Hi, I’m Arielle—a freelance graphic designer specializing in book design and editorial layouts.

Home Base

Vancouver, Canada

Currently

Freelance / Since 2013

Previously In-House at

Ally Global Foundation / Creative Manager / 2019–2025
Veto Agency / Lead Designer / 2019–2021
Colours + Shapes / Graphic Designer / 2015–2019

Ally Global Foundation
Creative Manager / 2019–2025

Veto Agency
Lead Designer / 2019–2021

Colours + Shapes
Graphic Designer / 2015–2019

Before you tell me what’s brought you here, maybe you’d like to know a little about why I’m here.

With 10+ years of experience in the creative industry, I’ve had the opportunity to try my hand at a variety of disciplines. From branding to stage design to marketing campaigns to event production, it’s been a wonderful ride so far. 

I’ve always loved the diversity that comes from being multidisciplinary. But there’s something about book design and typesetting that makes my heart sing a little extra. Bringing the chaos of content into an ordered editorial spread or sifting for key themes in a manuscript and translating them into a captivating cover are where I feel most at home.

My design philosophy could be summarized as this: You shouldn’t have to choose between beauty and clarity.

I think there’s a lot of meaningful content out there that misses its audience due to mediocre presentation. Conversely, there’s a lot of slick-looking design that makes you wade neck-deep through a sea of shapes to figure out what it’s trying to say. Some projects may call for a tipping of the scales in one direction, but I generally try to hold beauty and clarity in a healthy tension.

While book projects are my priority, I’m currently accepting inquiries about any type of design project, and can also offer editing and writing services on a selective basis.

With 10+ years of experience in the creative industry, I’ve had the opportunity to try my hand at a variety of disciplines. From branding to stage design to marketing campaigns to event production, it’s been a wonderful ride so far. 

I’ve always loved the diversity that comes from being multidisciplinary. But there’s something about bringing the chaos of content into an ordered editorial spread or sifting for key themes in a manuscript and translating them into a captivating cover that makes my heart sing a little extra.

My design philosophy could perhaps be summarized as this: You shouldn’t have to choose between beauty and clarity.

I think there’s a lot of meaningful content out there that misses its audience due to mediocre presentation. Conversely, there’s a lot of slick-looking design that makes you wade neck-deep through a sea of shapes to figure out what it’s trying to say. Some projects may call for a tipping of the scales in one direction, but I generally try to hold beauty and clarity in a healthy tension.

While book projects are my priority, I’m currently accepting inquiries about any type of design project, and can also offer editing and writing services on a selective basis.

Mostly Interested in

Book Covers

Book Interiors

Editorial Design

Book Covers
Book Interiors
Editorial Design

But can also help with

Branding

Website Design

Film Title Design

Album Artwork

Creative Direction

Copywriting

Copyediting

Structural Editing

Branding
Website Design
Film Title Design
Album Artwork
Creative Direction
Copywriting
Copyediting
Structural Editing

“Arielle’s eye for design, attention to detail and unique ability to represent complex concepts visually, is remarkable. Working with her is always a joy.”

Chris Price / Author

“From the very beginning, Arielle brought not only her creativity but her heart into our organization. Her design, her writing and her commitment to our mission helped shape who we are.”

Randy Watson / Founder of Ally Global Foundation

“Working with Arielle is such a gift! She brought my book and website to life better than I could have imagined.”

Connor EMeny / Endurance Athlete & Speaker

Wait, were you hoping to learn about what I do in my spare time and how many pets I have?

I didn’t think people actually read that stuff. But sure, I guess I could tell you a few fun facts.

The arts have been a part of my life since I took my first dance class at the age of four. I spent all of my “growing up” years pouring my heart out in the studio and on the stage. Had I been less practically-minded at 18, I probably would have pursued dance as a career. Other favourite memories from adolescence pretty much all exist in either the art classroom or the sewing classroom.

Movement is my lifeline. If I’m not stuck behind a screen for work, I’m likely out hiking, running or at the yoga studio. Otherwise, there’s a good chance you’ll find me hunched over a book at my favourite coffee shop, or wandering an art gallery or used bookstore.

© Arielle Ratzlaff

© Arielle Ratzlaff

© Arielle Ratzlaff