A collection of work that I feel I’m able to put my name on, with the acknowledgement that I’ve been able to collaborate with, be inspired by, and learn from so many amazingly talented people throughout all the work featured here. The work here, done in isolation, would be not nearly as good, and there are so many others to thank for how it all turned out.

Because I want to subliminally get people in the habit of writing two ‘L’s in succession in hopes of someone spelling my name(s) right one day. Also because tallymark.com was taken and this is a collection of finished items, hence the past tense. (Yes, I’m one of the people that thinks words matter).

Since I first laid my eyes on Egyptian hieroglyphics in the MET (something that I could have a long discussion on from a completely different angle, but we’ll leave that one be for the moment…) I was fascinated that so much could be conveyed through simple pictograms. Fast forward some years and I wrote my Master’s Thesis on restroom signs (in 2011). Fast forward to today and I’m still fascinated with restrooms signs and how they’re currently transforming. (Another thing I could talk for hours on). Anyway, I like the power, the explorative nature, and the simplicity of icons. They’re not always the best communication tools in isolation, but here I figured they were appropriately playful.

Not even close. This list is some recent work, highlights, some great learnings, some wonderful experiences, some great results…but not at all exhaustive. Over 20+ years in design there’s no way it could all be up here, but recent or not, good, bad, or maddening, everything I’ve learned helps inform every project I do.

Oh good, my favourite thing, talking about myself. But since you (kind of) asked…

Hi, I’m Collin.

I feel fortunate to have spent the last 20+ years designing for all sorts of people in all sorts of places and situations: considering the whole experience from what a person needs going in, what they want during, and how they feel after. I’ve worked in small boutique advertising agencies and large digital firms; with start-ups and well-established brands; from large-scale environmental wayfinding at architecture firms to small one-off digital products, and it all comes down to doing one thing well: solving problems for people. (It also all comes from working with and for wonderful people.) Sometimes it’s as delightfully simple as evoking a smile, other times it’s necessary to impart sobering, lasting facts; sometimes it needs to be quick, other times comprehensive. But the one unchanging, ever-changing aspect remains the person I’m designing for.

Elevator pitch (side note: take the stairs when possible):

Hi, I’m Collin, I help solve complex design problems through understanding and collaboration. My focus is always on people: how they interact with a space, what their informational needs are, and how what I do can affect how they feel. I know design is a powerful tool, and I want to use it to make places better.

I think about people’s experiences a lot. I’m a designer who never took an art class (but I think that’s just made me work harder). I’ve worked in the worlds of UX, print, wayfinding, digital interfaces, advertising, writing (copy and technical), teaching, architecture…and feel lucky for what each of them has taught me.

It’s something that’s hard to explain at parties.

But if you’re asking that means you didn’t realize there’s someone responsible for your experiences in big, complex spaces. Whether you’re frustrated or you didn’t even notice it, wayfinding affects you in every place you’re in. Is the method by which you orient themselves in a place. This applies to physical spaces (hospitals, office buildings, parkades…) and digital spaces. It’s a really phenomenally interesting design concentration. I love it.

Hold on, let me stop you before you ask one of these:

No, I will not code your website. (Trust me, you don’t want that!)

No, I will not do your logo for $5. (Even though the exposure I get from it will be well worth it I’m sure!)

No, I will not send you money via bitcoin or some other untraceable, irretrievable method, even if you are a stranded Nigerian Prince. (I’m so sorry your Highness.)

Yes, I would love to collaborate with you to help you solve the wonderfully complex and puzzling problem you’re having with (enter design potential here).

Yes, I spent (and spend) far too much time on my bike. (What is it with designers a cycling?)

Right below! I’d be happy to hear from you (I’m sure).

Or if you’re as website form averse as my mom is to internet banking you can call me at 303 880 2903 or email me at hello (at) tallymarked (dot) com.