When I sat at my computer trying to come up with a Twitter handle in 2013, I didn't overthink it. I'm a graphic designer who now runs. Okay, sure, that works. Is Running Designer available? Yes! Done.
I grabbed the Instagram handle, created a Facebook page and bought the domain name. Of course, after setting up every other account, inevitably the email address wasn't available, so I reluctantly added THE to the beginning of the address. I must now officially apologize to whomever has the email address runningdesigner@gmail.com...I have a feeling you get a lot of email meant for me.
The point of all of this is that back then I thought of running and design as very separate skills / interests I possessed. The most design-y thing I thought I would create was my Twitter header photo...
I grabbed the Instagram handle, created a Facebook page and bought the domain name. Of course, after setting up every other account, inevitably the email address wasn't available, so I reluctantly added THE to the beginning of the address. I must now officially apologize to whomever has the email address runningdesigner@gmail.com...I have a feeling you get a lot of email meant for me.
The point of all of this is that back then I thought of running and design as very separate skills / interests I possessed. The most design-y thing I thought I would create was my Twitter header photo...
Until one day Paramedic Mike asked if I could help him out with his logo. His request evolved to this...
One of the first groups of runners I got to know were participants of the Earthathon relay. I was on Team Human Race.
A group of these runners had the opportunity to meet at the 2015 Around the Bay.
A group of these runners had the opportunity to meet at the 2015 Around the Bay.
Michelle the Runner also asked I could freshen up her logo...
As part of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, our large format print shop www.gawck.ca created the banners for the Beaches Neighbourhood Challenge which went on to win second place.
gawck also did the signage for the Beaches Jazz Run in 2016...
Jean-Paul Bédard was planning his epic quadruple marathon at the Scotia Toronto Waterfront Marathon early in 2016.
As somewhat of a joke, I surprised him with a quick logo which evolved to the logo he used to represent the event that fall.
As somewhat of a joke, I surprised him with a quick logo which evolved to the logo he used to represent the event that fall.
JP then asked if I would design a very special logo for him. The #JPsTeam logo would represent a team of runners raising awareness and funds toward the survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
As a race ambassador, I often used my design skills to create graphics to prome the races I represented...
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Dave, the race director of the Tannenbaum 10K asked if I'd design the medal for the 2016 race. Along the way I updated the logo and got to design my first medal...which I also ran the race for!
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In May 2017 I'll be running from Cobourg to Niagara in 24 hour relay with 11 other team members. I created the logo for our awesome team, the Endorphriends. Expect to see these little endorphriend monsters everywhere in the months to come!
Most recently, Jean-Paul Bédard announced that he would be running the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon six times over the race weekend. In essence, that's 6 in the Six...
So, needless to say, I've come to realize that my quick choice of a Twitter handle has really become a huge part of what I am. I finish this by saying no, I've not learned how to be able to do both at once!
