How I can help
Creative & Art Direction
Business & Brand Strategy
Brand, Logo, Identity Design
UI/UX, Interaction, Web, Digital Design
Writing, Print, & Publishing
Social Media, Ad, Collateral Design
Event & Video Production
Digital Marketing, Content Strategy
Search Engine Optimization
Product Design & Development
Project Management & Outsourcing
Hi, I make pretty things. Nice to meet you.
I'm Steve. I work with a tight-knit network of talented designers, strategists, marketers, developers, ready to help you succeed.
I've helped clients (individuals, start ups, small businesses all the way to large bank enterprises) by creating beautiful, functional, unforgettable experiences through websites, apps, branding, marketing collateral, print publications, video productions, events, and more, on projects such as a visionary map-based smart city social network, gamefied user economy models, education apps and portals, email campaigns, ecommerce and crowdfunding platforms, admin panels, online writing communities, charity fundraisers, festivals, even three multimillion dollar bank products.
I believe it's more than pretty. Holistic design is about meaning, strategy, process, and empathy which is all encompassing no matter form, discipline, interaction, and situation. I pride myself in fully and deeply understanding every perspective and story, whether users, customers, communities, businesses, stakeholders, teammates and more. I put people first, always.
At the core, you and I will find the singularity of your business, the core essence that reaches the hearts of your consumers and drives every single decision, from design, strategy, and thereonin, informing the rest of your business, transforming success.. Read more about my Singularity Concept >>
Hi, I make pretty things. Nice to meet you.
I'm Steve. I work with a network of talented designers, strategists, marketers, developers, ready to help you succeed.
I've helped clients (individuals, start ups, small businesses all the way to large bank enterprises) by creating beautiful, functional, unforgettable experiences through websites, apps, branding, marketing collateral, print publications, video productions, events, and more, on projects such as a visionary map-based smart city social network, gamefied user economy models, education apps and portals, email campaigns, ecommerce and crowdfunding platforms, admin panels, online writing communities, charity fundraisers, festivals, even three multimillion dollar bank products. My expertise in social media marketing and SEO/SEM, and hobbies in photography complement my design solutions.
I believe it's more than pretty. Holistic design is about meaning, strategy, process, and empathy which is all encompassing no matter form, discipline, interaction, and situation. I pride myself in fully and deeply understanding every perspective and story, whether users, customers, communities, businesses, stakeholders, teammates and more. I put people first, always.
At the core, you and I will find the singularity of your business, the core essence that reaches the hearts of your consumers and drives every single decision, from design, strategy, and thereonin, informing the rest of your business, transforming success.. Read more about my Singularity Concept >>
I have had a background in fine arts since I was five, graduating from the renown Arts York program at Unionville, pursuing web design and development at Seneca College, studying effective communication and critical thinking through English and creative writing at York University, and furthering my education in digital marketing at University of Toronto.
I'm a member of the Graphic Designers of Canada, League of Canadian Poets, The Writers’ Union of Canada, and Golden Key International Honours Society.
On another hand, under a mononym of Takatsu, I'm also a poet, novelist, Wattpad Star, publisher, event coordinator, keynote speaker, presenting at venues such as Ryerson University, University of Waterloo, TDSB, Fan Expo, Word on the Street, Make Change Conference, Pages Unbound Festival, and directing initiatives like Inspiritus Press, PEN Canada Bring the Noise Tour, and Crossroads Literary Festival. I've had the privilege of participating in jury panels for Ontario Arts Council grants and am passionate about empowering and enabling diverse youth communities. In 2008, I pioneered the English cell phone novel movement and in 2014, my literary novel, Espresso Love, won a Watty’s Award and reached 1 million reads. I'm the published author of Secondhand Memories, Of Forests & Clocks & Dreams, and Kawatare, as well as having poems in publications like PRISM International, and the honour of various awards.
I have had a background in fine arts since I was five, graduating from the renown Arts York program at Unionville, pursuing web design and development at Seneca College, studying effective communication and critical thinking through English and creative writing at York University, and furthering my education in digital marketing at University of Toronto.
I'm a member of the Graphic Designers of Canada, League of Canadian Poets, The Writers’ Union of Canada, and Golden Key International Honours Society.
On another hand, under a mononym of Takatsu, I'm also a poet, novelist, Wattpad Star, publisher, event coordinator, keynote speaker, presenting at venues such as Ryerson University, University of Waterloo, TDSB, Fan Expo, Word on the Street, Make Change Conference, Pages Unbound Festival, and directing initiatives like Inspiritus Press, PEN Canada Bring the Noise Tour, and Crossroads Literary Festival. I've had the privilege of participating in jury panels for Ontario Arts Council grants and am passionate about empowering and enabling diverse youth communities. In 2008, I pioneered the English cell phone novel movement and in 2014, my literary novel, Espresso Love, won a Watty’s Award and reached 1 million reads. I'm the published author of Secondhand Memories, Of Forests & Clocks & Dreams, and Kawatare, as well as having poems in publications like PRISM International, and the honour of various awards.
Some quotes.
“Takatsu is a fascinating writer, musician and illustrator and is at the forefront of transmedia storytelling.” – Rowena Wiseman, author
“You will not likely ever come across a more committed, enthusiastic, passionate, and most importantly, professional, in the field… all details are looked after thoroughly and all parties involved met with kindness and respect… a winning choice.” – Kirby, publisher and proprietor of Knife Fork Book
"I had the pleasure of managing Steve on a major financial services project involving complex developmental challenges and myriad stakeholders for an important account at Fjord and Accenture. The large scale of the project demanded constant creative problem solving to work through shifting requirements which Steve handled with poise as a key designer on the team. Steve executed very well in his role on the project, often under very challenging timing constraints... Steve also showcased excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and a strong ability to collaborate within our design team and cross-functionally with development team members, fostering a positive relationship with our partners that undoubtedly contributed to a smoother running program. Steve is a well-rounded, talented, and good-natured designer who is easy to work with, and I hope to have the pleasure of working with him again." - Justin Kirkey, Service & Interaction Design Lead, Fjord/Accenture
“A young man with an insatiable curiosity and creativity… He has demonstrated an acumen for aligning design execution with design strategy as well as a sensitivity to detail. But despite all these achievements, he is very humble and has expressed a desire to learn.” – Brian Lau, Award-Winning Founder & Principle Designer of Mad Studios
"Eloquently and tactfully ... positively collaborating across myriad stakeholder groups...Of particular note is his ability to maintain a positive attitude while cranking out lightning fast updates." - Program Manager, Fjord/Accenture
“It’s people like him who give hope that the world has a brighter future than one sometimes fears… a tireless and effective communicator, and already has proven to be a source of knowledge and insight for others… the next generation of writers, publicists and designers.” – David Hull, founder of Dumagrad
Some quotes.
“Takatsu is a fascinating writer, musician and illustrator and is at the forefront of transmedia storytelling.” – Rowena Wiseman, author
“You will not likely ever come across a more committed, enthusiastic, passionate, and most importantly, professional, in the field… all details are looked after thoroughly and all parties involved met with kindness and respect… a winning choice.” – Kirby, publisher and proprietor of Knife Fork Book
"I had the pleasure of managing Steve on a major financial services project involving complex developmental challenges and myriad stakeholders for an important account at Fjord and Accenture. The large scale of the project demanded constant creative problem solving to work through shifting requirements which Steve handled with poise as a key designer on the team. Steve executed very well in his role on the project, often under very challenging timing constraints... Steve also showcased excellent communication skills (both written and verbal) and a strong ability to collaborate within our design team and cross-functionally with development team members, fostering a positive relationship with our partners that undoubtedly contributed to a smoother running program. Steve is a well-rounded, talented, and good-natured designer who is easy to work with, and I hope to have the pleasure of working with him again." - Justin Kirkey, Service & Interaction Design Lead, Fjord/Accenture
“A young man with an insatiable curiosity and creativity… He has demonstrated an acumen for aligning design execution with design strategy as well as a sensitivity to detail. But despite all these achievements, he is very humble and has expressed a desire to learn.” – Brian Lau, Award-Winning Founder & Principle Designer of Mad Studios
"Eloquently and tactfully ... positively collaborating across myriad stakeholder groups...Of particular note is his ability to maintain a positive attitude while cranking out lightning fast updates." - TD Program Manager, Fjord/Accenture
“It’s people like him who give hope that the world has a brighter future than one sometimes fears… a tireless and effective communicator, and already has proven to be a source of knowledge and insight for others… the next generation of writers, publicists and designers.” – David Hull, founder of Dumagrad
Design process & numbers.
Whether working in teams or a freelance basis, I aspire to the most thorough, professional, precise, transparent, and effective process, yielding the best mutual understanding and collaborative results for client and designer. Process and teamwork truly makes a difference. A professional designer is a partner you can rely on, to guide you through the steps to success.
See a break down of my process and examples of how project rates and quotes are calculated.
Design process & numbers.
Whether working in teams or a freelance basis, I aspire to the most thorough, professional, precise, transparent, and effective process, yielding the best mutual understanding and collaborative results for client and designer. Process and teamwork truly makes a difference. A professional designer is a partner you can rely on, to guide you through the steps to success.
See a break down of my process and examples of how project rates and quotes are calculated.