If your business is ready for clearer direction, sharper branding and design that shapes how customers see you, you’re in the right place.
Lori Thompson is a graphic designer and brand strategist — and the founder of Graphic a la Design, an award-winning studio based in Whitby, Ontario, Canada. built on one belief: design should perform, not just impress.
A few things upfront
Most businesses don’t struggle because of effort. They struggle because of direction.
Lori Thompson works closely with business owners to solve real branding, website and marketing challenges — grounded in marketing psychology, brand perception and a deep understanding of what drives consumer behaviour. Her work has contributed to the success of local businesses and internationally recognized brands alike. Wherever you’re located, projects move forward clearly and efficiently.
Education, Experience and Perspective
Lori Thompson’s approach is shaped by credentials that are rare in this industry.
She studied Visual Merchandising at Seneca College, graduated with honours from the Graphic Design program at Durham College, and completed the Technological Education Program at Queen’s University, Faculty of Education. She holds a Specialist in Technological Education, with additional qualifications from the University of Toronto and York University.
That foundation — combined with decades of real-world client work — means every project is informed by both strategic thinking and proven design principles. The result: design that doesn’t just look credible. It earns it.
Great work is rarely created alone — and never by accident. Over the years, Lori Thompson has built a small but highly trusted team of professionals who bring specialized expertise to every project. Together, they help ensure Graphic a la Design delivers thoughtful design solutions that support the success of every client we work with.
Dani keeps the studio running smoothly — focused, self-motivated and detail-oriented, she ensures quotes are sent, supplies are stocked and files are ready for our bookkeeper, Delores.
Our enthusiastic Cavapoo is ready to greet clients with a warm tail wag and an infectious smile. His job is to make everyone feel welcome as soon as they step through our doors!
Julie brings a genuine love of art to the studio — with a background in painting, collage and photography, she has a natural eye for detail and executes design work with care and consistency.
Ana has a passion for illustration, photography, animation and cartooning — and a love of reading and writing that brings a thoughtful communicator’s eye to her creative work.
Monica brings clarity and cultural accuracy to every translation — delivering precise English-to-French translations tailored for the Canadian market across general business and marketing needs. Spanish translation is also available.
Our camera-shy bookkeeper loves numbers and “the books.” She stays on top of the accounts, ensuring everything behind the scenes is running smoothly.
Trusted referrals are never given lightly. Every professional listed here has earned their place — not through commission or compensation of any kind, but through years of looking after Graphic a la Design clients with care and consistency. We’re always happy to personally introduce you. That said, you are always welcome to work with the printer, photographer or professional of your choice. These are simply a few of our favourites.
Dave Golding and the team at Allegra Pickering handle print production for Graphic a la Design clients. Lori prepares all print-ready files to their exact specifications — making the handoff seamless. Dave works directly with you on quantities, pickup and payment.
John O’Connell supplies branded apparel and promotional swag for Graphic a la Design clients. John provides the specs, Lori creates the artwork, and your finished merchandise ships directly to you — a straightforward process from concept to delivery.
Kirsten McGoey has photographed many Graphic a la Design clients over the years. Kirsten handles the shoot, you receive your final images, and Lori takes it from there — ready for use in your print or digital designs without missing a beat.
PCK IP is a team of IP lawyers, patent agents and trademark agents who help innovators protect their intellectual property — including patents, trademarks and trade secrets. They have assisted several Graphic a la Design clients with trademark guidance for both national and international branding projects. If you need IP support, Lori is happy to make a personal introduction.
