Elevator pitch

4:08:54 PM

Meet Leslie Zani — an Art Director and Graphic Designer with a knack for strategy, and a passion for equal parts creative, business and tech. Currently freelancing in Toronto, ON.

Meet Leslie Zani — an Art Director and Graphic Designer with a knack for strategy, and a passion for equal parts creative, business and tech. Currently freelancing in Toronto, ON.

From advertising to television & film, I’m searching for the lightbulb, the ‘aha’ moment, the stroke of genius, and the bright idea. I’m driven by the puzzle pieces, the elusive solution, the intangible target, and the answers unclear. I’m a storyteller, a picture painter, a connector of dots, and a disruptor of norms. I thrive as a collaborator, a team player, a design leader, and a compass in brainstorms. I’m a creative, a designer, a salesman, a writer, a student and teacher, an artist and muse. I seek the truth and the tension, the cultural mention, unlocking the insight and the idea that can’t lose.

Selected Experience

The Challenge

Summer Intern (Finalist)

Cossette

2024 - Summer

Freelance Designer

SALT XC

2025 - Fall

Education

The Challenge

OCAD University

Environmental Design

2017 - 2018

George Brown College

Graphic Design

2019 - 2022

Achievements

Hxouse Tenant - Blxck House Labs

D&AD New Blood Awards, Finalist (2019)

George Brown College (GBC) Dean’s List (2020)

GBC President's Honour Roll (2018-2020)

RGD Student Awards, Top Pick for website design (2019)

GBC Intl' Student Academic Achievement Award (2018, 2019)

Institute Without Boundaries, Design Charrette (2019)

RGD Student Awards, Top Pick for website design (2019)

Cossette Summer BIPOC Internship (Finalist)

Memberships

Arrivals + Departures Mentee (2024-Present)

HXOUSE Tenant (2022-Present)

Where are the Black Designers? (WATBD) (2020-Present)

Provisional RGD (2020-Present)

Student RGD (2018-2020)

RAW Artists Canada (2024)

Clients

Apple TV
Dr.Oetker
Chobani
Epic Games
BMW Canada
BMW Motorrad
MINI
Shoppers Drugmart
McCafe (Cossette)
Stackt Market
Kenya Airways
Fat Bastard Burritos
Instagram (Meta)
The GiftShop
SKIP (fka Skip the Dishes)
Boiler Room
Soho House

Clients

Apple TV
Dr.Oetker
Chobani
Epic Games
BMW Canada
BMW Motorrad
MINI
Shoppers Drugmart
McCafe (Cossette)
Stackt Market
Kenya Airways
Fat Bastard Burritos
Instagram (Meta)
The GiftShop
SKIP (fka Skip the Dishes)
Boiler Room
Soho House

Clients

BMW Canada
Apple TV
Dr. Oetker
Zillow
BMW Motorrad
MINI
Shoppers Drugmart
McCafe (Cossette)
Stackt Market
Kenya Airways
Fat Bastard Burritos
Instagram (Meta)
The GiftShop
SKIP (fka Skip the Dishes)
Boiler Room
Soho House

Services

Graphic Design
Product Design (UX/UI)
Packaging Design
Promotional Collateral
Art Direction
Brand & Creative Strategy
Copywriting
Video Editing
Motion Graphics

What makes me special?

1. I'm not just good with a bunch of apps, I'm a reliable creative resource. Meaning, you name it, weekends, early mornings, late nights, I'm your guy. I'll be there!

2. I bring a fresh, globally informed perspective having navigated a unique path as a Kenyan-born designer who grew up in the UK and currently lives in Toronto.

3. I want to make things that matter with cool people for cool people. I love pushing boundaries, whether it’s mixing cultural influences with contemporary design or working on projects that open up access for marginalized voices in the industry, I'm a mixologist. A people person. And this journey has made me adaptable, culturally aware, and gritty.