We are a marketing communications + graphic design studio that specializes in brand development, web design, and visual storytelling.

Boldfish Creative serves as the virtual storefront for freelance designer and marketer, Alison Harwood (that’s me). With most clients, I wear the hats of project manager, strategist, and lead designer. When larger projects require a larger team, Boldfish Creative swells to include other creative professionals including other designers, web programmers, and video production artists.

What does this mean for my client base? It means unparalleled focus, flexibility, and attention-to-detail in telling your company’s story. Which is a good thing…

owner profile: alison harwood

After graduating from Mount Allison University with Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing), I gained much of my early marketing and communications experience in the tourism marketing sector.

Following my passion for creativity, I received my Graphic Design Certificate in 2011, earning two design awards for excellence along the way.

Over the last decade, I’ve been working under the banner of Boldfish Creative, where I combine my marketing know-how and creative talents to produce innovative and effective design and communications solutions for my clients.

Oh yes – and I love what I do!

design philosophy

My design philosophy is simple. Literally! I believe that the key to good design is to strip away the unnecessary clutter to produce a clean, clear, aesthetic message… your message.

I also believe that “good design is good business” as Thomas Watson of IBM famously said back in the 1950s. So true Thomas, so true.

client testimonials

  • Working with Alison was a complete breeze. Her creativity, passion and professionalism made a daunting project enjoyable. Every element included on the website was carefully thought through and intentionally chosen to ensure the best user experience possible. Alison provided essential guidance and knowledge throughout the process that created an outcome that we couldn't be happier with. We would jump at the opportunity to work with Alison again.

    - Sarah Gray, Communications Coordinator | District of Tofino

  • Alison Harwood at Boldfish Creative nailed the creative brief for a challenging project. She was able to interpret the multifaceted needs of a large project and created a logo and set of graphics that reflected the needs of the audience. Ali is able to distill the essence of the creative brief and come up with unique designs that best represent the needs of the target audience and the project. Her work is innovative and professional looking. And she is able to deliver on time and budget. I would gladly recommend Boldfish Creative again as it was enjoyable working with someone who was not only professional but easy to work with.

    - Carolyn Levy, Principal | Blank Design

  • I have worked with Alison Harwood in several different capacities over the years and she has always impressed me. Most recently, as Board Member with Tourism Golden, we hired Ali as a consultant to help provide support and strategic direction. Alison was a huge asset to the organization and really helped us get on track when we were in a bind. She is professional, organized, thinks strategically and is effectively able to design and implement strong marketing programs in the DMO setting.

    - Michael Dalzell, Board of Directors (2010) | Tourism Golden

  • Ali consulted on the Hope, BC branding project. She proved invaluable to both the Branding Committee but also the community-at-large for the excellent results produced. She undertook considerable research, consulted with other branding specialists and arranged public stakeholder consultations. Ali was energetic and creative throughout the project.

    - John Fortoloczky, CAO | District of Hope

  • Alison worked closely with me to develop a Program Information Booklet the the Wilderness Leadership Certificate. I came to her with barely an idea of what I was looking for, and she worked with us to find a solution that worked for us - both functionally and financially. In all aspects of the contract - from design, delivery, and follow-up, she proved reliable, personable, professional, as well as producing quality work.

    - Don Webster, AWLP Convenor | Capilano University (Squamish)