Karen Ng-Hem, RGD is a creative director across Canada who brings a highly specialized, diverse skillset to print x digital publications with her interdisciplinary approach and visual sensitivity to increase professionalism and drive future business.
Design for Public Good.
If design is expected to have longevity—it must work on more than one level; solve more than one problem and serve more than one audience. Communications designed by a Registered Graphic Designer ensures a fully-integrated solution that conveys the concept, message and positioning of your organization.
Services
Advisor
Audits x Reviews
Creative Direction
Graphic Design
Ideation
Illustration
Pitching
Visual Research
Design
Annual + Corporate Reports
Campaigns
Capability Statements
Data Visualization
Editorial Publications
Portfolios
RFP / Bids
Websites
Sectors
AEC
Arts x Education
Energy, Oil & Gas
Government / Politics
Healthcare
Non-Profits
Public Policy
Urban Planning
Speaking
Annual Reports: Functional or Beautiful?—RGD Panel: Minds of Design, Calgary AB (Sep 2024)
Why We Pitch—University of the Fraser Valley, Professional Practices, Abbotsford BC (Oct 2023)
The Art of Pitching—University of the Fraser Valley, Professional Practices, Abbotsford BC (Oct 2022)
Word + Image—University of Guelph-Humber, Media & Communication Studies, Etobicoke ON (Jan 2015)
Books
Recipes for Growing Me ~6mos, Illustration (2019)
Island Sunsets: Anthology of Verse, Poetry Institute of Canada (1994)
Articles
Designer Collectors: Stub Culture, RGD (Jul 18. 2025)
Inspiration: Designers Inspiring Designers, RGD (Jul 3. 2023)
Top 5: “Thank you” gifts for Clients and Collaborators, RGD (Sep 14. 2022)
Insight: The future is flexible: How Employers can Support Women at Work, RGD (Aug 3. 2022)
Creating change through innovative ideas for digital substrate applications, Graphic Arts Magazine, p.19 (May 1. 2021)
Multi-Dimensional: when print jumps off the page, D Magazine, IDC (Interior Designers of Canada) p.22 (Nov 6. 2016)
Creating compelling proposals without sacrificing sustainability, Toronto Focus, CaGBC p.16 (May 12. 2016)
RGD
Speaker / Panelist—Minds of Design, Calgary (2024)
Judge—RGD Student Awards; Artista Award for First Year Students (2025)
Judge—RGD Student Awards; Domtar Award for Print Design (2023)
Judge—RGD Student Awards; Entro Award for Placemaking Design (2022)
Portfolio Reviewer (2012–present)
Membership Committee (2011–2014)
Certified Member—Association of Registered Graphic Designers (2006–present)
Professional Member
Member— Squarespace Circle Gold Partner (2019–present)
Member—The Society of Publication Designers; NY, USA (2024–present)
Member—Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC); Greater Toronto Chapter (2013–2014)
Volunteer
Designer + Member—Rotary Club of Calgary Connect (2024-2025)
Mentor—Bow Valley College: Chiu School of Business (2024–2025)
Chair—Rotary Int’l: Sponsorship Benefits Committee (2024)
Pitch Mentor—OYA Black Arts Coalition (2023)
Connect Participant—CFC Media Lab: Fifth Wave (2021–2023)
Designer (Campaign): Green Party of Canada/Ontario Candidate—Sheena Sharp (2021–2025)
Creative Director (Campaign): Toronto City Councillor Candidate—Brad Bradford (2018, 2022)
Creative Director + Board Member—Toronto Hustle Cycling Syndicate (2017–2018)
Advisor—Statslog Software Corporation (2008-present)
“A truly gifted creative thinker + talent, Karen is one of the most collaborative designers I have had the pleasure to create with. Possessing a persuasive ability to engage and challenge, the visions she creates come alive in the mind and on paper with intense clarity and excitement. She is a genuine muse!”
— Paul Backewich, Architect