Hi, I’m Danae Thompson — a passionate graphic designer and creative/art director who brings ideas to life through thoughtful, strategic, and visually engaging design and storytelling. As a multi-disciplinary creative, I specialize in creative direction, art direction, brand identity, editorial design, typography, digital marketing, omni-channel campaigns, email design, and brand design systems. I’ve led projects from concept to completion, built and mentored creative teams, and developed award-winning work that resonates emotionally while aligning strategically across every touchpoint. I’m a story-driven designer with a love for crafting visuals that connect through emotion and intention. I thrive on turning insights into impactful creative — whether refining a brand design system, shaping a narrative-led campaign, or building a cohesive visual story that leaves a lasting impression. When I’m not designing, you’ll find me experimenting with sourdough, handcrafting jewelry for my Etsy shop, propagating plants, woodworking, thrifting, painting, cooking, or capturing glimmers of beauty through photography. Creativity fuels everything I do — inside and outside the studio. I’m always excited to take on new creative challenges and collaborate with passionate teams to build something meaningful. Let’s tell your story — beautifully and with purpose.

Danae Thompson

Hi, I’m Danae Thompson — a passionate graphic designer and creative/art director who brings ideas to life through thoughtful, strategic, and visually engaging design and storytelling. As a multi-disciplinary creative, I specialize in creative direction, art direction, brand identity, editorial design, typography, digital marketing, omni-channel campaigns, email design, and brand design systems. I’ve led projects from concept to completion, built and mentored creative teams, and developed award-winning work that resonates emotionally while aligning strategically across every touchpoint. I’m a story-driven designer with a love for crafting visuals that connect through emotion and intention. I thrive on turning insights into impactful creative — whether refining a brand design system, shaping a narrative-led campaign, or building a cohesive visual story that leaves a lasting impression. When I’m not designing, you’ll find me experimenting with sourdough, handcrafting jewelry for my Etsy shop, propagating plants, woodworking, thrifting, painting, cooking, or capturing glimmers of beauty through photography. Creativity fuels everything I do — inside and outside the studio. I’m always excited to take on new creative challenges and collaborate with passionate teams to build something meaningful. Let’s tell your story — beautifully and with purpose.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Danae Thompson — a passionate graphic designer and creative/art director who brings ideas to life through thoughtful, strategic, and visually engaging design and storytelling.

As a multi-disciplinary creative, I specialize in creative direction, art direction, brand identity, editorial design, typography, digital marketing, omni-channel campaigns, email design, and brand design systems. I’ve led projects from concept to completion, built and mentored creative teams, and developed award-winning work that resonates emotionally while aligning strategically across every touchpoint.

I’m a story-driven designer with a love for crafting visuals that connect through emotion and intention. I thrive on turning insights into impactful creative — whether refining a brand design system, shaping a narrative-led campaign, or building a cohesive visual story that leaves a lasting impression.

When I’m not designing, you’ll find me experimenting with sourdough, handcrafting jewelry for my Etsy shop, propagating plants, woodworking, thrifting, painting, cooking, or capturing glimmers of beauty through photography. Creativity fuels everything I do — inside and outside the studio.

I’m always excited to take on new creative challenges and collaborate with passionate teams to build something meaningful. Let’s tell your story — beautifully and with purpose.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Manager, Design Studio (Mark’s) at MARK’S/CANADIAN TIRE, Calgary
February 14, 2018 - July 30, 2025
Interviewed, hired, mentored and lead over 15 very talented creatives, including graphic designers, videographers, motion designers, photo editors and copywriters. Rolled out new brand repositioning to all creative touch-points, which included brand design system and omni-channel templates, in-store signage and full VBI. Creative Direction and asset production for several full-funnel campaigns which included omni-channel templates, storytelling, photography art direction and creative strategy. Art Direction for seasonal photography, on set for in-studio and on-location photoshoots, followed by final photo selection and photo retouching. Review every piece of creative, providing critical feedback and actionable suggestions ensuring creative is high-quality and on-brand. Spearhead in-store signage including complete refresh and redesign of all signage templates. Develop and implement new design systems and processes to create efficiency within the team and business.
Senior Graphic Designer at STRUT CREATIVE, Calgary
December 31, 2018 - August 1, 2025
Specialized in branding, corporate, print and digital strategies.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Freelance, Calgary
January 1, 2006 - Present
Various projects including branding, print and digital material.
Art Director at SWERVE MAGAZINE, Calgary
December 31, 2013 - August 1, 2025
Developed visual concepts for weekly publication. Responsible for design of entire issue; organized and assigned work to freelance illustrators and photographers. Conducted regular press-checks.
Designer at TAG ADVERTISING, Calgary
December 31, 2006 - August 1, 2025
Worked on a variety of campaigns, helped to develop identities, and assisted with concepts for multiple projects.

Education

Bachelor of Design at Alberta College of Art and Design, Calgary
September 1, 2001 - July 1, 2006
Completed the vigorous VCD (visual communications design) curriculum, majoring in Editorial Design and Advertising.

Qualifications

2010 — Western Magazine Awards (Visual Awards)
Winner — Best Art Direction – Article: You’re Invited, Swerve
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010
2011 — Western Magazine Awards (Visual Awards)
Winner — Best Art Direction – Article: Preparing the Vessel, Swerve
January 1, 2011 - December 31, 2011
2014 — Alberta Magazine Publishers Association (AMPA)
Gold — Art Direction Single Issue: No Vacancy, Swerve
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2025

Industry Experience

Retail, Media & Entertainment, Consumer Goods, Professional Services, Healthcare, Education, Other, Agriculture & Mining, Energy & Utilities, Computers & Electronics, Gaming, Government, Life Sciences, Financial Services, Manufacturing, Non-Profit Organization, Real Estate & Construction, Software & Internet, Telecommunications, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Wholesale & Distribution
    paper Mark's 2019 Black Friday Promo Omni-Channel Creative
    Develop, design and deliver omni-channel creative for biggest promo event of the year. Online, e-comm, digital, in-store signage and print promos. graphicdesigner promo
    paper Instagram Carousel Holiday Gift Guide
    Art direction and creative production for Mark's 2018 holiday gift guide. Viewed as one connected piece as customer scrolls through each tile in the carousel, connecting seamlessly.