Freelance & Personal Projects

As a part-time freelance professional for many years, I’ve designed logos, cosmetic packaging, websites, e-mail blasts, signage, brochures and more for clients big and small in education, culture, beauty, and natural health. I love to take on new clients. If you are looking for a designer who will be as passionate about your success as you are, please contact me for a free consultation.

In-house

I've designed for several media brands in both consumer and trade markets for a full-service, multi-platform media company. As a master of multi-tasking and a rock star of organization, I have never missed a deadline. I’ve fulfilled a broad spectrum of design needs including:

Pools, Spas & Patios Magazine

Pools, Spas & Patios is an annual consumer magazine for Canadian homeowners sold at Home Depot, Chapters/Indigo, Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, and many other retailers. I designed issues from concept to completion to embrace both comfort and extravagance in backyard leisure living through inspirational outdoor trends. I also worked within a strategic team to develop mock-ups for a re-imagined, responsive website to improve brand perception, increase readership, and gain additional online traffic and revenue.

Sign Media Magazine

Sign Media is a trade magazine read by designers, builders, printers, and installers within the Canadian signage market. Along with designing well over a dozen issues from front to back, I introduced the value and impact of creativity with five years of unique directory cover designs. I also played an integral design role in Sign Media's responsive online re-design in 2014.

Jewellery Business Magazine

Jewellery Business is an award winning trade publication with a respected following of Jewellery professionals across Canada. I have independently designed several successful issues helping to build the brand essence through colour, typography, imagery, and editorial layout.

Canadian Business Franchise Magazine

Canadian Business Franchise is a consumer magazine published every other month for business-minded and entrepreneurial professionals who are considering a franchise. I’ve designed umpteen issues including the popular annual companions the Canadian Business Franchise Handbook and the Canadian Business Franchise Directory. As part of a print re-design initiative in early 2012, I implemented a different grid system and new styles within the magazine for department heads, folios and pull quotes. I introduced the use of custom illustrations for articles with repetitive content to make the magazine more competitive and engaging and address an overuse of stock photography.

Other Publications

I have also designed numerous issues of Le Magazine Construction, Construction Canada, The Construction Specifier, and Pool & Spa Marketing magazines (pictured above). In addition, I created new logos for Le Magazine Construction, Pool & Spa Marketing, and Piscine & Spa media brands.

“Her dedication and passion is limitless.”

— Sandra Couper

Long-term client, founder of Your Good Health Stores

“While here, Charlene has proven herself to be reliable, enthusiastic and highly organized as well as a friendly, personable member of our design team.”

— Sherill Chapman

Design Manager, Oxford University Press Canada

Say Hi!

I always have time to chat with a fellow creative mind or offer a complimentary freelance consultation. Whether you are looking for your next amazing team member or a passionate freelancer I can't wait to hear from you!

Char Gonzalez

(Formerly Voisin)

P: 647-444-5204