist, collaborating with architects and craftspeople to develop custom carved and etched glass installations. This early experience shaped his approach to working closely with others, valuing shared insight and specialist expertise. Today, while continuing work in architectural glass, and glass art, Stephen works across brand and graphic identity, print and packaging, web and digital media. While he often manages small projects independently, he continues to seek opportunities to collaborate with other skilled professionals. He is motivated by the process of developing ideas, refining them, and bringing them to life in clear, purposeful and well-crafted design outcomes. To find out more, visit id8.co.nz.…

Available to hire

Stephen Canning is a designer and founder of ID8 Creative. His practice is grounded in the belief that strong ideas and collaborative thinking lead to the most effective design. Prior to establishing the studio more than 30 years ago, he worked as a glass artist, collaborating with architects and craftspeople to develop custom carved and etched glass installations. This early experience shaped his approach to working closely with others, valuing shared insight and specialist expertise.

Today, while continuing work in architectural glass, and glass art, Stephen works across brand and graphic identity, print and packaging, web and digital media. While he often manages small projects independently, he continues to seek opportunities to collaborate with other skilled professionals. He is motivated by the process of developing ideas, refining them, and bringing them to life in clear, purposeful and well-crafted design outcomes. To find out more, visit id8.co.nz.

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Skills

Experience Level

Language

English
Fluent
Māori
Intermediate

Work Experience

Founder at DV8 Creative
January 1, 1991 - November 8, 2025
Established DV8 Creative; started as a graphic designer and branded multiple projects; continues to lead design work for brand identity, print, packaging, web and digital media with a collaborative, ideas-driven approach.
Architectural Glass Designer at Maurice Glass Blasting
January 1, 1988 - January 1, 1988
Specialised in architectural glass design; sandblasted and carved glass features for buildings.
Architectural Glass Designer (Freelance) at Independent / Freelance
January 1, 1991 - January 1, 1991
Began working independently as an Architectural Glass Designer, expanding craft and project work before establishing DV8 Creative.
Brand & Graphic Designer at Askew
January 1, 1994 - November 8, 2025
Began a long relationship with Askew in branding and communication.
Digital & Front-end Designer at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
January 1, 2006 - November 8, 2025
Began working with Fisher & Paykel Healthcare creating digital training material for FPHC products.
UI Designer at Turner Sports
December 31, 2009 - December 31, 2009
UI design with Turner Sports iPhone App build team; one of the early commercial iPhone apps and very successful in the US.
Front-end Developer / Branding Designer at John Marshall Media
January 1, 2010 - November 8, 2025
Branding, website and database front-end development; ongoing collaboration on branding and product development for a NYC voice recording studio and agency.
Branding & Design Projects at Soar Print/ICG
January 1, 2017 - November 8, 2025
Ongoing branding, marketing and design projects; widened to digital media.
Telehealth Surge Support at Whakarongorau Aotearoa
February 24, 2022 - May 28, 2022
Worked in Covid telehealth surge support; communications.
Architectural Glass Designer at Maurice Glass Blasting
December 31, 1988 - December 31, 1988
Specialist in architectural glass design, working on carved and etched glass installations.
Architectural Glass Designer at Arena Nightclub
January 1, 1988 - November 9, 2025
Designed and completed a 55m2 carved glass facade; began working independently as an Architectural Glass Designer.
Founder / Graphic Designer at DV8 Creative
January 1, 1991 - November 9, 2025
Established DV8 Creative; also worked as a Graphic Designer; continues to work on many and varied design projects.
Branding & Communications Designer at Askew
January 1, 1994 - November 9, 2025
Began a long relationship with Askew in branding and communication.
Designer at Kermadec Restaurant
December 31, 1995 - December 31, 1995
Two dining rooms entirely clad in sandblasted glass designs and other features.
Designer at Rangitoto Trust
January 1, 1996 - November 9, 2025
Began ongoing work publishing printed works and media for poet and artist Leigh Davis.
Designer at Leigh Davis – Station of Earthbound Ghosts (Exhibition)
January 1, 1998 - November 9, 2025
Designed and published on 30 flags for a major poetry exhibition.
Architectural Glass Designer at Vero Building (Project)
December 31, 2000 - December 31, 2000
Glass canopy project: 300m2, sandblasted design for fully glazed interiors plus tables and lamps.
Instructional Designer / Digital Training Material Designer at Fisher & Paykel Healthcare
January 1, 2006 - November 9, 2025
Created digital training material for FPHC products.
UI Designer at Turner Sports
January 1, 2009 - November 9, 2025
UI design for the Turner Sports iPhone App build team; one of the early commercial iPhone apps.
Front-End Developer / Designer at John Marshall Media
January 1, 2010 - November 9, 2025
Branding, website and database front-end development for a Manhattan voice recording studio and related branding projects.
Designer at Soar Print
January 1, 2017 - November 9, 2025
Ongoing branding, marketing & design projects.
Freelance / ID8 Creative at Self-employed / ID8 Creative
January 1, 2020 - November 9, 2025
Continuing work with clients on brand and graphic identity, print, web and digital media; telehealth surge support for Whakarongorau Aotearoa during COVID-19.

Education

Design Thinking at Stanford University
January 1, 2013 - October 1, 2013
Design Thinking course at Stanford University
January 1, 2013 - November 9, 2025

Qualifications

Design Thinking course
January 1, 2013 - November 9, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Healthcare, Education, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Non-Profit Organization, Software & Internet, Other, Real Estate & Construction
    uniE621 Kerridge & Partners Corporate Leadership Consultancy, Brand-Led Industry Leadership Publication
    Kerridge & Partners is a New Zealand leadership consultancy firm with a strong focus on communication and leadership. This 2019 project sought to inquire into aspects of the role of chief executive in NZ firms through interviews with industry leaders. A high standard of publication was required incorporating infographics and aspirational NZ photography…