Established in 2001, Context Creative
serves clients both near and far, delivering integrated design and
communications campaigns on the Web, in email, TV, print, direct mail
and outdoor.
The firm's clientele
range from Ontario Government ministries to the private sector and
not-for-profit organizations. Context Creative provides graphic design,
copywriting, illustration and photography, project management and
production services for corporate communications, advertising, brand
design, and integrated campaigns.
Despite
a shaky economy, Context Creative is growing: the last 12 months it
added three full-time positions for a total of 12 employees. The firms
says it is cautiously optimistic that Toronto's economy will continue
to improve across many sectors and that demand for innovation,
creative-thinking, and graphic design services will continue to rise.
To
that end, Lionel Gadoury, the principal and director of creative
services at Context Creative, says Toronto is a hotbed for graphic
design talent and a city that's always open to new businesses and
service offerings.
"Toronto is
Canada's design hub," he said. "Most of the (graphic design) industry
is based in Toronto and it's a huge advantage to other businesses
located here."
In 1996, he said the
Ontario Government passed recognition for Toronto-based RGDO to confer
professional status on its members once they meet required
qualifications and pass an examination. That's unique, as it puts the
province and Toronto in particular at the forefront of continuing to
develop a truly professional graphic design community, he remarked.
"More
often these days we're called in to answer business challenges,"
Gadoury said. "Companies are either looking to break into new markets,
lower their costs of communicating with their customers, and/or to gain
market share.
"In many sectors of the economy where products and service have become highly commoditized, brand is the key differentiator."
Meanwhile,
the company is breaking new ground by incorporating a not-for-profit
foundation, New World Now Cultural Promotions Inc.
"Our first project underway is Trails of 1812, a program which promotes
tourism, the arts, culture and healthy lifestyle activities in
Ontario," he added. "It is an example of innovative thinking that goes
beyond the typical client-service provider model. It builds on our
expertise working with the Ontario Trails Council and various
government ministries and brings together the private sector, NGOs and
government."
Writer: Liam Lahey