I am a results-driven digital media professional with 7+ years of experience in design, social media strategy, and creative asset development. I specialize in producing multimedia content and collaborating with teams to craft engaging digital assets for high-profile organizations. I have delivered campaigns and exhibitions for McDonald’s Canada, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the City of Toronto, driving audience growth and stronger brand identity in fast-paced environments. I excel at translating ideas into compelling visuals, training staff, and partnering with cultural institutions to extend reach.

Richard Ashman

I am a results-driven digital media professional with 7+ years of experience in design, social media strategy, and creative asset development. I specialize in producing multimedia content and collaborating with teams to craft engaging digital assets for high-profile organizations. I have delivered campaigns and exhibitions for McDonald’s Canada, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the City of Toronto, driving audience growth and stronger brand identity in fast-paced environments. I excel at translating ideas into compelling visuals, training staff, and partnering with cultural institutions to extend reach.

Available to hire

I am a results-driven digital media professional with 7+ years of experience in design, social media strategy, and creative asset development. I specialize in producing multimedia content and collaborating with teams to craft engaging digital assets for high-profile organizations.

I have delivered campaigns and exhibitions for McDonald’s Canada, the Toronto International Film Festival, and the City of Toronto, driving audience growth and stronger brand identity in fast-paced environments. I excel at translating ideas into compelling visuals, training staff, and partnering with cultural institutions to extend reach.

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Experience Level

Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate

Work Experience

Social Media Specialist at University of Toronto, John H. Daniels Faculty
August 1, 2023 - Present
Led social media strategy for Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn channels, driving 7100+ follower increase across platforms and accounts with a substantial rise in engagement/viewership. Produced and promoted coursework, exhibitions, and events through in-camera/smartphone photography and short-form video content in collaboration with faculty and students. Managed website content updates using Drupal, in adherence with industry-leading web standards, encompassing photo resolution optimization, accessible colour contrasting, and clear navigation. Measured campaign effectiveness with Sprout Social analytics and Google Analytics, using insights to refine content strategy, strengthen engagement rates, and increase impact of digital content. Trained staff in social media usage and photography competencies, building faculty-wide capacity for digital communications and ensuring consistent brand identity. Collaborated with cultural institutions and partners (Art Museum, Canadian Cen
Creative Lead at POV Film
January 1, 2021 - April 1, 2023
Designed creative and culturally-informed social media campaigns to market learning programs designed to provide free professional development to Indigenous and Black communities. Developed social media strategy for marketing organizational events and initiatives by planning the types of assets required, implementation timeline, as well as delivery to the target audiences. Coordinated media teams, and oversaw the end-to-end production process to ensure consistent creative direction across photo, video, graphic design and outreach deliverables. Implemented accessibility standards in digital documents, utilizing HTML and CSS to create inclusive user-friendly content, ensuring compliance with accessibility guidelines and equal access for individuals with disabilities. Utilized analytics tools to track a 63% increase in social media engagement and 35% increase in Instagram following, as a result of social media advertisements and email marketing campaigns. Developed project plans using Air
Freelance Lead Photographer – McDonalds Canada Client at Cossette Communications Inc
June 1, 2021 - August 1, 2022
Produced 10 high-quality e-commerce photos and 10 compelling editorial photos for the 'Sweet Summer' merchandise campaign, in compliance with client's creative brief, style guide and objectives. Analyzed photograph requirements from client to determine appropriate lighting, colour, tone, and overall aesthetic prior to editing photos in Adobe Lightroom. Utilized Adobe Photoshop to retouch images, and modify colour properties, to ensure high quality final products that meet the clients stylistic needs.
Freelance Lead Photographer at Sony Music Canada
February 1, 2021 - August 1, 2021
Led the creation of electronic press kit photography for artists (SATE, K. Forest, Gmilla and Just John), creatively capturing their image and brand to generate an increase in media engagement and brand recognition. Lead meeting with artists and their management to assess their creative goals and values prior to production while demonstrating professionalism and prioritizing exceptional customer service. Executed ideas from concept to delivery including storyboarding, developing shot list, and facilitating production.
Freelance Photographer/Videographer at City of Toronto
February 1, 2018 - Present
Led videography and photography of the City Hall Black Heritage event, showcasing diverse individuals of colour in commemoration of Black History Month. Produced and edited 30+ media assets including photos, videos, and audio, to promote positive engagement on the City of Toronto’s social media platforms.

Education

B.A. Honours Communications and Digital Media at Ontario Tech University
January 11, 2030 - April 24, 2026
Fundamentals of Digital Marketing at Google
January 11, 2030 - April 24, 2026

Qualifications

Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
January 11, 2030 - April 24, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Government, Non-Profit Organization, Retail, Professional Services