Available to hire
Hi, I’m Chris Burgesse, a versatile designer with a strong background in visual communication, client collaboration, and creative problem-solving. I’ve gained hands-on experience in design, production, and team leadership through various roles across different sectors including gaming, retail, and digital media. I enjoy crafting impactful designs that not only meet but exceed client expectations.
I have worked extensively on graphic design projects, from product integrations to marketing campaigns, and have a passion for storytelling through illustration and animation. Whether collaborating with cross-functional teams or leading projects, I strive to bring fresh ideas and creative energy to every challenge.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
QA Analyst at Parallel Studios Ltd
August 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025QA Analyst for cross-platform Trading Card Game (PC, iOS, Android), responsible for functional, UX, and content QA across staging and live environments. Ensured feature quality and improved player experience. Executed test cases in TestRail and logged detailed bugs in Jira with repro steps and supporting assets. Performed regression, exploratory, and smoke testing across sprints and major releases. Collaborated cross-functionally with designers, engineers, and producers to identify and resolve gameplay and UX issues. Validated deckbuilder logic, match flow, UI, animations, audio, and SDK/store compliance for Apple and Google Play. Shared QA insights in agile ceremonies; identified edge cases and balance issues using TCG expertise.
Graphic Designer/Marketing Coordinator at LuLu Island Winery
September 1, 2023 - August 31, 2024Designed visually impactful assets that aligned with brand messaging across print and digital media. Maintained and enhanced company websites with fresh, engaging page designs. Led creative ad campaigns using graphic storytelling and strategic marketing insights. Managed projects from concept to delivery, collaborating with teams and vendors to meet deadlines and budgets. Researched industry trends to continuously bring fresh ideas and innovation to design solutions.
Product Integration Designer at PNI Digital Media / Staples US
September 1, 2015 - January 31, 2023Consistently delivered successful product integrations by leveraging strong project management skills, QA validation, cross-functional collaboration abilities, and graphic design expertise with high attention to detail. Produced and updated print and digital assets within established design frameworks. Managed projects end-to-end, from creation through client release, ensuring quality and timely delivery. Developed and integrated new product designs and data across the PNI platform ecosystem. Oversaw product setup, deployment, and quality assurance to maintain high standards. Coordinated with cross-functional teams to manage service backlogs and meet project deadlines.
Store Manager at EB Games / Gamestop
May 1, 2009 - September 30, 2015Position dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service, achieving sales targets, and driving revenue growth. Oversaw full-cycle recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management. Strengthened customer and team experience by fostering a solutions-focused environment. Led marketing initiatives and social media campaigns for store and community events. Streamlined operations through improved inventory systems, admin processes, and cost controls. Drove year-over-year growth; earned two “All-Star” awards and model store recognition.
Graphic Illustrator at Freelance
February 1, 1998 - April 27, 2024Provided graphic illustration services for a variety of projects including published cookbooks, video games, indie games, wedding suite products, murals, and animation shows. Acted as Art Director for indie games and contributed to background art, character and concept design for comics, and animation work for multiple studios. Assisted with illustration for sports teams and independent comic book projects.
QA Analyst at Parallel Studios Ltd
August 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025QA Analyst for cross-platform Trading Card Game (PC, iOS, Android), responsible for functional, UX, and content QA across staging and live environments. Executed test cases, logged detailed bugs, performed regression, exploratory, and smoke testing. Collaborated cross-functionally to resolve gameplay and UX issues, validated deckbuilder logic, UI, animations, audio, and SDK/store compliance for Apple and Google Play. Shared QA insights in agile ceremonies and identified edge cases and balance issues using TCG expertise.
Graphic Designer/Marketing Coordinator at LuLu Island Winery
September 1, 2023 - August 31, 2024Designed visually impactful print and digital assets aligned with brand messaging. Maintained and enhanced company websites. Led creative ad campaigns using graphic storytelling and strategic marketing insights. Managed projects from concept to delivery, collaborating with teams and vendors to meet deadlines and budgets. Researched industry trends for innovative design solutions.
Product Integration Designer at PNI Digital Media / Staples US
September 1, 2015 - January 31, 2023Delivered product integrations leveraging project management, QA validation, and graphic design expertise. Produced and updated print and digital assets within design frameworks. Managed projects end-to-end ensuring quality and timely delivery. Developed and integrated new product designs and data across the PNI platform. Oversaw product setup, deployment, and quality assurance. Coordinated cross-functional teams to manage backlogs and meet deadlines.
Store Manager at EB Games / Gamestop
May 1, 2009 - September 30, 2015Managed recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management. Fostered solutions-focused customer and team environment. Led marketing and social media initiatives for store/community events. Streamlined inventory and administrative processes. Achieved year-over-year growth earning two 'All-Star' awards and model store recognition.
Graphic Illustrator at Freelance
February 1, 1998 - April 26, 2024Provided graphic illustration and design services including work on published cookbooks, video games, wedding suite products, murals, and animation projects. Worked with game developers for console and mobile games, and contributed to animated shows. Created character designs, concept art, and independent comic book projects.
QA Analyst at Parallel Studios Ltd
August 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025QA Analyst for cross-platform Trading Card Game (PC, iOS, Android), responsible for functional, UX, and content QA across staging and live environments. Ensured feature quality and improved player experience. Executed test cases in TestRail and logged detailed bugs in Jira. Performed regression, exploratory, and smoke testing across sprints and major releases. Collaborated cross-functionally to identify and resolve issues. Validated deckbuilder logic, UI elements, animations, audio, and SDK/store compliance. Shared QA insights in agile ceremonies; identified edge cases and balance issues using TCG expertise.
Graphic Designer/Marketing Coordinator at LuLu Island Winery
September 1, 2023 - August 31, 2024Crafted design solutions that elevated brand messaging across print and digital media. Maintained and enhanced company websites with fresh page designs. Led creative ad campaigns using graphic storytelling and strategic marketing insights. Managed projects from concept to delivery, collaborating with teams and vendors. Researched industry trends to introduce fresh design ideas and innovation.
Product Integration Designer at PNI Digital Media / Staples US
September 1, 2015 - January 31, 2023Delivered successful product integrations leveraging project management, QA validation, and graphic design expertise. Produced and updated print and digital assets within design frameworks. Managed projects end-to-end from creation through client release. Developed and integrated new product designs across PNI platform ecosystem. Oversaw product setup, deployment, and quality assurance. Coordinated with cross-functional teams to manage backlogs and meet deadlines.
Store Manager at EB Games / Gamestop
May 1, 2009 - September 30, 2015Delivered exceptional customer service, achieved sales targets, and drove revenue growth. Managed recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance. Fostered a solutions-focused environment for customers and team members. Led marketing and social media campaigns for store and community events. Streamlined operations through inventory and admin improvements. Drove year-over-year growth; earned multiple awards and store recognition.
Graphic Illustrator (Freelance) at Freelance
February 1, 1998 - April 26, 2024Delivered exceptional design solutions communicating client brand messaging. Worked on projects including graphic illustration for a published cookbook, background art for Xbox One game, art direction for indie games, animation for mobile games, wedding suite design, mural prep, illustration for Ottawa Senators Hockey club, concept art for logos and brands, animated shows production, and comic book character and concept design.
QA Analyst at Parallel Studios Ltd
August 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025QA Analyst for cross-platform Trading Card Game (PC, iOS, Android), responsible for functional, UX, and content QA across staging and live environments. Executed test cases in TestRail and logged detailed bugs in Jira, performed regression, exploratory and smoke testing, collaborated cross-functionally, validated deckbuilder logic, match flow, UI, animations, audio, and SDK/store compliance for Apple and Google Play. Shared QA insights in agile ceremonies and identified edge cases and balance issues using trading card game expertise.
Graphic Designer/Marketing Coordinator at LuLu Island Winery
September 1, 2023 - August 31, 2024Designed visually impactful assets aligned with brand messaging across print and digital media. Maintained and enhanced company websites with fresh, engaging page designs. Led creative ad campaigns using graphic storytelling and strategic marketing insights. Managed projects from concept to delivery, collaborating with teams and vendors to meet deadlines and budgets. Researched industry trends to bring fresh ideas and innovation to design solutions.
Product Integration Designer at PNI Digital Media / Staples US
September 1, 2015 - January 31, 2023Produced and updated print and digital assets within established design frameworks. Managed projects end-to-end from creation through client release, ensuring quality and timely delivery. Developed and integrated new product designs and data across the PNI platform ecosystem. Oversaw product setup, deployment, and quality assurance to maintain high standards. Coordinated with cross-functional teams to manage service backlogs and meet project deadlines.
Store Manager at EB Games / Gamestop
May 1, 2009 - September 30, 2015Delivered exceptional customer service, achieved sales targets, and drove revenue growth. Oversaw full-cycle recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance management. Strengthened customer and team experience by fostering a solutions-focused environment. Led marketing initiatives and social media campaigns for store and community events. Streamlined operations through improved inventory systems, admin processes, and cost controls. Drove year-over-year growth, earning two “All-Star” awards and model store recognition.
Graphic Illustrator at Freelance
February 1, 1998 - April 27, 2024Delivered exceptional design solutions communicating client brand messaging. Illustrated for published cookbooks, video games, wedding suite products, and independent comic books. Worked as background artist, animator, art director, concept artist, and character designer for various projects in animation and games. Assisted with mural prep/application and illustration work for sports teams. Contributed to animated shows and indie game productions.
Education
Fine Arts Certificate at Canterbury High School, Ottawa ON
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 1998Television Animation Diploma at Algonquin College, Ottawa ON
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 1998Fine Arts Certificate at Canterbury High School
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 1998Television Animation Diploma at Algonquin College
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 1999Fine Arts Certificate at Canterbury High School, Ottawa ON
January 1, 1989 - December 31, 1993Television Animation Diploma at Algonquin College, Ottawa ON
January 1, 1994 - December 31, 1996Fine Arts Certificate at Canterbury High School, Ottawa ON
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 1998Television Animation Diploma at Algonquin College, Ottawa ON
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 1998Qualifications
Advanced Customer Relations
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000First Aid Level 1 & 2
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010Advanced Customer Relations
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000First Aid Level 1 & 2
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021Advanced Customer Relations
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000First Aid Level 1 & 2
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020Advanced Customer Relations
January 1, 2000 - December 31, 2000First Aid Level 1 & 2
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2010Industry Experience
Media & Entertainment, Gaming, Retail, Software & Internet, Financial Services, Consumer Goods
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
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