Mathew Laverty's Creative Professional Bio

Muskoka-based creative with 25+ years in web design/development, UI design, graphics, motion, SEO, and marketing. I craft standout, high-performing websites and strategies that drive results. Explore my background — download my resume here.

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25+ Years Crafting Unique Creative Experiences

I am a Canadian Graphic, Web, UI & Motion Graphics Designer + Developer with Strategic SEO expertise, based in Muskoka, Ontario. With 25 years of experience in the creative industry, I specialize in crafting easy-to-manage websites that clients can update independently—no HTML or CSS required. My work blends technical precision with storytelling, ensuring sites are visually compelling, mobile-friendly, and optimized for search engines.

I live to be creative, treating code like art to unlock infinite web possibilities, from responsive animations to seamless user journeys. My current skills include semantic HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript (with jQuery and support for React), PHP, WordPress, UI/UX design systems for intuitive interactions, and motion graphics for dynamic engagement. This passion drives me to build high-performing sites across all devices.

With 15 years in online design, 12 in development, and a 26-year foundation in graphic design, I returned to school in 2011 to refine my skills, which led to freelance work and roles such as Creative Director at a Muskoka agency (2023-2024). I collaborate closely with clients—from McKinsey to local businesses—to deliver stylish, on-budget websites via clear communication and best practices. Clients value my quick responses, stress-free projects, and results like unified branding and self-editable platforms.

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Web Skills

Responsive Web Design

100

HTML5

100

CSS

95

Javascript & jQuery

85

PHP

85

WordPress

90

SEO & Social Media Marketing

90

UI Design

90

Information Architecture

95

React

70

Experience

  • Freelance Web Designer & Developer

    2008 - Present
    • Architect pixel-perfect WordPress, Shopify, and Squarespace sites that captivate and convert with seamless UX magic.
    • Whip up unforgettable graphics, emails, and social content that spark engagement and linger in minds.
    • Fuse design systems with pop-ups, forms, and lead-gen features for brands that pop off the screen.

  • Freelance Graphic Designer

    2001 - Present
    • Architect pixel-perfect print graphics, brochures, and packaging that captivate on the page and convert with tactile UX magic.
    • Whip up unforgettable posters, flyers, and business cards that spark inquiries, engagement, and linger in hands and minds.
    • Fuse brand systems with die-cuts, foils, and print finishes for collateral that pops off the press and dominates displays.

  • Creative Director + Graphic Designer + Web Developer

    Oct 2023 - May 2024
    • Steered high-stakes creative visions for clients, turning concepts into show-stopping realities.
    • Served as the sparkle-spinning client whisperer, aligning ideas with strategic wins.
    • Orchestrated end-to-end creative journeys, from brainstorm to brilliance.

    Well Known Marketing & Advertising Agency, Muskoka, ON, Canada

  • Graphic Designer + Content Creator + Web Developer

    May 2023 - Oct 2023
    • Crafted irresistible social posts, emails, ads, banners, swag, catalogs, and look books across print and digital.
    • Powered Google and social campaigns with eye-candy digital assets that drive clicks.
    • Locked in design standards on Squarespace, WordPress, Shopify, and HubSpot, plus smart site features like forms and pop-ups.

    Well Known Marketing & Advertising Agency, Muskoka, ON, Canada

  • UI Designer/Web Designer & Developer

    March 2018 - October 2020
    • Dreamed up wireframes and hi-fi prototypes for a game-changing LMS, pitching via slick animated videos.
    • Distilled UX research into pixel-push perfection, guiding dev teams to flawless execution.
    • Pioneered bold UI concepts that made learning magnetic and memorable.

    McKinsey & Company, United States

  • Senior Multimedia Specialist

    February 2016 - December 2017
    • Built mobile-first branded LMS pages with wireframes and interactive hi-fi prototypes.
    • Delivered UX mastery for a major learning platform, blending form and function seamlessly.

    Conduent (formerly Xerox Business Services), United States

  • Senior Multimedia Specialist

    July to August 2016 | Contracted to Apple in Cupertino, California, United States
    • Engineered responsive websites, motion graphics, and an iPhone/Apple Watch customer service emulator using Apple's XML framework.
    Xerox (Business Services), United States

  • Digital Marketing Strategist

    September 2014 - December 2015
    • Turbocharged SEO via SaaS wizardry, alongside web design, dev, and digital campaigns that ranked and roared.

    gShift (now Mintent), Barrie, Ontario, Canada

  • Intermediate Graphic Designer

    2006 - 2011
    • Designed marketing collateral and email blasts that hooked audiences and boosted buzz.

    Grand & Toy, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • Composition Artist

    2001 - 2004
    • Vectorized logos from blurry JPGs into print-ready masterpieces.
    • Conjured custom flags and screen-print artwork that waved with wow-factor precision.

    Flags Unlimited, Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Professional Skills

Creative imagination

Super organized

Extremely detail-oriented

Highly productive time management

Strong communication skills

Current computer expertise

Excellent teamwork

Eager to learn

Projects

  • Frontend Web Developer for customer service iPhone & Watch emulator

    July 2016 - August 2016

    Apple, Cupertino, California, United States

Education

  • 2 Year Diploma :: Web Design & Development with Honours

    Sep 2012 - May 2014

    Georgian College, Barrie, Ontario, Canada

  • 1 Year Post Grad :: Visual Effects for Film & Television

    Sep 2004 - May 2005

    Seneca@York, Seneca College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • 3 Year Diploma :: Graphic Design with Honours

    Sep 2000 - May 2003

    Georgian College, Barrie, Ontario, Canada

Software & Technology

  • Sketch
  • Invision
  • Adobe Creative Cloud (including After Effects)
  • Learning Management Systems (LMS)
  • Content Management Systems (CMS)
  • Model, View, Controller (MVC)
  • eCommerce
  • macOS
  • Windows
  • Microsoft Office

Design

  • Marketing Collateral
  • Web Design
  • Branding
  • Social Presence Optimization
  • Video Animation/Editing
  • Responsive eMails
  • Corporate ID/Logos
  • Stationery
  • Business Cards
  • Posters
  • Brochures
  • Direct Mailers
  • Annual Reports
  • Editorial Design
  • Newsletters
  • Advertisements

Volunteer Work

  • Muskoka Conservancy

    2017

    muskokaconservancy.org

  • COPE Service Dogs

    2016

    copedogs.org

Awards

  • Gold Award for Innovation in the Learning Space (voted by Senior Partners of the Firm)

    2019

    Role: McKinsey & Company | UI/UX Web Designer/Developer

  • NETGain MVP Developer Award

    2014

    Role: Graduating Student | Most improved developer of my class.

Looking to hire me?

I am a highly experienced creative professional specializing in web design, UI/UX, graphic design, motion graphics, and marketing, with 25 years of expertise. I emphasize storytelling through design, blending technical precision with creativity, and value communication, organization, and continuous learning. My background includes leadership roles, freelance work, and collaborations with top firms like McKinsey, showcasing a versatile, detail-oriented approach.

Download my Cover Letter + Resume below!

Download

Reviews

Mathew really educated me

Mathew has helped Marsys Inc. come to life online. We now use the website as an ordering tool which has really simplified our ordering experience and dealing with customers. The next step in the works is a full e-Commerce solution. Can't wait to see the result!


Stellar work!

I'm 100% satisfied with the work that Mathew has done for me over the years. The latest version of my website has all the functionality that I needed, and it looks stellar... Thanks for doing such great work! You were and will continue to be a pleasure to work with. Cheers


One stop shop here...

Mathew really helped bring my dreams to reality. Starting up a business is never easy and he really knows what it takes to hit the ground running.


Above and Beyond

Mathew’s easy to work with attitude made creating a website seem stress free. His dedication to this project was shown in his quick response times and the willingness/ease with which he followed our guidelines and style preferences. In addition to his wonderful customer service, his knowledge of industry best practices and trends helped guide us throughout the entire process. He tirelessly worked above and beyond what was expected to make our website truly amazing. I would recommend Mathew in a heartbeat.


A Pleasure to Work With

Mathew was amazing to work with as he helped me take my website to the next level. Helping me match it to the growth that my business had taken. He went out of his way to make sure my website would work on all platforms as I always hate sites that don’t work on my phone, and lets face it we all shop on our phones now days. I could not be happier with the end product. He even made it easier for me to go in and edit things myself so I can add new product quickly and easily as it becomes available.


Super Talented!

Mathew is a very talented man. His passion for design really inspires me when we work together on a new piece of collateral. I trust in his expertise to bring to life a great final piece of work.


Super happy with the outcome!

Mathew captured my requests perfectly. I am extremely happy with the work he did on my site. It's great to have a site that works on desktop, tablet and mobile! I am also able to edit the content myself which is a great asset to me.


Professional all the way

Mathew created something truly unique for that that captured the look and feel I was asking for. Great job!


So Creative!

Mathew is a very talented man. His passion for design really inspires me when we work together on a new piece of collateral. I trust in his expertise to bring to life a great final piece of work.


Mathew is Awesome

Mathew originally did my logo and business cards for me 4 years ago when I started my business. I was in love with them and frankly still am. However as all business do my business has grown over the years and it has come time for an upgrade. Mathew was there for me every step of the way, making sure my new business cards would match my website and facebook creating a unified brand across the board. He was always quick with answers when I had questions and was quick to make any adjustments I needed. Absolutely amazing to work with.


Creative Genius

Mathew really captured the movement of water for my pool site. It really resonates with our customers.


Fast and Great!

Mathew had complete creative freedom on this project and we absolutely loved what he came up with. We will definitely use him again.


Superb service!

Mathew and I go way back. When we were working together I was very impressed with his level of professionalism. Great results!


Talented Young Man

Mathew is a very talented young man. We found him through word of mouth and he certainly delivered a polished menu and wine list.


Great Creative Professional

You really nailed it on the head with the logo and business card that you did for me. You really understood what I wanted when I asked for professional, and polished.


A great Senior Creative Professional

I've been working with Mathew for about 10 years now. Not only is he super talented, but he's humble and easy to talk to. He listens, sets expectations, and executes beautiful creative work every time.


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