Hi there, I’m Ash
I am an interdisciplinary artist and designer who is committed to craft of visual storytelling.
Experience
Humber Galleries
Creative Lead | Nuit Blanche Fellowship 2025
Project Coordinator | September 2024 - present
Gallery Operations Work-Study | September 2023 - September 2024
Conceptualize and execute exhibit planning and art installations, develop and produce graphic designs for both web and print mediums such as gallery signage and exhibit marketing materials, craft compelling copywriting for various digital and print platforms, and aid in strategizing and managing web content and social media campaigns.
Ashley Aalto Design
Freelance Designer and Visual Artist | January 2018 - present
Develop custom visual designs for various clients, including logos and branding materials such as promotional graphics, animations and videos, provide end-to-end design services, from initial concept development to final deliverable, conduct market research and analyze trends to inform design choices to meet client objectives, and manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery while maintaining a high standard of quality.
Humber Galleries Nuit Blanche Fellowship
Student Artist | May 2023 - September 2023
Conduct in-depth research and gather inspiration to inform the concept, artistic vision and direction of the installation, develop a detailed proposal outlining the installation's concept, materials, spatial requirements, technical specifications, and budget requirements, and utilize artistic techniques and skills to design and construct the physical elements of the installation, considering aesthetics, durability and safety.
Whether I am working in design or art, I always start by asking myself: What story am I trying to tell, why am I telling it, and who am I telling this story to?
Approaching visual mediums from this perspective enables me to craft designs that achieve a deeper resonance with audiences while leaving a lasting and memorable impact. After all, art and design are forms of visual communication; therefore, I strongly believe that treating them as a dialogue allows for more meaningful and lasting connections with viewers.
Education
Multimedia Design and Development Diploma
Humber Polytechnic | May 2024
Bachelors of Psychology
Lakehead University | May 2019
What I’m good at
Graphic Design ✦ Illustration ✦ Video Production ✦ Motion Design ✦ Branding & Identity ✦ Creative Direction ✦ Exhibition Planning ✦ Art Installation ✦ HTML + CSS
My tool box
Let’s get personal
One of the qualities that best defines me is my insatiable curiosity. I’m the type of person who can easily fall into a Wikipedia rabbit hole or find myself googling a random thought just to learn something new. This curiosity drives me to keep learning from others and pushes me to approach the world with an open mind, always seeking to understand different perspectives across an endless range of topics.
When I’m away from my desk, I’m almost always diving into one of my many hobbies. Some of my favorite pastimes include going for walks and sketching what I see, learning new songs on my guitar, heading out on outdoor adventures, creating DIY crafting videos and vlogs, traveling, or simply catching up on the phone with the people I love.
