Gemma Burgess CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF NEW ISSUE DESIGN

Vancouver, B.C. [email protected] 604 440 6091 mobile For almost a decade, Vancouver based Creative Director Gemma Burgess has developed a solid reputation designing for numerous high-end consumer magazines and newspapers both in Canada and internationally, some of which include UK Cosmo Girl, Cosmopolitan Bride, Marie Claire, Company and Glamour. Originally from London, England, Gemma moved to Vancouver in May 2008 where she became the Editorial Art Director of The Georgia Straight newspaper. In May 2010 she left the newspaper to launch a graphic design company, specializing in magazine and brochure design. New Issue Design was born and she now works from her studio in Vancouver and has never looked back. Taking inspiration from 8 months travelling the world visiting destinations such as Tibet, Borneo and South America, Gemma feels that her eyes have been opened to new creative solutions to build on her already notable background. Gemma is passionate about magazines and her unique experiences add to her dedication in order to achieve outstanding design.

Experience

Creative Director Surrey, BC May 2010 - Present New Issue Design A graphic design company specializing in editorial magazine and brochure design. Editorial Art Director Vancouver, BC Jul 2008 - May 2010 The Georgia Straight Running the art department at a busy weekly newspaper, ensuring that the paper gets to press on time and on budget. Responsible for all the covers/cover concepts and overall design of the newspaper and magazine supplements. Managing a team of three staff, conducting appraisals and other management duties. Assigning and meeting photographers, illustrators, stylists and make-up artists when required.

Travelling Oct 2007 - Jul 2008 Sabbatical travelling the world before settling in Vancouver as a permanent resident.

Freelance Art Director London, UK Jun 2007 - Oct 2007 National Magazine Company and IPC Media Working on various leading consumer magazines including Marie Claire, Living etc, Company, Now, Reveal and Closer.

Art Director - CosmoGIRL! Magazine London, UK Jul 2006 - Jun 2007 National Magazine Company Managing the art department in a high-profile, fast-paced teen title. Managerial duties included hiring, staff appraisals, organizing freelance cover and team building. Designing the cover with the editor and liaising with production with regard to cover timing and bag artwork. Responsible for continuing to evolve the magazine and commission the best photographers and illustrators. The promotion to department head was gained after deputizing for 6 months. Deputy Art Editor - CosmoGIRL! Magazine London, UK Nov 2005 - Jul 2006 National Magazine Company Responsible for re-designing specified sections and pages of the magazine that required refreshing. Participating in content meetings regarding future issues and CosmoGIRL! branding events. Overseeing the junior members of the team, booking freelancers, organising shoots and press passing the cover.

Senior Designer - Cosmopolitan Bride Magazine London, UK Jan 2003 - Nov 2005 National Magazine Company Designing editorial pages for the magazine, sending pages to repro and checking cromalins. Press passing the cover in the absence of the Art Director. Booking stylists, models, photographers and art directing shoots.

Freelance Designer London, UK Jul 2002 - Jan 2003 Condé Nast and Redwood Publishing Freelancing for a variety of magazines including Glamour, Boots and Safeway. Worked closely with the Art Director for the launch of Homebase magazine, helping to establish the visual identity.

Designer - Sky Magazine London, UK Jun 2001 - Jul 2002 Redwood Publishing Designing editorial pages for the magazine, as well as designing covers, marking up pages for repro, checking cromalins, designing advertorials, commissioning illustrators, freelancers and photographers. Designer London, UK Feb 2000 - Jun 2001 Reef Design Designing from concept to print for core clients, which included Epson, GlaxoSmithklein, and Ben & Jerry’s. Regular design of page layouts for brochures, point of sale, mailers and logo design.

Junior Designer London, UK Nov 1998 - Feb 2000 Graphic Jam Designing for a wide variety of clients including Kuoni and One Little Indian Records. Work ranged from music CDs and business cards to 3D marketing material and brochures.

Education

BA Hons Graphic Arts and Design Leeds, UK Sep 1995 - Jun 1998 Leeds Metropolitan University A design degree specializing in Printmaking. Etching, Screen Printing, Silk Screen and Photography were used to create and explore the possibilities of mixed media in graphic design.

Gemma Burgess [email protected] 604 440 6091 mobile