Thoughtful Design & wholehearted collaboration

About Me

As someone who has always been deeply empathic, I was often told I was “too sensitive” as a kid. Over time, I learned that sensitivity was what allowed me to listen deeply and work with words & visuals to transform emotion into compelling storytelling.

Equipped with a BA in Communications and over a decade of experience in marketing, design, product, and communications, I’ve consistently delivered work grounded in insight and designed to grow with my clients’ needs.

I’ve worked across industries ranging from tech and government to live entertainment and tourism, owning the marketing function end-to-end and crafting strategies while pushing pixels and writing copy - often creating my own job descriptions along the way.

I work to help you connect with your community in a way that feels authentic, ensuring your key messages truly land.

If you're looking for a designer with a versatile background, a collaborative spirit, and a heart-forward approach, I’m eager to meet you!

Let's Connect!

CAPABILITIES

Branding
Strategy
Design
Logos
Websites
Reports and documents
Newsletters
Business Cards, flyers, posters, brochures
Promotional campaigns
Signage
Advertising
Illustrations
Social media
Event design

Past Clients

BC Pensions
Cowichan Tribes
We Work Remotely
Instant Domains
Designer News
Freshgigs.ca
Unicornhunt.io
The Truffles Group
Cascadia Liquor
Victoria Butterfly Gardens
Truffles Catering
Sequoia Coffee
Canoe Brewpub (RIP)
Atomique Productions (RIP)
Rifflandia Festival
The Phillips Backyard Weekender
Rock the Shores
Amelia Artists
& more

Why Me?

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Why Me? *

1. I value human-centred collaboration
You’re not a checklist to me. I care about our interactions, the work you bring into the world, and how we approach it together.

2. I listen deeply and observe first
The best work comes from curiosity and asking the right questions. I look for untapped insights and hidden gems beneath the surface.

3. I think strategically from start to finish
I stay intentional at every stage. Are we aligned? Are we prioritizing effectively? Will this work evolve with you and your organization?

4. I prioritize my health and wellness
Late-stage capitalism is exhausting. After a few cycles of burnout, I’ve learned that my business is nothing without my health. I’ve created a well of resources that lets me show up fully and authentically.

5. I bring versatile expertise

I work across marketing, design, and communications with agility. I can hover at a bird’s-eye view or dive into the details, ensuring smoother workflows and strong brand alignment.

  • “It was as if we had hired not only an adept digital designer, but also a healer, a psychologist, a cultural edge setter, an artist, a writer, and, above all, an ally.”

    – Jennifer Socey, Grateful Trees and Bees

  • “Justine has this incredible talent for bringing out people’s authenticity, putting into words what we don’t know how to explain, and truly seeing people for who they are.

    If anyone is looking for help with branding, copy, or web design, I cannot recommend Justine enough.”

    – Lauren Alexandra

  • "I've been fortunate enough to work with Justine for a number of years; she's a wonderful person and a true professional - not only in the quality of her work but the way she conducts herself, manages projects and is constantly learning and improving. I'd love to work with Justine again and would recommend her to anyone looking for thoughtful, high-quality design work.”

    — Matt H, Founder CEO, Align

  • “Justine is one of those unicorns who can build strong relationships with people, while also building incredible digital products. She has a keen eye for design and can produce beautiful things quickly and collaboratively - which is not an easy task. Justine is a people and thought leader, who would be a stellar addition to any company. I would recommend her again and again.”

    — Erin Richards, Manager of Writing & Content Strategy, BC Government

  • “Any company would be lucky to have Justine. She goes above and beyond in her work, taking pride in everything that she does. She’s always looking to improve things and she cares deeply about her fellow employees. This shows in how she approaches teamwork.”

    — Asim, People Ops Lead, sherpaº

  • “I want to recommend Justine Shu as designer, project manager, and collaborator. She is thoughtful and clear in her communication. Her response to feedback is exactly what you would hope for - receptive, responsive and creative. Justine consistently amazed me by creating material that was so much more than I had imagined was possible. She has an artist's eye and incredible technical skill. I loved working with Justine, and would happily do so again.”

    — Sage Goode, Healer, Priestess, and Teacher

  • “The business is going really really well and clients like the graphic design. I have enjoyed the professionalism Justine’s graphic design has brought to my company.”

    — Byron Rotgans, Founder, Munro Engineering