About

Backyard Creative is a boutique graphic design studio operating on the inherent belief that high-quality design can effect positive change in our communities.

We believe good design not only communicates efficiently and embodies the craft of design, but also considers its environmental, social, economic and cultural impacts (otherwise known as the 4-pillars of sustainability). As localists, we believe change starts in our own “backyard”.

Backyard Creative was established in 2007 in Vancouver, BC, by Lisa Hemingway, a seasoned creative strategist and graphic designer. After working in more traditional workplaces, Lisa wanted to lead her own company using a different kind of business model — one that would attract a team of like-minded creatives to contribute to projects while maintaining their autonomy, and allow Backyard Creative to flex and meet clients’ diverse requirements.

We’re also proud members of 1% for the Planet donating 1% of revenues annually to values-aligned BC-based non-profit organizations working to improve our world.

Please connect if you’d like to collaborate!

Backyard Creative’s Focus (AKA “Ethical Filter”)

To stay focused on what matters most, we have expanded on our definition of sustainability and the core values that keep us motivated:

  • Authenticity

    We believe in communicating transparently, and in creating design that communicates genuine messages — no greenwashing. We work with individuals and companies who honestly want to improve our world.

  • Community

    It excites us to contribute to our local community. By keeping our work local, we feel and see the benefits of our efforts. We love connecting people and take pride in building upon our own networks.

  • Nature

    In true West Coast style, we’re inspired by the balance within nature, and similarly value balance in our personal lives. As such, projects focused on environmental conservation and education are of particular interest to us.

  • Innovation

    We enjoy the challenge of using our imaginations to visually translate and communicate new ideas. Exploring both the big picture and the small details, and the “why” behind our projects, gets us excited about working through design problems.