Emma Tarswell RGD

Emma Tarswell RGD

Emma is an astute leader with a strong focus on strategic communication, design, and brand development. She has a passion for blending creativity with data-driven insights, thriving in roles that drive cutting-edge initiatives to elevate brands, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and enhance user experiences. With deep expertise in leading cross-functional teams, Emma delivers innovative solutions that align with overarching business goals and create lasting impact. She brings creative vision, strategic thinking, and operational excellence to every project. Her proven track record in creative direction, project management, and people leadership reflects her commitment to fostering collaboration, driving results, and ensuring every effort contributes to long-term success and growth.

Toronto, ON

Member since May 28, 2021

Award-winning leader in strategic communications & creative direction

Skills

• Creative Direction
• Design Management
• Editorial
• Art Direction
• Corporate Communications
• Digital Marketing
• Strategy
• Web Design

• Work
• Contributions

REACH 2024

REACH 2024

As Creative Director for the Brain issue of CIFAR’s Reach magazine, I led the visual strategy to make complex neuroscience research accessible and engaging. The issue won a CPRS ACE Award (Bronze) for Best Publication, recognizing its compelling design and clear communication.

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Nurturing a Resilient Earth

Nurturing a Resilient Earth

I led the visual and strategic direction for CIFAR’s Nurturing a Resilient Earth campaign, which showcased climate-focused research. I oversaw print, digital, and web design, managed video production, and ensured creative cohesion. The campaign won IABC and CPRS awards for excellence in cause-related communications.

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CIFAR Strategy

CIFAR Strategy

In 2024, CIFAR launched a bold new strategy to tackle global challenges. As Senior Manager, Strategy & Design, I led the creative direction—developing a visual identity that balances clarity and creativity, and ensures the strategy is communicated in a way that feels inspiring, engaging, and aligned with CIFAR’s mission.

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I'm an RGD Member because...

“I love being part of a large, supportive design community, especially as someone with an in-house background where I often lead small teams or work solo. RGD helps me stay connected with fellow creatives, exchange ideas, and keep growing through continued learning and shared industry insights.”

CIFAR Impact Report 2022-2023

CIFAR Impact Report 2022-2023

Each year, CIFAR publishes an Impact Report to showcases the organization’s successes and initiatives undertaken throughout the fiscal year. The 2022-2023 edition redesigned the report by both cutting down content for a more digestible issue and focused the imagery on the CIFAR research community.

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REACH 2023

REACH 2023

REACH is CIFAR’s annual magazine. The 2023 edition focused on the future of research and included articles on AI, quantum computing, Earth and space, and more. This issue won an IABC/Toronto OVATION Award of Merit in the Publications category and a CPRS Best Publication Bronze Award.

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CIFAR Annual Report 2019

CIFAR Annual Report 2019

Each year, CIFAR produces an Annual Report to share its activities with a variety of stakeholders. The 2019 report was an exciting project as it was a chance to expand the CIFAR brand identity and usher in a new look for all CIFAR materials. This edition also won an IABC Ovation Award of Excellence.

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I know a lot about...

“leading creative strategy, design, and communications — especially in in-house, mission-driven environments. With experience spanning visual identity, marketing, digital storytelling, and team leadership, I bring a deep understanding of how to craft compelling narratives that connect with diverse audiences and drive impact.”

CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Campaign 2019/2020

CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars Campaign 2019/2020

I led the art direction for the CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars campaign, which targeted early-career researchers worldwide. The campaign featured a testimonial video, posters, and an informational card, all designed to attract top applicants through cohesive and compelling visuals.

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Mowat Centre 5 Year Impact Report

Mowat Centre 5 Year Impact Report

The Mowat Centre was an independent public policy think tank that focused on the Ontario policy perspective. On its 5-year anniversary, the centre wanted to share the impact of its work with stakeholders and government. The goal of the project was to create a visual snapshot that could be quickly digested by the targeted audiences.

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AICan Report 2019

AICan Report 2019

After the initial year of the Pan-Canadian AI Strategy, a mini-annual report was produced to share program activities with stakeholders.

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You should hire me because...

“I'm a strong creative and communications leader with a proven track record of guiding teams and projects to success. As a Creative Director, I bring a clear vision, collaborative spirit, and deep storytelling expertise. I'm adaptive, strategic, and thrive in fast-paced environments where creativity and clarity matter most.”