About our agency

Tight knit and talented, we’re a team that brings out the best in each other. Our creativity, expertise, and design vision set us apart.

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Inclusivity Values Team Partners Careers

You’ll love us at “hello”

With plenty of designers, studios and freelance options, our (potential) clients need to know how Initiate stands out.

From the first meeting to years down the line, many of our clients and our team have stayed with us across our 15 years of business. Maybe it’s our responsiveness and dedication, creative solutions or meaningful designs. Or perhaps it’s just our darn good looks? Regardless of all the valid reasons, we are clearly doing something right and want you to come along for the ride.

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Substantial design experience

Initiate consists of a carefully curated team of highly professional and senior designers with diverse skill sets that quickly delivers high-impact results.

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Detail-oriented processes

Others say it, we live and breathe it. Incomplete sentences, inconsistent use of punctuation and capitalization, or maybe a headline that just doesn’t quite work? Our designers read your content and will catch the little things, so you don’t have to.

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Technology personified

Initiate Marketing excels in design for technology companies, producing work that embodies the elegance and creativity of classic design, yet appeals to the technology-savvy nature of this highly specialized audience.

Inclusivity

Diverse perspectives drive creative innovation.

At Initiate, we are dedicated to cultivating an environment where diversity and inclusion are celebrated and encouraged, recognizing that they are not only about acknowledging our differences but also appreciating the distinct perspectives and talents that each individual contributes.

Our commitment to embracing diversity and fostering inclusion is rooted in our belief that this approach leads to a design agency that is not only more vibrant and creative, but also one that resonates with empathy.

“We strive to build a workplace and design community that mirrors the richness of the world we inhabit, positively impacting our clients and the broader global community.”

Michael Ball, Chief Creative Officer
Values

We don’t just say our values, we live them

Our values apply to both our clients and our team—with different approaches for each.

Team

Being accountable to our clients (and our work) starts at the top. The leadership team wants to lead by example and develop a team that understands the importance of only committing to projects that we can provide the best quality work.

Clients

We’re not afraid to admit when we’re wrong or when a task is outside of our wheelhouse. It’s important for us to be honest and transparent every step along the way. This builds trust in the solutions we provide.

Team

We want to foster a family atmosphere in which each team member feels accepted, respected and appreciated. Honesty plays a key role in ensuring each team member feels they can speak up and be genuine with each other.

Clients

We’re not going to bullshit you and lead you down a path only for our gain. The success of our clients’ marketing efforts is the only reward we seek to achieve. To that end, being honest about our abilities is paramount.

Team

We have had relatively low turnover in our team. We know we’re doing something right if our employees want to stay with us in a field where people bounce around quite a bit.

Clients

Our track record and client list speak for themselves. Most of our clients are still with us after 15 years. Our relationships are long-term.

Team

We want to provide a stable environment for our team, allowing them to make long-term life decisions knowing that they will have a career with us for as long as they choose to stay.

Clients

Knowing that we have a solid foundation provides trust in our methods, processes and creative solutions.

Team

Let us introduce ourselves

With one of the lowest agency turnover rates in Ottawa, we provide a safe haven for creatives to grow and explore together—over decades. Bonds are quickly developed at Initiate, as we contribute equally towards  common goals. We enjoy supportive challenges, the powerful combination of passion and collaboration, and the opportunity to be ourselves and thrive through creative vulnerability.

Chief Creative Officer

Michael

Chief Operating Officer

Jennifer

Digital Art Director

Kevin

Art Director

Jamie

Senior Graphic Designer

Melanie

Project Manager

Camilla

UX Designer

Fran

Graphic Designer

Ali

Graphic Designer

Christi

Graphic Designer

Morgan

Graphic Designer

Geneviève

Graphic Designer

Owen

Office Manager

Sarah

Bree Cousineau
Junior Graphic Designer

Bree

Kelly Miles
Graphic Designer

Kelly

Raquel Alves
Graphic Designer

Raquel

Partners

Great design comes with even greater responsibility—and transparency

We love to fill our virtual rolodexes with talent we can tap into to deliver the best project for you. Instead of saying “we don’t do that,” we say “hold on a moment!” as we flip through our contacts and get you the best person for the job—whether you need a writer or an SEO expert. Bonus? We play well with others, delivering a cohesive design product with diverse perspectives and contributions.

  • Writers
  • Translators
  • Videographers
  • SEO Experts
  • Developers
  • Photographers
  • Animators
  • Graphic Designers
  • Project Managers
  • & More.
Careers

We’re always on the lookout for creative talent

If you’ve got mad skills and consider yourself a game-changer, then we’d love to hear from you.

Full-Time (Hybrid Possible)

Art Director

As a creative lead, you are a highly strategic, experienced Senior Designer who is creative, collaborative, and able to bring their skills to a new and dynamic environment.

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