I Heart the Forest…
the trees, the air, the adventure. Whether I'm riding, exploring, or simply
breathing in the fresh air, I always feel alive in the forest – continually inspired.
What I Do
Good design – thoughtful and informed.
I'm a professional graphic designer with a background in communications and a foreground in sustainability. Seeing the big picture helps produce work that is honest, clear and effective.
I collaborate with clients to enhance their capacities and communicate complex ideas in simple ways. This ensures the quality of the outcome is something to be proud of.
I work with intention and deep commitment to engagement and results. I facilitate, advise, plan and design.
Why I Do It
Graphic design is a potent tool of communication. It should inspire and enhance quality of life, not just be used as a means for encouraging more consumption.
I want my work to matter. I want to love my job. So, I use my design talents to endorse social, environmental and educational initiatives.
Encouraged by the likes of the First Things First Manifesto and Do Good Design, I strive to be aware of how I work, for whom I work, and how my work affects others.
The Forest is committed to ethical business practices and being socially and environmentally responsible.
Clients Say the Darndest Things
Steven has a unique talent to take complex ideas
and find the simple threads that resonate with people.
— Esther Speck, Sustainability Director, Mountain Equipment Co-op
Everyone loves the design and it was a HUGE success in terms
of getting really high quality media coverage.
— Jeff Gailus, Author and Communications Consultant, Bristlecone Communications
Supe. Supah-doop. Supah-doopah-doopah-doop.
— Jocelyn Carver, Marketing and Outreach Manager, Kootenay Co-op
Facing the Future
I’m a graphic designer passionate about sustainability. The complex and pressing nature of the sustainability challenge requires meaningful engagement, collaboration and innovation. Many of the frameworks and technologies have already been developed and proven – it is the lack of widespread understanding and action that is stalling substantial progress.
My role as a professional communicator is to help connect and align ideas that engage audiences and integrate positive change. I collaborate with clients to increase the impact of their good work, with good design.
Giving back is important too. I volunteer, coordinate and donate to environmental and social organizations and causes. I am a 1% for the Planet Member, donating at least 1% of my annual revenues to environmental organizations. I have signed onto The Designers Accord, a global community that shares methodologies, resources, and experiences around environmental and social issues in design.
I have also created the Forest Grant to provide design solutions for under-resourced agents of social change.
Keenly aware that everything I design has environmental impact, I strive to meet all client needs while keeping negative impacts to a minimum. Resources I draw from include: Re-nourish, The Living Principles and The Natural Step.
My Professional Journey
With over ten years of graphic design experience, I am well-versed in all aspects of design and professionally designated by the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (that’s why there is a CGD behind my name).
Prior to opening The Forest, I worked within a variety of in-house communications and marketing teams and with countless clients as a freelance and volunteer designer. Although recognized with design awards, I value the authentic relationships and collaborations with clients much more.
I hold an M.Sc from Blekinge Institute of Technology (Sweden) in Strategic Leadership towards Sustainability. The program integrates a framework for strategic sustainable development with organizational learning and leadership. My thesis lead to my co-authoring a guidebook, The Weave, for sustainability practitioners wanting to create transformational change that lasts.
My Bachelor of Communication Studies explored the ways in which communication constructs and reflects society and culture while my diploma in Digital Arts and Media blended extensive training in design, photography and audio/video production. I am also trained in the Art of Hosting conversations that matter, public speaking and small business development.
I am often found in leadership roles; project managing, facilitating and mentoring. I have experience educating on design, marketing, facilitation and sustainability.