Michelle Kenny is a designer, an art director, and a conceptual thinker who delivers effective design communications for a diverse range of projects, clients, and media.
Hello! I love using strong visuals and beautiful typography to tell compelling stories in both print and digital forms. I’ve had the pleasure of working on magazine features, books, educational readers, motion design, digital products, branding projects, and environmental installations. I have designed and art directed collateral for brands and organizations such as Cottage Life Magazine, Pearson Education, Hydro One, Toronto Hydro, Cancer Care Ontario, Ontario Home Builders' Association Magazine, and Sheridan College.
I possess a unique education that includes two Bachelor’s degrees, in Design (Hon. BDes from York University/Sheridan College) and previously Science (Hon. B.Sc. from McMaster University). I aim to bring the best practices of each mindset in addressing design briefs, so as to create more robust plans, develop strategies, conduct research, and deliver engaging project results.
My deeply rooted respect and appreciation for the natural environment continues to inspire me in every aspect of design. When I’m not working or learning new skills, you can find me enjoying nature through hiking, swimming, photography, and painting.
Accomplishments
IRMA 2020, Magazine of the Year
October 2020
International Regional Magazine Association
WINNER awarded to Cottage Life for 2020 MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 35,000 or more APR (group award)
IRMA 2019, various awards for Cottage Life
October 2019
International Regional Magazine Association
GOLD awarded for Department: Workshop (by Michelle Kenny and Braden Alexander)
AWARD OF MERIT awarded for Art Direction of a Single Story 35,000 or more APR: Skip the House, Buy the Cottage (by Michelle Kenny and Kim Zagar)
SILVER awarded for Special Focus: The Love Issue (group award)
WINNER awarded for 2019 MAGAZINE OF THE YEAR 35,000 or more APR (group award)
NMA 2019, Best Magazine: Service & Lifestyle
May 2019
National Magazine Awards
GOLD awarded to Cottage Life for Best Magazine: Service & Lifestyle (group award)
BAMMY Award 2019
January 2019
Blue Ant Media
Award in recognition of outstanding achievements in role as Designer for Cottage Life.
Adobe Design Achievement Awards 2015 Semifinalist
July 2015
Adobe and Ico-D
Semifinalist, Category: Packaging, Work Title: Happy Seeds • Urban Gardening Kit for Kids
Semifinalist, Category: Packaging, Work Title: ease-L • Painting Kit
ADM Distinction Award 2010
February 2010
Assistant Deputy Minister of Oceans and Science Sector
Awarded by the Assistant Deputy Minister of Oceans and Science Sector for Excellence in Science Delivery for contribution to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill response, held at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography on February 14, 2011.
2D Juror’s Choice Award
October 2009
Oakville Art Society
Awarded by the Oakville Art Society at the 2009 Juried Art Exhibit for Acrylic Painting: Water Lily at Bouchard Gardens, held at the Oakville Municipal Building on October 2, 2009.