Available to hire
I am Grant Cole, a multi-talented visual artist, conceptual artist, and design professional born in Oshawa and educated in the University of Toronto’s Architecture program. I blend visual art with design and community collaboration, contributing to regional exhibitions, festivals, and academic initiatives across Durham Region. I bring a friendly, collaborative approach to my work and am passionate about enriching Oshawa’s culture through creative projects and community partnerships.
Currently I serve as Branding Design Specialist at Top 5 Design, where I lead branding and communications for city-wide projects and cultural initiatives. I remain committed to supporting fellow artists, expanding Oshawa’s reach through thoughtful design, and strengthening the city’s cultural landscape through public-facing programs and collaborations.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Branding Design Specialist at Top 5 Design
January 1, 2015 - PresentBranding and design leadership for client projects, including the 2019 Renascent Canada calendar of events, Oshawa Garden Services' 60th anniversary branding, and the 'My Oshawa Includes…' t-shirts; responsible for concept development, presentations, and collaborative execution across media.
Event Designer/Architectural Coordinator at Toronto Fashion Week (FDCC)
December 31, 2013 - September 29, 2025Conceptualized, laid out, and marketed the event’s overall design and brand; produced presentation drawings, 3D digital models, CAD production drawings, signage, and print packages; coordinated proposals with sponsors and collaborators for multiple shows.
Director at Oshawa Space Invaders Inc.
December 31, 2015 - September 29, 2025Directed Durham Region’s largest cultural festival and economic development initiative; managed public relations, press releases, print and web media, copywriting, and event logistics; produced an 84-page festival catalogue and led communications and social media efforts; coordinated volunteers, artists, charities, photographers, vendors, and staff.
Designer at Muzik Entertainment Complex
June 1, 2013 - PresentDesigned décor, produced 3D renderings, CAD drawings, and managed budgeting for a high-profile entertainment project.
Sales and Project Management at Big Block Website Studios
December 31, 2009 - September 29, 2025Developed, presented, and sold website strategies for private sector; collaborated with developers to deliver digital projects.
President and Owner at Top Five Off-road Accessories and Merchandise
December 31, 2007 - September 29, 2025Founded and led operations for a global accessories line, overseeing manufacturing, marketing, logistics, co-branding, fundraising, and event production.
Life Drawing Instructor at Toronto School of Business
December 31, 2006 - September 29, 2025Instructed life drawing courses for two years, teaching foundational drawing skills and figure study.
Brand Designer at BMA Art Studio and Gallery
January 1, 2022 - September 29, 2025Branding and exhibition design support for the gallery, contributing to ongoing programming and large-scale installations.
Branding Design Specialist at Top 5 Design
January 1, 2015 - PresentBranding design specialist responsible for brand strategy, design execution, and client communications for projects including branding for events and campaigns such as the 2019 Renascent Canada calendar of events and the My Oshawa Includes t-shirt initiative.
Event Designer/Architectural Coordinator at Toronto Fashion Week (FDCC)
January 1, 2013 - September 29, 2025Conceptualized, laid out, and marketed event branding; produced presentation drawings, 3D models, CAD production drawings, and print signage; managed sponsors, supporters and collaborators across 12 shows.
Director at Oshawa Space Invaders Inc./Convergence Festival
January 1, 2015 - September 29, 2025Director of Durham Region's largest cultural festival and economic development initiative; managed public relations, press releases, print and web media, copywriting, and event logistics; produced and designed an 84-page festival catalogue (2014) and led a team of bloggers, artist liaisons, volunteers and partners.
Designer at Muzik Entertainment Complex
June 30, 2013 - September 29, 2025Design (June 2013): budgeted décor, 3D renderings, and CAD drawings for a world-class venue project; budget around $130,000.
Sales and Project Management at Big Block Website Studios
January 1, 2009 - September 29, 2025Collaborated with developers to develop, present, and sell website strategies for the private sector; contributed to project planning and client relations.
President and Owner at Top Five Off-road Accessories and Merchandise
December 31, 2007 - September 29, 2025Founded and ran a manufacturing and merchandise business for Jeep Wrangler accessories; managed marketing logistics, travel trade shows, co-branding, fundraising, and launched a clothing line; built a global market with two patents.
Life Drawing Instructor at Toronto School of Business
December 31, 2006 - September 29, 2025Life Drawing instructor for two years, contributing to courses and student development.
Branding Design Specialist at Top 5 Design
January 1, 2015 - PresentBranding and design leadership for projects including the 2019 Renascent Canada calendar branding, Oshawa Garden Services 60th anniversary rebrand, and the 'My Oshawa Includes…' t-shirt campaign; collaborated with community and stakeholders on brand strategy and execution.
Director at Space Invaders Inc.
December 31, 2015 - September 29, 2025Directed Durham Region’s largest cultural festival, overseeing public relations, press releases, print and web media, copywriting, event logistics, and communications planning; developed the 84-page festival catalogue and a comprehensive communications plan and social media strategy.
Designer at Muzik Entertainment Complex
June 1, 2013 - PresentDesigned and produced décor, 3D renderings, and CAD drawings; managed budget and production considerations for project scale (~$130,000).
Sales and Project Management at Big Block Website Studios
December 31, 2009 - September 29, 2025Developed, presented and sold website strategies for the private sector; collaborated with developers on project delivery.
President and Owner at Top Five
December 31, 2007 - September 29, 2025Led a 2,400 sq ft operation manufacturing Jeep Wrangler accessories; managed marketing, logistics, fundraising, co-branding, and event execution for a global market.
Life Drawing Instructor at Toronto School of Business
December 31, 2006 - September 29, 2025Instructed life drawing courses for two years.
Branding Design Specialist at Top 5 Design
January 1, 2015 - PresentBranding and design development for clients; led projects including branding for the 2019 Renascent Canada calendar of events, Rebranding Oshawa Garden Services 60th anniversary, and the My Oshawa Includes… t-shirts; collaborates with the community to articulate and execute brand identities.
Director at Space Invaders Inc.
January 1, 2015 - September 29, 2025Director of Durham Region’s largest cultural festival and economic development initiative; managed public relations, press releases, print and web media, copywriting, and event logistics; designed the festival catalogue (84 pages) and developed an extensive communications plan and social media strategy.
Event Designer/Architectural Coordinator at Toronto Fashion Week (FDCC)
January 1, 2013 - September 29, 2025Conceptualized, laid out, and marketed the event’s overall design and brand; communicated proposals to sponsors, supporters and collaborators through drawings and visual presentations; produced CAD production drawings, 3D models, and presentation materials.
Designer at Muzik Entertainment Complex
June 1, 2013 - September 29, 2025Designed and produced décor, 3D renderings, CAD drawings, and budgeting for a high-profile project.
Sales and Project Management at Big Block Website Studios
January 1, 2009 - September 29, 2025Developed, presented, and sold website strategies for the private sector; collaborated with developers; managed project timelines and client relations.
President & Owner at Top5 (Top Five Off-road Accessories and Merchandise)
January 1, 2007 - September 29, 2025Founded and operated a brand and product line; managed manufacturing, marketing logistics, and global sales; organized large-scale events, fundraising, co-branding, and charity initiatives.
Life Drawing Instructor at Toronto School of Business
January 1, 2006 - September 29, 2025Taught life drawing for two years, guiding students through figure study and foundational techniques.
Branding Design Specialist at Top5design
January 1, 2015 - PresentBranding and design lead responsible for strategic branding, marketing communications, and client collaborations. Managed projects including the 2019 Renascent Canada calendar of events, Oshawa Garden Services 60th anniversary branding, and the My Oshawa Includes t-shirts. Oversaw print, digital content, and visual storytelling for community-facing initiatives; current role since 2015.
Event Designer/Architectural Coordinator at Toronto Fashion Week / FDCC
December 31, 2013 - September 29, 2025Conceptualized and executed overall event design and branding; produced presentation drawings, 3D digital models, CAD production drawings, and print/signage. Coordinated sponsors, supporters, and collaborators to deliver 12 shows as the FDCC-designated Event Designer and Coordinator.
Director at Space Invaders Inc. / Convergence Festival
December 31, 2015 - September 29, 2025Directed Durham Region’s largest cultural festival and economic development initiative. Managed public relations, press releases, print and web media, copywriting, and event logistics. Produced an 84-page festival catalogue, developed a comprehensive Communications Plan and social media strategy, and built/managed the festival website.
Designer at Muzik Entertainment Complex
June 1, 2013 - September 29, 2025Design (June 2013) focusing on décor, 3D renderings, CAD drawings, and budgeting for a high-profile project with a $130,000 budget.
Sales and Project Manager at Big Block Website Studios
December 31, 2009 - September 29, 2025Developed and presented website strategies for the private sector; collaborated with developers to deliver client projects and drive sales.
President and Owner at Top Five Off-road Accessories and Merchandise
December 31, 2007 - September 29, 2025Founded and led a global accessories brand; managed manufacturing, logistics, marketing, fundraising, co-branding, and large-scale event production from 1999–2007.
Life Drawing Instructor at Toronto School of Business
December 31, 2006 - September 29, 2025Instructed life drawing courses and contributed to curriculum development over two years.
Branding Design Specialist at Top 5 Design
January 1, 2015 - PresentBranding and identity design for community-focused projects, including the 2019 Renascent Canada calendar branding, Oshawa Garden Services 60th anniversary rebranding, and the 'My Oshawa Includes…' t-shirts.
Director at Oshawa Space Invaders Inc./Convergence Festival
January 1, 2015 - September 29, 2025Director of Durham Region’s largest cultural festival and economic development initiative; managed public relations, press releases, print and web media; copywriting and event logistics; designed the 84-page festival catalogue and developed a communications plan and social media strategy.
Event Designer/Architectural Coordinator at Toronto Fashion Week (FDCC)
January 1, 2013 - September 29, 2025Conceptualized, laid out, and marketed the event’s overall design and brand; produced print and signage, conceptual hand sketches, 3D digital models, photo-manipulation concepts, and CAD production drawings; led presentations to sponsors and collaborators.
Designer at Muzik Entertainment Complex
June 1, 2013 - September 29, 2025Designed and produced décor, 3D renderings, CAD drawings, and budget-driven concepts for a project with a budget around $130,000.
Sales and Project Management at Big Block Website Studios
January 1, 2009 - September 29, 2025Developed, presented, and sold website strategies for private sector clients; collaborated with developers to deliver project outcomes.
President and Owner at Top Five Off-road Accessories and Merchandise
January 1, 2007 - September 29, 2025Founded and led a 2,400 sq ft operation with two North American patents; managed marketing, logistics, manufacturing, and fundraising for a global market.
Life Drawing Instructor at Toronto School of Business
January 1, 2006 - September 29, 2025Provided life drawing instruction and guidance for two years.
Education
Architecture Program at University of Toronto
January 11, 2030 - September 29, 2025Architecture Program at University of Toronto
January 11, 2030 - September 29, 2025Architecture Program at University of Toronto
January 11, 2030 - September 29, 2025Bachelor of Architecture at University of Toronto
January 11, 2030 - September 29, 2025Architecture Program at University of Toronto
January 11, 2030 - September 29, 2025Bachelor of Architecture at University of Toronto
January 11, 2030 - September 29, 2025Qualifications
Outstanding Volunteerism – Province of Ontario
January 11, 2030 - September 29, 2025Oshawa Professional Artist Award
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019Ontario Outstanding Volunteerism Award
January 1, 2019 - September 29, 2025Oshawa Professional Artist Award
January 1, 2019 - September 29, 2025Ontario Outstanding Volunteerism
January 11, 2030 - September 29, 2025Oshawa Professional Artist Award
January 1, 2019 - September 29, 2025Outstanding Volunteerism (Province of Ontario)
January 11, 2030 - September 29, 2025Industry Experience
Education, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Government, Other, Software & Internet
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Hire a Designer
We have the best designer experts on Twine. Hire a designer in Oshawa today.