You’re the Thinker.
Bring Your Ideas to Life With Design.
Hopgood Creative collaborates with Toronto’s leading researchers to create powerful visuals you didn’t even know you needed.
What is
Information Design?
Information Design is the process of designing to inform rather than persuade. Our goal is to break down complex information using graphic design so your work is understood. With understanding comes impact.
More Than Your
Average Design Firm
Hopgood Creative is proud to merge academia and design. We bring a research and critical analysis approach to information design, visualizations, and infographics. This niche is how we help you better than any other firm.
First we understand your issue and your goals. Then, we collaborate with you to make your concepts come to life. Some clients have called this process magical.
About the Founder
Meet Michelle, a Creative Designer and Information Specialist who specializes in helping researchers, academics, and thinkers effectively communicate complex ideas through the power of design. Michelle's ultimate goal is to make these intricate concepts not only understandable but also visually captivating.
With an impressive background spanning over 18 years in design, information management, and knowledge, Michelle brings a fresh and distinctive perspective to her clients. She has successfully expanded the reach of esteemed organizations such as the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, and the Martin Prosperity Institute by creating visually engaging design languages for their research publications, special projects, and social media platforms. You may recognize Michelle from her notable features in the RGD In-House Design Awards, presentation and roundtable discussions at DesignThinkers conferences, or as a panelist for Ladies, Wine & Design.
Michelle's clients value her analytical skills and no-nonsense approach, appreciating her ability to deliver designs that surpass their initial expectations. Her signature style can be described as "designs you didn't even know you needed," often leaving clients pleasantly surprised with innovative solutions they hadn't considered before.
Driven by an unwavering commitment to making complex ideas beautiful, Michelle's work not only helps clients gain media attention but also enables them to effectively teach courses and reach a broader audience.
Photo credit: The Double Jay Collective
Legend, Michelle’s Service Dog during his retirement. While he left this world in 2022 at the age of 14.5, he lives on in our hearts and continues to be a source of strength and inspiration. He will forever be Legend-ary!
Photo credit: ; Corynn Fowler Photography
The Fine Print
Education
2004 – Diploma in Graphic Design (Sault College)
2009 – Bachelors of Design (OCAD University)
2015 – Masters in Information, Knowledge and Information Management (University of Toronto)
2016 – RGD Accreditation: Certified Senior Designer
Awards & Praise
2016 – RGD In-House Design Award with Distinction
2019 – Premier’s Awards, Nominee in Creative Arts & Design
Speaking Engagements
Aug. 13, 2020 – “Visual Storytelling with Data and Infographics” (Guest Lecturer), Business & the City (Rotman School MBA Course)
Apr. 27, 2020 – “So You Wanna Design A Better World” (Virtual Panelist), Creative Directions Conference
Oct. 24, 2019 – “Lessons Learned from an (un)traditional) think tank” (Speaker), DesignThinkers Conference TO 2019
Dec. 13, 2018 – “Accessibility & Design” (Panelist), Ladies, Wine and Design Toronto
Apr. 30, 2018 – “What Makes a Successful In-House Designer?” (Webinar Moderator), RGD Webinar Series
Volunteer
2024–Present – RGD Board of Directors
2024–Present – RGD Certification Committee, Co-Chair
2020–2024 – RGD Certification Committee member