Winona So
hello
I’m a Toronto-based graphic designer who specializes in layout in order to create the best possible experiences for my clients.
I always aim to give the audience the information and context they need through the design itself without compromising on look and feel.
My experience lies in bringing your project to life whether it’s creating designs ready to go straight to a printer, or creating social media campaigns.
education
Master of Digital Media
,Ryerson University
September 2016 - August 2017
- Master Thesis: Avatars in the Theme Park Industry: Creating a Better Queue
- Graduate/Teaching Assistant for Creativy and Collaboration (CRI 810), and Digital Skills and Innovation for the Global Economy (EID 100)
- Teaching Assistant/Graduate Assistant Program - Learning and Teaching Office
- Overall GPA: 4.24
- Ryerson Graduate Fellowship Scholarship
Bachelor of Arts
,University of Waterloo
September 2010 - December 2014
- Major in Honours English - Rhetoric & Professional Writing, specializing in Digital Arts Communication
- Arts & Business Co-op Program
- University of Waterloo Merit Scholarship
- 2014-2015 - Rhetoric and Digital Design Award
hobbies
Etsy Store - Win's Emporium
- I am the creator and designer of Wins Emporium that sells hand-made cross stitch patterns, designs, and buttons.
Unit Guider
,Girl Guides of Canada
1999 - 2010
, 2017 - Present
- Organized events, campfires, sing-alongs, and games at camps
- Responsible for purchase of food and camping supplies
- Received Chief Commissioner's Award
- Girl member at 8th Vancouver, adult guider at 68th Toronto
Board gamer
- Primarily plays Eurogames and solo games.
- Proofreader for LionWing’s Gun and Gun, LionWing’s Kradia Wild Hunt Festival, and Funtail’s Glen More II: Chronicles.
- @retainerbox on BoardGameGeek.
work experience
Freelance Graphic Designer
- Create compelling social media graphics, marketing assets, brochures, and materials for clients in beauty, applications, ebook, and b2b areas
- Work under tight timelines, and ensure quick turnaround for client needs
- Collaborate closely with clients to ensure that projects are up to specifications
Lead Graphic Designer
,LionWing Publishing
August 2020 - Present
- Graphic Designer for: Shin Megami Tensei The Roleplaying Game, Kedamono Opera, Eldritch Escape, Fledge Witch, Convictor Drive, Maid Knight Saga, Gun and Gun, and Picaresque Roman
- Design and prepare board game files for print including all components - cards, player boards, package design, and tokens
- Create marketing campaign to advertise Kickstarter launch and ongoing ordering opportunities, manage Social Media feeds
- Implement Kickstarter campaign page including all graphics and updates, as well as interact and work with the board game community in answering questions
Senior Graphic Designer
,Tulip
November 2018 - January 2021
- Responsible for executing creative concepts, design, production of brand assets for both print and web for marketing campaigns
- Design and create RFPs in order to win contracts from external companies
- Work with external agencies in organizing and design of booth, signage, collateral, and advertising for events and trade shows
Program Support Assistant
,University of Toronto
September 2018 - August 2019
- Manage and assist the Technology Leadership Initiative program by running industry events, workshops, and site visits
- Provide general administration support to professors and executives leading the program
Graphic Designer
,Lord Cultural Resources
October 2017 - June 2018
- Create PowerPoint and Word templates for presentations, reports, and bids in order to win contracts from potential clients
- Design and create assets for global clients based in the heritage and cultural industry using Adobe Creative Suite including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
- Implement and code web pages for the company website ensuring visual consistency and appeal