Creative Director and Partner, Ledden Design iT
Be careful what you wish for. In 2004, when I took the leap into working for myself, I had some wishes. I wanted more creative ownership, a wider network, and a new challenge after 15 years of doing corporate design and art.
I did stay with IABC Toronto. Many of my best colleagues were there. I was also dating a software developer, who one day quipped, “wouldn’t it be fun to work together?” That software developer guy is now my husband, Bill McLean. We have built our company and celebrated many projects together.
Volunteering with IABC, I built vital relationships. Some of my favourite projects there were redesigning the IABC Professional Independent Communicators (PIC) logo and e-newsletter in 2014, and producing The Independent Life guide in 2015, and the PIC 20th Anniversary in 2018.
Our Ledden Design iT company became our clients’ virtual studio. In fact clients are often surprised by how quickly we get their toughest projects done—like brand identity overhauls and data-heavy publications. We have fun mixing design with coding and tech, and finding a shorter way to a better result. A big win for us is being on the Vendor of Record for the Ontario Government since 2008. Another highlight is the re-branding of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada in 2013.
Partnering with professionals in IABC has given us a greater virtual team to do even larger projects. The way things turned out, finding the right people to work with was the best wish.
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leddendesignit/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cledden