Yes, creating 'the big idea.'
ABOUT ME
CV & RESUME
On the creative side.
I design, art direct, write and execute print & web material from original creative concept to completion; supervise pre to post production, direct photography, steer social media and have written miles of copy and a slew of great headlines over the years. I manage studio staff; work directly with freelance photographers, artists, writers, and translators throughout the production process from A to Z.
On marketing, media & client servicing.
I research, identify and address the ideal target market, develop a media mix of digital content, web visibility and traditional advertising, as well as oversee budget recommendations and distribution.
'In addition, I'm a stellar public speaker with outstanding creative and marketing presentation skills.'
In recent years, I partnered in the operation of a successful ad agency: fine-tuning creative, art and copy direction, hands-on client servicing, business management and operating skills. Today, I’m flying solo at full throttle and ready for a challenge. I'm an experienced marketing, ad agency and studio professional; a multi-media, multi-talented, multi-tasking creative mover on the go, and with the right fit, I’ll be happy to make a stop.
PROFILE & CORE COMPETENCIES
Multimedia professional, excellent communication and presentation skills. Original creative concept development of multi media traditional and digital platforms. Retail, commercial, national and trade adaptation for multiple markets and languages. Pre & post production services online, print, broadcast. Published author Grace & The Ice Prince
Lifestyle, fashion, hospitality, food, B2B, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, merchandising, brand identity, brand name creation, packaging and logo design.
Multiple project management, deadline driven, team player/motivator.
Adobe Creative Suite • Microsoft Office • English • French
EDUCATION
Concordia University BFA Graphic Design Major/Photography Minor
Dawson College D.E.C Creative Arts
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
2017 - present Joyce Laird Creative Communication
1992 - 2016 Co-owner and Creative Director @ The CooperScharf Advertising Agency, Montréal
1986 -91 Creative Associate/Senior Art Director @ Grey Canada, Montréal
PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS & AWARDS
Coq d’Or de la publicité française • New York International Advertising Festival • London International Advertising Festival • Art Direction Magazine • Newspaper Advertising Bureau-Ad of the Year • The Best of the Eighties • The Festival of Canadian Fashion • MAC Cosmetics Award • Mediacom L’affiche de bronze
RECOMMENDATIONS/REFERENCES
AUTHOR PRESENTATIONS/WORKSHOPS/REVIEWS
VOLUNTEER & COMMUNITY SERVICES
HOBBIEST & INTERESTS
J.L.SCHARF School & Library Appearances
The Study • Solomon Schecter Academy • JPPS • Shaare Zion • Merton Elementary • Edinburgh Elementary school • Miss Edgar's & Miss Cramps's Private School • McDonald High School • Laurentian Regional High School • Royal West Academy Library • Eleanor London Library • Montreal Children's Library • Dollard-des-Ormeaux Public Library • Montreal West Children's Library
J.L. Scharf, author of books for young adults, recently visited the Royal West Library to speak to several Secondary 1 English classes. She talked about her first novel, Grace and the Ice Prince, a fantasy inspired by the ice storm of 1998. Ms. Scharf described the process of writing a book and how difficult it was to get her book published. The author then read and discussed a passage from her book. In addition, Ms. Scharf shared her plans for a trilogy. Ms. Scharf and the students discussed their reading preferences. The students enjoyed having the opportunity to ask an author questions about writing a book. During the entire presentation, all the students, without exception, were very attentive. They were impressed by the visiting author and enjoyed hearing about the process of writing and publishing a book. Ms. Scharf held the interest of the students from start to finish. She did not speak down to them; something that I’m sure was greatly appreciated. Her presentation consisted of speaking to the audience, reading her book and allowing plenty of time for discussion. Ms. Scharf definitely inspired many students to write and to think about becoming authors themselves.
J.L.SCHARF Workshops
Young Author"s Workshop, A Guide to Writing Fairy Tales: Blue Metropolis Literary Festival
J.L. Scharf presented her story “Grace and the Ice Prince” at the Jewish Public Library as part of the
first Blue Metropolis Children’s Festival and Joyce was a superb choice for the start of the new venture. Joyce held the attention of the close to 300 elementary school children for a long time. They were riveted to their seats and hung onto every word. Joyce was very well prepared and highly animated. Joyce was an excellent speaker who encouraged the children to think. The children asked many questions after the talk. The caliber of the questions was excellent, due mostly to the tone and content of Joyce’s session.
Penny Fransblow, Head Librarian
THE WRITER'S UNION OF CANADA National Council Quebec Regional Representative
The Writers’ Union of Canada, TWUC, is the national organization of professionally published book authors that supports its members and advocates on their behalf for the advancement of their common interests and promote the rights, freedoms, and economic well being of all writers.
YESOUICANSCAIP Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers
The Montreal chapter of CANSCAIP a member-supported not-for-profit organization for children’s authors, illustrators and performers as well as librarians, teachers, publishers, editors, parents and journalists.
GIRL'S NIGHT OUT COMMITTEE Norman Bethune Children's Library
Girl’s Night Out is an annual fundraising event for the Children’s Library. Authors are invited to share their writing experiences with interested girls, aged 9-12 years, and library members. Volunteers are responsible for attracting and securing sponsors for donations, gift certificates and prizes as well as coordinating the evening’s event.
ROYAL WEST ACADEMY FOUNDATION
The RWA Foundation is a volunteer parent fundraising committee mandated to develop funding for school capital improvement projects.
MEALS ON WHEELS Town of Montreal West
As a team member of volunteers, I prepared home cooked meals ready for delivery to the homes of seniors.
"I’ve worked with Joyce many, many times over the years. She has produced some incredibly sharp and enduring campaigns for our company. However complicated, she's someone I would trust to get an exceptional job done every time."
DARREN NAIMER Vice President, Union Luminaire et Décor
