Indigenous DESIGNER BIO
Maia Thompson is a graphic designer with a passion for creating engaging brand identities that tell a story. With a strong foundation in brand identity design, information design, and illustration, she has developed projects ranging from festival branding to product packaging and restaurant identity design. Maia has worked as an assistant graphic designer in St. Lawrence College’s marketing department where she collaborated on everything from social media posts, print materials, and environmental advertisements. Outside of design, she loves discovering new music, exploring fantasy worlds through books, movies, and video games, and seeking out the best coffee shops.
COURSE
Brand Identity Design 2 & Typography 5
OBJECTIVE
The goal for this project was to redesign the Beaches Jazz Festival logo and to create a cohesive visual identity that captures the event’s vibrant and playful spirit.
DESCRIPTION
The redesigned identity features a logo of a trumpet player under an umbrella, merging jazz with the festival’s beachside setting. This visual style extends across posters, billboards, and street pole flags, using bold, jagged typography and dynamic shapes to convey movement and excitement. Playful character illustrations, inspired by the logo, further enhance the festival’s lively spirit.
COURSE
Graphic Design 4
OBJECTIVE
The goal for this project was to redesign the packaging for Oxo’s 16 pack of instant beef stock sachets and create a launch campaign to advertise the new packaging. The redesign had to improve product clarity, shelf appeal, and maintain the Oxo brand identity.
DESCRIPTION
The redesigned packaging features fun illustrations of common stew ingredients, adding a playful touch while visually connecting to the product. The new slide-out box design creates greater ease of use. The redesign was paired with a launch campaign that spread awareness of the new packaging and further delivered the playful, approachable tone.
COURSE
Brand Identity Design 1
OBJECTIVE
The goal for this project was to create a cohesive logo and brand identity for the makeup and skincare brand, Aphrodite.
DESCRIPTION
Aphrodite is a skincare brand inspired by the goddess of love and beauty, blending inclusivity, honesty, and self-care into every product. The brand identity features clean typography and a colour palette influenced by the ocean, with bold red/pink accents woven throughout to create strong brand recognition.
COURSE
Brand Identity Design 1
OBJECTIVE
The goal for this project was to develop a refined and sophisticated brand identity for Icarus Taverna, a high-end Greek-Canadian restaurant.
DESCRIPTION
Icarus Taverna’s logo features an ornate Greek tile symbol, reflecting the restaurant’s cultural heritage and upscale atmosphere. The menu design uses a tall, slim format with blue leather binding, adding an elegant touch. The colour palette, inspired by the Greek flag and ocean, enhances the coastal luxury feel and complements the restaurant’s seafood offerings.
