Hi There!
I'm always looking for interesting and exciting new work. Send me an email, let's schedule a zoom call, and talk about your project.

Email
david@arias.ca

Hello,
I'm David Arias, an independent graphic design professional based in Vancouver, BC. Find me on Instagram, the VSCO Grid, X, Dribbble, Pinterest, Behance and LinkedIn. See ya around!

Inquiries: david@arias.ca

David Arias

Profile

I’m a full-service freelance brand designer and creative studio of one. I do it all, or most of it—and if there’s anything I can’t do, I draw on my network of vetted creative professionals. Because my business is small and flexible, I can be selective about which projects I take on, and give each one everything I’ve got. Design is about quality over quantity.

Each project begins with listening, research, and discovery, allowing me to get to the heart of your brand challenge, and to solve it with thoughtful, well-considered design. I work best with clients who aren’t afraid to push the envelope. To explore—and let me explore. To seek and strive for the unconventional and unexpected. Those who embrace change. That’s why I find joy in collaborating with open-minded people who don’t mind being challenged.

In my experience, that’s the only way to create smart brands that stand out. Brands that resist safe designs, tired cliches and cookie-cutter approaches. That balance creative vision with business practicality—and ultimately make your business better.

If your brand needs a rethink, please get in touch: david@arias.ca

Branding & Design Services

  • Branding & Design Assets
  • Logo Design & Development
  • Brand Guidelines
  • Creative & Art Direction
  • Packaging Design
  • Poster Design
  • Iconography Design
  • Brochure Design
  • Publication Cover Design
  • Print Collateral Design
  • Signage Design
  • Social Media Design
  • Outdoor Photography
  • Squarespace Websites
  • Design Consulting
  • Design Collaboration
  • Studios & Collabs

    If Communications
    Full-service Communications Agency
    Briteweb
    Brand & Digital Strategy
    Camp Jefferson, Toronto
    Brand & Advertising Agency
    DARE, Vancouver
    Digital Brand & Ad Agency
    Independent Designer & Web-developer
    Armada Design Group
    Brand Agency
    Cause + Affect
    Multi-disciplinary Design Agency
    Tangible Interaction
    Experience & Interaction Design
    Will
    Branding & Design Agency
    Kevin Louis Design
    Branding & Design Communications

    Art & Design Community

    CIMA 2024
    Invited to speak at CIMA, an event that the Richmond Youth Media Program hosts every year for youth where they can hear from industry professionals and their career journeys. It's a chance for the youth to get inspired and excited about the idea of exploring a career in media arts.
    +Build: A CP Showcase, 2018
    I was invited by Creative Pulse to showcase some work for their exhibition night called "Build", a night where a collective of Vancouver creatives was able to showcase and network with other artists and art fans. My submission on display consisted of graphic art and photography works.
    D.R.E.A.M. II Poster Show, 2016
    Make Gallery hosted an annual benefit poster show D.R.E.A.M. II (Design Rules Everything Around Me) where 15 designers and illustrators were invited to create a poster inspired by a book. My design entry was based on the Harry G. Frankfurt's book, "On Bullshit".
    Vancouver Behance Reviews, 2014
    In a partnership between Textbook and Creative Pulse, I was asked to design a graphic poster to promote the event offering creatives a chance to showcase their work to art directors, creative directors, and other industry professionals from Vancouver's top ad agencies and creative brands.
    Kwantlen University
    In a partnership between Textbook and Creative Pulse, I was asked to design a graphic poster to promote the event offering creatives a chance to showcase their work to art directors, creative directors, and other industry professionals from Vancouver's top ad agencies and creative brands.
    Creative Pulse, 2014
    Invited by Ami Sanyal, and as part of Design Week in an evening of showcase and industry social for creatives, I was asked to display a select collection on my work as part of a collective series of slides from various local creatives.
    Langara College
    Invited by Design Formation on several occasions I have spoken to the design students about my journey as a freelancer on topics regarding portfolios, their practicum, and the design profession from a freelance perspective.
    The Cheaper Show 9/10
    Volunteered in various tasks for Western Canada's largest art show event, hosted in one night.
    The CSS Awards
    Volunteering judge and web curator. My involvement here included judging web design (css) entries and evaluating them under the criteria of design, creativity, content, and usability.
    IDEA Portfolio Review
    I was invited by the Capilano University IDEA Program Co-Coordinator to review portfolios from the 2012 graduating class.
    Bored of Canvas
    Invited as one of six artists for Bobby Paul's first art auction event. Each artist was given a blank skateboard to create an art piece for a good cause. All money raised was donated to Share, a charity company that helped put food on the table to those who are less fortunate.
    Taxi Network
    Media coverage for TAXI, a media sponsor for the GDC (Society of Graphic Designers of Canada). Roles included attending some of the major sponsored GDC hosted events, photograph, document them, and write an article on the event.
    Vancouver Design Meetup
    Hosted by Dana & Matt, I was invited as a guest speaker in a two part topic on Personal Branding. My focus was to speak about the practical look at the personal brand and its role through my professional journey and experience as an independent designer.
    POGO Creative Workshop
    Hosted by the GDC, I was invited to participate in a panel consisting of various design practitioners. The workshop offered recent grads the time to ask industry-related questions, and an insight into the design profession and its practice.
    Graphex 2008
    Volunteer work for the Society of Graphic Designers of Canada (GDC) in the biannual design awards event, Graphex. My role was to assist in the organization of Canadian Design entries during the judging process.

    Published Work

    Los Logos 8
    Gestalten, Germany, 2017
    CITI X 60 — Vancouver
    Viction:ary, Hong Kong, 2017
    Typism Conference / Book
    Australia, 2015
    Design Edge Canada Magazine
    Page 17, Sept/Oct 2011, Canada
    Wallpaper Magazine
    Issue 148, July 2011, UK
    Monocle Magazine
    Issue 43, Vol.05, May 2011, UK / Canada
    Handmade Packaging Workshop
    Thames & Hudson, UK and HOW Books, USA
    How to Create a Portfolio & Get Hired: A Guide for Graphic Designers and Illustrators
    Laurence King Publishing, UK
    Form: Book & Promotion
    Sandu Publishing Co., China
    My Own Business Card Vol.1
    Design and Design, France

    Online Mentions

    Best Graphic Designers in Vancouver
    A Showcase of the Finest Web Design
    Pairs of Pears Packaging Design