Four Cities, Four Vibes: Nordstrom’s Canadian Collection
Nordstrom approached me to help shape the visual identity of their Canadian debut, commissioning a series of illustrated gift cards and tote bags to coincide with the opening of new stores across the country. The goal was to create artwork that felt proudly Canadian –vibrant, place-based, and instantly recognizable – while still reflecting Nordstrom’s clean, contemporary brand.
Each illustration spotlights a different city, captured through its iconic landmarks, natural scenery, and the small cultural details that make Canadian cities feel both big-hearted and distinct:
Toronto
Featuring the unmistakable CN Tower, the TTC streetcar, and a stretch of Queen Street storefronts, the Toronto card celebrates the city’s energy, transit culture, and skyline. Cycling commuters and the city’s Moose art installations weave into the scene, adding a subtle wink of urban Canadiana.
Vancouver
This card highlights Vancouver’s dramatic coastal setting, with the North Shore mountains, SkyTrain, Stanley Park totems, and the city’s year-round rain culture (umbrellas and all). It’s a portrait of West Coast life – modern, outdoorsy, and surrounded by water.
Calgary
Calgary’s design nods to prairie modernism and the city’s evolving identity: the C-Train, the Bow River pathways, downtown’s high-rises, and that distinctly Calgary blend of western heritage meets cosmopolitan momentum. Subtle mountain ranges anchor the horizon.
Ottawa
Showcasing Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the Château Laurier, tulips (a nod to the Tulip Festival), and paddlers on the water, the Ottawa card captures the nation’s capital as both political heart and scenic river city. A beaver cameo ties it firmly into classic Canadiana.
Across the series, the illustrations share a unified palette and visual language—clean lines, bold geometry, and warm, accessible colour stories—while allowing each city’s personality to shine. The final collection was released nationwide as Nordstrom opened stores across Canada in Fall 2014, becoming both a keepsake and a celebration of place.
