about my work

Cultivate positive change.

I believe that designers have an opportunity and responsibility to make a positive impact in our communities and globally, including taking urgent action on the climate emergency. That’s why I work with organizations and small businesses to make a stronger positive impact through design that engages audiences and enhances credibility. I get excited by the successes of my clients in increasing engagement and tackling the challenging issues of our time.

I have a deep understanding of the ENGO sector: since 2008, I’ve worked with Canadian non-profits on a wide range of campaigns and websites. This includes four years on staff at David Suzuki Foundation, where I designed and built a successful new website, fostered brand consistency across digital and print material, and increased online donations and engagement. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with local and national non-profits on environmental and social justice issues (see client list below) including climate change, conservation, democracy and food security.

As a designer and front-end developer for over 15 years, I have a rare combination of expertise. I bring a commitment to user experience, accessibility and best practices in both design and code. This means websites that are easy and painless to visit and maintain, helping you focus on your outreach and storytelling.

How I can help you amplify your work making change happen? Send me an email to hello@erikarathje.ca with your project details and we’ll take it from there.

Services and expertise

  • Graphic design
  • Website design
  • Website development with WordPress
  • Digital assets including email templates, presentations and social media graphics
  • Infographics/data visualization
  • Branding
  • Semi-fluency in French

View work

stand

Erika is my go-to when I need a compelling design. She is wonderful to work with, and her communications skills are top notch. Her experience in the environmental sector is hugely beneficial. I can’t wait to work with her again!

Tegan Hansen, Forest Campaigner, Stand.earth

tony slide

A veteran campaigner commented that our print materials were “among the best in Metro Vancouver”. More importantly: we won. This is because our message described through Erika’s work resonated with the public.

Councillor Tony Valente, City of North Vancouver

DSF slide

Erika was a pleasure to work with. The report she designed was a top-notch product with an aesthetic that far exceeded our expectations. I highly recommend Erika in her multi-faceted design expertise.

Alaya Boisvert, Public Engagement Manager, David Suzuki Foundation

dogwood-slide

Erika is wonderful to work with. She understands all aspects of our campaigns — from knocking on doors to writing code — so she instantly understands how each project fits into the bigger picture.

Kai Nagata, Communications Director, Dogwood

BCAFM

We’ve worked with Erika on several projects and it’s been really great. She takes the time to get to know us and our audience, and pays attention to our needs and feedback.

BC Association of Farmers’ Markets

Light House

We hired Erika to refresh Light House’s website. We are thrilled with the results and would not hesitate to recommend her to another organisation looking for web design services.

Light House Sustainable Building Centre

OpenMedia

I was really impressed with how she dug into our ambitious project with enthusiasm and a curiosity that helped us to refine our goals and tell a clear story with the design.

Meghan Sali, Digital Rights Specialist, OpenMedia

ACT

The process would not have been as smooth if it weren’t for Erika’s clear communication of the concept and functionality of the site. She understood what we wanted and why and presented ways to achieve our goals.

Karen Pighin, The ACT Arts Centre

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credentials

BDes from Emily Carr University of Art + Design. CDP™ Certified member of Design Professionals of Canada

why i do this

I want to see a healthier, more just and sustainable world that acts urgently on climate change and leaves no one behind. I have a wide variety of interests, from local food to active transportation, and feel that as a designer, I can create the most change by helping others succeed in these areas. I also walk the talk: in 2015, my zero-waste lifestyle and tips were profiled in Natural Health magazine. Learn more about my “why” »

who i’ve worked with

  • Affinity Bridge
  • BC Association of Farmers’ Markets
  • BC Cycling Coalition
  • BC Mining Law Reform Network
  • BC Libraries Cooperative
  • Boldt Communications
  • Columbia Institute
  • Dasiqox Tribal Park Initiative
  • David Suzuki Foundation
  • Dogwood
  • EcoAnalytics
  • Exchange Inner City
  • Frack Free BC coalition
  • Green Budget Coalition
  • Islands Trust
  • Islands Trust Conservancy
  • Leadnow
  • Let’s Go Biking
  • LOCO BC
  • My Climate Plan
  • NRDC
  • Northern Confluence
  • OpenMedia
  • Point Blank Creative
  • Potluck Cafe Society/Knack
  • Recycling Alternative
  • Serious Otters
  • Shift Delivery
  • Stand.earth
  • The Tyee
  • Tony Valente, Councillor
  • Tsleil-Waututh Nation
  • Vancouver Public Space Network
  • West Coast Environmental Law
Deep Cove

about erika

I grew up surrounded by nature in beautiful Deep Cove, North Vancouver, unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and səlilwətaɬ Nations. I have a great love for trees, good tea, and dark chocolate. I enjoy cycling, growing my own food and making things from scratch. You’ll often find me in the forest and the ocean. Yes, I’m a nerd and a treehugger. I also co-founded a community-based urban agriculture project called Roundabout Urban Gardens.