I’m a Montreal-based graphic designer with 25+ years of freelance experience, creating brand identities, logos, packaging, print materials, and editorial layouts. I’m known for turning clear goals into strong visual systems—always balancing creative direction with practical communication needs—while keeping files accurate and production-ready. Right now, I’m designing large-scale editorial work for a luxury hotel magazine, building consistent layouts across typography, imagery, and grid structure for 100 double-page spreads under tight deadlines. I also enjoy ongoing independent projects such as posters, signage, flyers, and promotional collateral, collaborating directly with clients and teams from concept to final delivery.

JOE TAVARES

I’m a Montreal-based graphic designer with 25+ years of freelance experience, creating brand identities, logos, packaging, print materials, and editorial layouts. I’m known for turning clear goals into strong visual systems—always balancing creative direction with practical communication needs—while keeping files accurate and production-ready. Right now, I’m designing large-scale editorial work for a luxury hotel magazine, building consistent layouts across typography, imagery, and grid structure for 100 double-page spreads under tight deadlines. I also enjoy ongoing independent projects such as posters, signage, flyers, and promotional collateral, collaborating directly with clients and teams from concept to final delivery.

Available to hire

I’m a Montreal-based graphic designer with 25+ years of freelance experience, creating brand identities, logos, packaging, print materials, and editorial layouts. I’m known for turning clear goals into strong visual systems—always balancing creative direction with practical communication needs—while keeping files accurate and production-ready.

Right now, I’m designing large-scale editorial work for a luxury hotel magazine, building consistent layouts across typography, imagery, and grid structure for 100 double-page spreads under tight deadlines. I also enjoy ongoing independent projects such as posters, signage, flyers, and promotional collateral, collaborating directly with clients and teams from concept to final delivery.

See more

Language

English
Fluent
French
Intermediate
Portuguese
Advanced

Work Experience

Graphic Designer (Contract) at Marketing media international group inc.
April 1, 2025 - November 25, 2025
Designed 100 double-page spreads for a luxury hotel magazine, maintaining consistency across layout and typography. Created the cover design and developed a clean, modern wordmark logo for the brand identity. Collaborated with editors and marketing team to deliver print-ready assets on a tight deadline.
Patient Partner — Social Determinants of Health Committee at McGill University Health Centre
January 1, 2025 - Present
Serves part-time as a patient partner, contributing patient perspectives and lived experience to committee discussions and initiatives related to social determinants of health.
Administrative Support Staff at MUHC Recovery Transition Program – Allan Memorial Institute
December 31, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Managed and organized program materials, ensuring all resources (pamphlets, forms, books, and magazines) were easily accessible and up-to-date. Supported the team by maintaining efficient office operations, responding to inquiries, and coordinating with various departments. Organized and updated program materials, ensuring accuracy and consistency in all documentation. Assisted with the design and implementation of promotional displays and informational posters within the hospital. Collaborated with team members to streamline office processes and improve program resource accessibility.
Patient Partner (Social Determinants of Health Committee) at McGill University Health Centre (MUHC)
January 1, 2022 - Present
Serve part-time as a patient partner contributing lived-experience perspectives to committee discussions and initiatives related to social determinants of health.
Administrative Support Staff at MUHC Recovery Transition Program — Allan Memorial Institute
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2024
Managed and organized program materials including pamphlets, forms, books, and magazines, keeping resources accessible and up to date. Designed promotional displays and informational posters to support program communication. Coordinated with team members and departments to maintain efficient office operations and respond to program needs. Maintained accuracy and consistency across documentation while managing multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced environment. Collaborated with colleagues to streamline processes and improve access to program resources.
Patient Partner (Social Determinants of Health Committee) at McGill University Health Centre
January 1, 2022 - Present
Served part-time as a patient partner, contributing lived-experience perspectives to committee discussions and initiatives related to social determinants of health.
Administrative Support Staff at MUHC Recovery Transition Program – Allan Memorial Institute
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2024
Managed and organized program materials to keep resources (pamphlets, forms, books, and magazines) accessible and up to date. Supported the team by maintaining efficient office operations, responding to inquiries, and coordinating with various departments. Organized and updated program documentation for accuracy and consistency. Assisted with the design and implementation of promotional displays and informational posters within the hospital. Collaborated to streamline office processes and improve access to program resources.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Independent Practice
July 1, 1998 - Present
Developed brand identities, logos, packaging concepts, editorial layouts, promotional materials, posters, signage, and business collateral from concept through final delivery. Led projects from initial brief and concept development through design refinement, client feedback, production, and final deliverables. Translated client goals into clear visual concepts, balancing creative direction with practical communication needs. Maintained direct client communication throughout projects to clarify objectives, present design solutions, and incorporate feedback. Delivered polished design work under tight deadlines while keeping consistency, accuracy, and attention to detail.
Freelance Graphic Designer
July 1, 1998 - Present
Delivered high-quality design solutions under tight deadlines, focused on attention to detail and client specifications. Managed client projects from start to finish, ensuring deliverables met quality standards and were on schedule. Maintained consistent communication with clients to clarify goals and address concerns. Developed custom designs based on client needs for accurate, clear visual communication.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Self-Employed
July 1, 1998 - November 25, 2025
Delivered high-quality design solutions under tight deadlines, focusing on attention to detail and client specifications. Managed client projects from start to finish, ensuring all deliverables met quality standards and were on schedule. Maintained consistent communication with clients, clarifying project goals and addressing any concerns to ensure satisfaction and alignment. Developed custom designs based on client needs, focusing on clear visual communication and accuracy.

Education

D.E.C Graphic Design at Dawson College
January 1, 1994 - January 1, 1997
Bachelor of Arts (History) at Concordia University
January 1, 1987 - January 1, 1991
D.E.C Social Science at Dawson College
January 1, 1984 - January 1, 1987
D.E.C. Graphic Design at Dawson College
January 1, 1997 - August 10, 2026
D.E.C. Social Science at Dawson College
January 1, 1987 - August 10, 2026
Bachelor of Arts History at Concordia University
January 1, 1991 - August 10, 2026
D.E.C Graphic Design at Dawson College
January 1, 1997 - August 10, 2026
D.E.C Social Science at Dawson College
January 1, 1987 - August 10, 2026
Bachelor of Arts History at Concordia University
January 1, 1991 - August 10, 2026
D.E.C. Graphic Design at Dawson College
January 11, 2030 - September 3, 2026
D.E.C. Social Science at Dawson College
January 11, 2030 - September 3, 2026
Bachelor of Arts — History at Concordia University
January 11, 2030 - September 3, 2026
D.E.C. Graphic Design at Dawson College
January 1, 0001 - January 1, 0001
D.E.C. Social Science at Dawson College
January 1, 0001 - January 1, 0001
Bachelor of Arts — History at Concordia University
January 1, 0001 - January 1, 0001
D.E.C. Graphic Design at Dawson College
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1991
D.E.C. Social Science at Dawson College
January 1, 1991 - January 1, 1992
Bachelor of Arts — History at Concordia University
January 1, 1992 - January 1, 1995

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Other, Healthcare, Software & Internet, Retail, Non-Profit Organization, Travel & Hospitality