About - Violet Art and Design

Who’s VAD?

The short: I’m a Canadian creative. I work primarily as a freelance graphic designer, producing print and digital designs for clients. I also paint colourful folk art. I create under the business name Violet Art and Design, located in Alberta.

Michelle Côté

Graphic Designer and Folk Artist

She/her. Art, design, hot drinks, family, dogs, motorcycling, stories, and curiosity.

THE VIOLET SHOP:

Art + Neat-o Goods

If you’d like to browse The Violet Shop, you’ll find original artwork, and products printed with artwork. Products (zipper pouches, scarves, stationery, housewares, accessories and apparel), are sustainably produced by carefully selected Canadian print-on-demand partners.

Go to the Shop

Frequently Asked Q’s:

How long have you been in business?

Violet Art and Design (formerly Violet De Vine Design) was established in Calgary, AB, in 2009.

What services do you provide?

As a graphic designer, I have experience with both print and digital design. Common design projects include:

Logo design and brand development
Document design (annual reports, catalogues, books, manuals)
Marketing material (brochures/flyers)
Restaurant menu and collateral design (tent-cards, coasters, merch)
Product packaging and promotional product design
Stationery design (business cards, envelopes, letterhead etc.)
Digital marketing and social media graphics (Google ads, Facebook/Instagram)
WordPress website design and development (including e-commerce)

What is your Design experience?

My exposure to graphic design and marketing began in 2001, when I worked as a Production Assistant for two members of The Design Group in Calgary, AB.

I have been working professionally as a Graphic Designer since 2007. I started as a Design and Marketing Assistant for Sightline Consulting and in production at Industrial Graphics (a sign shop). As a SAIT student I assisted with layout and design at the WEAL (SAIT Campus Newspaper). After graduation, I went on to work as a Brand Strategist and Art Director for Thirdstream, an agency specializing in digital design. I started freelancing full-time in 2013.

Details, testimonials, and a history of my professional experience can be viewed on LinkedIn.

Do you have an Artist's CV?

I’ve had artwork displayed at the Penny Coffee House, Mocha Cabana (mural), at the She Boutique and Monique’s En 4th during ArtWalk (2017+2019), at the Allied Arts Council, the Spark Disability Arts Festival, the ‘Epic Dermis Art Show’ at Drunken Sailor in 2013, a private show at Casa in 2015 (10x10x52), and at the Trianon show ‘The Figure in Relationship’ in 2018, and ‘Colour & Connections’ at the Trianon in 2023.

In 2016 the Community Foundation commissioned a painting for their 50th Anniversary Giving Together publication cover (this can be viewed on the Artwork page).

Currently I have approximately 80 works in private collections, and have donated several works to charity organizations and private fundraisers for community members.

I also love volunteering for ongoing arts-related events with the Allied Arts Council, where I served a 3-year term on the board from 2014 – 2017. I was also fortunate to serve as volunteer local-artwork curator for The Penny Coffee House Gallery from 2018 to spring 2021.

How do I hire you to work on my project?

Each project is unique, and requires a chat to determine deliverables. Get in touch and I would be glad to provide an estimate! We can adjust deliverables to suit your budget and timelines. I can accommodate ‘rush’ projects, although additional charges apply in these cases. I also offer monthly retainer services, if this is your preference, and can work out an agreement that suits your ongoing needs.

Once your estimate is approved and a deposit is collected, we start the process. I look forward to creating together!

*Typically booking up to two months out for new clients—contact me to discuss your needs and current lead-times.

Do you work with clients outside Alberta?

The majority of the work I do can be performed remotely, so (thanks to the magic of the internet) I can offer services and work with teams globally. Currently I primarily service clients in Canada and the United States.

Do you work with non-profits?

I love working with non-profits. I am glad to work with representatives and/or with a Board of Directors to find solutions that fit within annual budgets, and make recommendations based on the specific needs of an organization. For references from orgs I’ve worked with in the past, don’t hesitate to contact me.

In addition, every year I donate artwork for auction, time and/or funds to charities doing important work. Looking to get involved, volunteer, sign a petition, donate funds, or find out more? Here’s some links to check out:

Do you have employees?

Violet Art and Design currently has only one employee—I am a self-employed freelancer.

As a freelancer I have the flexibilty to work with a variety of clients, on a contract basis. This means I can be hired strictly to provide graphic design services by individuals or businesses, or I can partner with other creatives (freelancers or communications/marketing firms) when a project calls for it. I am fortunate to be connected with talented copywriters, photographers, developers, videographers, artists, marketing and public relations experts. We have your creative requirements covered, and can form the team your project needs.

Do you hire interns?

Depending on what your formal internship requirements are (ie. if working with a freelancer remotely is allowable), we can discuss how to best structure our time together. I love working with new designers and providing mentorship.

Get in touch to discuss details and to determine if working together is a good fit for the outcomes you need.

Bonus Questions:

Is your name Violet?

Violet Art and Design was named for my sweet Great-Grandmother Violet Doucette. She was a talented and adventurous woman that lived bravely and loved fiercely, inspiring her descendants. I hope to laugh as loud (and as often), encourage curiosity, and cultivate the kind of wisdom she shared with our family and those whose lives she touched.

What happened to the 'De Vine' in your name?

Initially Violet De Vine Design was the company name I used as an umbrella for all my side-gigs: crafty rockabilly-themed goods for sale, the occasional photography job and graphic design services. As the business took shape, I shifted my focus to two offerings: freelance graphic design and folk art. In 2013 I began working under the Violet banner full-time, and eventually dropped the ‘De Vine’ since its relevance was linked to a rockabilly-themed product offering.