Born in Karachi, Raafia Jessa grew up in Toronto, obtained a BFA in Graphic Design at the University of Houston, currently lives between Venice and Siracusa, Italy working as a remote, freelance Visual Designer.
Her work is multi-disciplinary and extends into a variety of mediums including branding and product development, app and web design, environmental graphics, art installations, typography, calligraphy as well as photography.
She is the recipient of multiple awards, including an SEGD Global Design Honor Award, and has been featured in publications and exhibitions internationally.
EXHIBITIONS & INSTALLATIONS
Myths & Legends, Agriturismo Stallaini,
Noto | August 2021
Myths & Legends, Agriturismo Stallaini,
Noto | August 2020
(Mus)interpreted, Artscape Youngplace
Toronto | November 2018
Through Lines, Koffler Art Gallery
Toronto | September 2018
Not Here Nor there, The Foundry
London | July 2018
Glitch, Artscape Youngplace
Toronto | July 2018
(permanent Installation)
Mother Tongue, Varley Art Gallery
Toronto | May 2017
Pursuit of the Extraordinary, Valenti School of Communication
Houston | November 2016
(permanent installation)
(Mus)interpreted, Daniels Spectrum
Toronto | October 2016
Typo Berlin, House of World Cultures
Berlin | June 2016
NYCxDESIGN, South Street Seaport
New York | May 2016
20 Degrees, Midtown Arts & Theater Center
Houston | May 2016
900, Third Space Gallery
Houston, February 2016
En|Gulf, Third Space Gallery
Houston, December 2015
INTER, Winter Street Studios
Houston | May 2015
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Alphabettes Header and Mentorship, 2020/2021
Ontario Association of Art Gallery, Exhibition of the Year Short List for Mother Tongue, Varley Art Gallery of Markham, 2018
Speaker at Markham PK15, 2017
2017 SEGD Global Design Honor award for En|Gulf, Eco-poetics of the Gulf & Bay
Valenti School of Communication Mural Competition & Installation
45 Symbols Exhibition and Global Publication
Identity, branding and book cover design for En|Gulf, Eco-poetics of the Gulf & Bay
CAPABILITIES
DESIGN
Experienced in UI Design, Design Systems, Branding, Print & Web Design, Illustration, Exhibition Layout, Information & Motion Graphics
Technical
• Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite
• Proficient with Sketch and Figma
• Skilled with SquareSpace & Word Press
• Experience with HTML & CSS
• Skilled with Microsoft Office Suite
• Skilled with Letterpress, Silkscreen & Vinyl
• Experience with Exhibition Installation & Fabrication
• Photo Studio Experience
• Fluent in English, Urdu, Hindi & Italian