Leanna Palmer

leanna.palmer@gmail.com
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work EXPERIENCE

  • Professor

    Humber College (Polytechnic)

    2016 — present | Toronto ON
    • Teach design courses at both the advanced diploma & undergraduate levels in the Faculty of Media & Creative Arts.‍
    • Curriculum includes design fundamentals, theory, typography, UX & UI, HTML/web design, Adobe Creative Suite & Figma.
    • Contribute to academic development through program reviews, curriculum planning, & departmental initiatives.
    • Design & implement new curriculum (across in-person, online, & blended learning environments) aligned with institutional learning outcomes, program goals, & current industry practices.

  • Creative Director

    Indigo Books & Music (Head Office)

    2017 — 2019 | Toronto ON
    • Led digital creative & design strategy across seasonal campaigns & daily content, spanning web, email, mobile app, social media, digital advertising, UI/UX.
    • Partnered with cross-functional teams in marketing, merchandising, & technology to ensure creative work aligned with business goals, product launches, & brand strategy.
    • Managed a 12-person multidisciplinary creative team, fostering collaboration & innovation, in a fast-paced environment.
    • Played a key role in shaping Indigo’s brand evolution by advocating for design thinking, elevating the quality of creative output, & enhancing brand visibility across platforms.

  • Senior Art Director

    Indigo Books & Music (Head Office)

    2014 — 2017 | Toronto ON
    • Oversaw concept development, visual direction, and execution for national campaigns, online content, & in-store promotions, ensuring consistency across platforms and alignment with Indigo’s evolving brand identity.
    • Mentored designers, fostering growth, encouraging creative exploration, & maintaining high standards across deliverables.

  • Art Director

    Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)

    2011 — 2014 | Toronto ON
    • Led the creative vision & art direction for brand storytelling and marketing campaigns across the network's diverse properties, including television, radio, CBC Kids, & CBC News.
    • Collaborated with producers, developers, & content strategists to create designs aligned with CBC’s mandate & visual identity.
    • Maintained brand consistency while adapting creative assets for diverse formats & audience segments.

  • Art Director

    Havas Montréal

    2007 — 2011 | Montréal QC
    • Branding, concepting, & design of print & web graphics.
    • Collaborated with account managers, copywriters, producers, & web teams to develop cohesive, cross-platform campaigns.
    • Managed junior designers & freelancers.
    • Clients Included: Rogers, The United Nations, BioK+, Montréal Board of Trade, The Québec MBA Association, Plan B, SAQ (Québec Liquor Commission), Cascades.

  • Art Director / Designer

    Freelance / Self-Employed

    2007 — 2011 | Montréal, Toronto, NY
    • Delivered design services for a variety of clients.
    • Managed all phases of the design process—estimating, scoping, contract negotiation, creative development & final delivery.
    • Worked with clients across mental health & wellness, education, arts, & nonprofit sectors.

  • Senior Graphic Designer

    The Admire Group

    2006 — 2007 | Montréal QC
    • Designed projects for local & international clients across retail, publishing, sales consulting, and healthcare.
    • As a boutique design agency, also contributed to project management, proposals, web programming & intern hiring.

  • Designer & Design Researcher

    Mobile Digital Commons Network

    2005 — 2007 | Montréal QC
    • Responsible for brand storytelling & interactive experiences while introducing new creative tools & collaborative practices.
    • Led art direction, concept development, & execution of all Indigo online content, ensuring usability, accessibility, consistency, & brand alignment.

ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

  • Program Advisory Committee Member

    Nova Scotia Community College

    2022 — present | Halifax NS (Remote)
    • Offer industry insight & guidance to ensure curriculum aligns with current professional standards & emerging trends.

  • Mentor

    George Brown College

    2016 — 2018 | Toronto ON
    • Advised final-semester Graphic Design Advanced Diploma students, providing ongoing support & guidance on thesis projects throughout the semester.

  • Guest Lecturer

    York University

    2011 | Toronto ON
    • Invited by the Department of Design to lecture in the Design Colloquium Seminar Series, leading a session on the relationship between design history & contemporary practice.

  • Teaching Assistant

    Concordia University

    2007 — 2008 | Montréal QC
    • Supported instruction of Design History & Theory, a core BFA course offering historical & theoretical context for emerging designers. Assisted with lesson delivery &  assessments.

  • Mentor

    Concordia Dans La Rue

    2004 — 2005 | Montréal QC
    • Taught design skills (software, layout, typography) to high-risk youth through a Concordia University  outreach program.
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