Hey there, I’m Malcolm Straker, a graphic designer based in Toronto, Canada. My creative journey began at Western University, where I delved into the fascinating realms of Media, Information and Technoculture. With a passion for visual storytelling, I quickly found my groove in the dynamic field of graphic design.
With six years experience, I kicked off my career as an intern, showcasing not just my technical skills but also an unwavering commitment to innovation. This dedication led to a swift promotion to Director of Digital Design, where I continued to shape compelling visual narratives across diverse projects.
Beyond pixels and vectors, my interests include sports, games, and watching docuseries. I’m a former competitive hockey player, bringing the lessons of teamwork and discipline into my design philosophy. Additionally, I played on the varsity ultimate frisbee team at Western University. Being a student athlete helped showcase my versatility and love for dynamic pursuits.
In quieter moments, you’ll catch me engrossed in the strategic intricacies of chess. This pastime reflects not only my love for intellectual challenges but also my approach to design with a methodical and strategic mindset.
My portfolio is a reflection of this journey, highlighting a fusion of creativity, technical expertise, and devotion to growth. As I continue pushing the boundaries of design, I aim to remain a dynamic force in the ever-evolving landscape of visual communication.
Western University
Media Information & Technoculture
Key Courses: Graphic Design, Video Game Theory, Marketing, Information Technology, Social Media, and Philosophy & Ethics of Media
Played on the Varsity Ultimate Frisbee Team
Direct Co-ops
Graphic Design Internship
Created business presentations, menus, flyers and web platforms for businesses in Toronto. Worked with various companies to help improve their digital footprint and develop better visuals
Direct Global
Promoted to Head Graphic Designer | Director of Digital Media for Direct Global an e-commerce company which focuses on developing and operating platforms, allowing purchasers to leverage collective purchasing power
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of clients spanning various industries, from established enterprises to ambitious startups. I have a demonstrated ability to create comprehensive marketing campaigns and visuals that not only develop brand identity but also set the stage for its growth and evolution.
My proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite allows me to craft a wide array of digital designs, including infographics, custom typography, logos, presentations, web pages, mobile app UI, landing pages, and more.
My creative contributions extend beyond graphic design, as I had the privilege of partnering with the CEO and legal team to create a compelling pitch decks for two companies: Fare and Liberate Rx. Liberate Rx is an online pharmaceutical company looking to combine holistic and modern medical practices and Fare Co-op is a rideshare and delivery platform looking to break into the market with an equitable solution for drivers. Currently, the deck for Fare, is being used to secure $26.5 million in Series A funding, a testament to its effectiveness. I also played a pivotal role in designing the company’s logo and establishing consistent branding guidelines, ensuring a cohesive and impactful visual identity throughout the presentation.
Furthermore, I have a proven ability for implementing data visualization, creating custom infographics using Adobe Illustrator and seamlessly integrating them into PowerPoint, Google Slides, and PDF formats. My dedication to effective communication, design principles, and best practices has been instrumental in achieving project success.
Additionally, I have experience leading and managing a team of three Graphic Designers, collaborating closely with the CEO and VP to execute robust branding strategies. I take pride in creating compelling visual content for marketing campaigns, business presentations, customized email templates, and social media materials.
In addition to my design skills, I am well-versed in analytic software like MailChimp, which I have used to enhance email marketing campaigns and boost customer engagement by 25% during the pandemic. I have leveraged my familiarity in HTML and CSS to collaborate with developers, resulting in stunning and efficient User Interfaces for B2C and B2B applications. I have also employed Adobe XD and Figma to create wireframes and prototypes that gather user feedback and facilitate smooth collaboration with developers.
Graphic design isn’t just a job for me; it’s what I love to do. With my experiences and a track record of solid results, I’m all about bringing fresh ideas to the table and pushing the boundaries of what design can do. I’m super excited to dive into new projects and make some magic happen. Let’s create something amazing together!