Résumé

DARREN WILSON, BFA

Creative Thinker, Designer, Maker of Things

Objective

Leverage over a decade of experience in strategic creative, design and technology leadership to join a world-class creative team doing meaningful work.

Skills

  • The ability to lead a creative team in developing innovative solutions to business challenges
  • Strong client management skills, both internal and external
  • Excellent oral, written, visual communication and presentation skills
  • Media agnostic creative development, from concept through design and production
  • Production and management experience in print, video, interactive, and 3D
  • High level of proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, (Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
  • Highly capable in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • 3D CAD design and rendering skills (Rhino 3D, Blender)
  • Experienced in 2D and 3D production, using CNC, laser cutting/engraving, 3D printing, hand fabricating techniques, and traditional print production

Professional Experience

February 2004 to present:
Principal, darren wilson: strategic // creative // communications
  • Leading direct client-serving engagements, as well as consulting on projects for agencies and studios
  • Developing industry-leading solutions to business challenges through design, branding, communications, information architecture, user experience, and product design
  • Clients include Ibanez Guitars, Abasi Guitars, Falbo Designs, Tourism BC, London Health Sciences Centre, America Online, McCain Foods, GlaxoSmithKline, and HydroOne, either in direct relationships or as a contractor through their agencies, including Sonar Group, OVE Design, Cossette Communications, and T4G
September 2013 to present:
Instructor (Part-time/Contract), Sheridan College
  • Teaching first-year IxD students the core principles of Design, Visual Language, and Typography
  • Developing student engagement through compelling curriculum, and facilitating discussions about contemporary issues in design and their impact on society
March 2005 to June 2010:
Vice President and Creative Director, Sonar Mediathink
  • Developed and maintained strong client relationships through strategic thinking, collaborative work, and engaging creative solutions
  • Led a cross-disciplinary creative team in the development of provocative, breakthrough creative solutions across multiple media, including radio, TV, print, interactive, video, and live events
  • Managed the growth and development of creative staff; facilitated collaboration within the creative team, as well as with the strategic and account teams, clients, and suppliers
  • Made valuable contributions for clients including Mackenzie Investments, Investors Group, The CUMIS Group, Lindt & Sprüngli, Procter & Gamble, and Visa Canada
May 2001 to February 2004:
Senior Consultant, Capgemini
  • Delivered leading-edge user experience design, prototyping, and implementation on web- and intranet-based projects for clients such as Bell Canada, Ontario Power Generation, Standard & Poor’s, and America Online
  • Conducted scenario-based planning exercises to develop strategic vision for the Digital Asset Management consulting group
  • Engaged in brand naming and identity design projects for internal/joint-venture clients
1998 to 2008:
Course Director/Instructor, York University
  • Worked for a decade as a part-time faculty member in the Department of Design at York University (Faculty of Fine Arts BFA), and the York-Sheridan Design program (YSDN B.Des)
  • Taught introductory-level 2D and 3D Design, as well as various levels of Typography, Corporate Identity Design, and senior Design Workshop courses
  • Led senior students through theoretical exercises and projects based on real-world business challenges, executing in print, interactive, and time-based media
  • Promoted development of leadership, professionalism, and communication skills
1995 to 2001:
Senior Designer, Reactor Art + Design Limited
  • Led design and art direction roles for clients in many sectors and executing across many media
  • Developed numerous branding and visual identity programs, including GroceryGateway.com, Delta Hotels, Canada Toll Free, among others
  • Art directed and designed corporate communications pieces, including annual reports, sales and marketing collateral materials
  • Delivered design assets for advertising, editorial, packaging & promotions across print, broadcast and Web

Volunteer Experience

2012 to 2016:
Ramp Crew, Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, Hamilton, ON
  • Ensured the safety of flight crews, passengers and spectators, on and around the live ramp at “Canada’s Flying Museum”
  • Assisted in loading and unloading passengers from 16 to 89 years of age, and delivered passenger safety briefings
  • Towed aircraft into and out of the hangar and about the ramp as needed, according to the day’s flight schedule
  • Cleaned, fueled, and oiled the aircraft, as well as offering any assistance with aircraft maintenance as requested by the Engineering Department
  • Acted as a Museum ambassadors to the general public, ensuring all visits to the museum were
    positive and memorable

Professional Recognition

  • Advertising and Design Club of Canada
  • Work selected to appear in RGD Ontario’s Design at Work juried exhibition
  • Speaking engagements for Comdex Canada and Multimedia Tradeshows
  • Invited to jury for the Applied Arts awards, Verso magazine and Design at Work

Published Work

  • Wired, Applied Arts, New Jersey Monthly, Saturday Night Magazine

Education

1990-1994
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Specialized Honours), York University
  • Studied design, typography, communication theory, among other areas
  • Graduated First Class Honours with Distinction