Margaret Issenman


Region: Halifax Nova Scotia
Generation:
Born 1956, Montreal Quebec


Bio

Margaret (Peggy) Issenman, graphic designer,  was born in 1956 in Montreal to Arnold and Betty (nee Kobayashi) Issenman. She lived in Montreal until the age of 16. One year was spent in Edinburgh, Scotland to complete her high school education. In 1974, she began a program in graphic design and visual communication at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD), now known as NSCAD University. In 1977, she completed her studies and received a Bachelor of Design in visual communication. After starting as a junior designer in Montreal in 1977, she gained experience and knowledge while working in advertising and design companies, and government. She opened her own company in 1989 in Halifax, and continues to operate a graphic design company called Peggy & Co. Design Inc.

In her early years as a designer, work had been done using phototypesetting, x-acto knives, and glue. In the 1990s, she embraced the digital revolution and became computer literate, and continues today to keep up with the latest technology that enhances her creativity. She specializes in print materials such as annual reports, books, logos, posters, and infographics with clients across Canada, the UK, and US. She has designed and typeset over 90 books (hard- and soft-covers) for publishers across Canada and the UK. She has also designed two stamps for Canada Post, including first day covers and cancellation mark. The first stamp in 1997 was to commemorate 100 years of the Victorian Order of Nurses for Canada. The second stamp in 2000 was to honour Pauline Vanier and Elizabeth Smellie, and the humanitarian work of women in time of war. This stamp was included in the unique millennium collection.

Over her career, Issenman has received many honours and awards. Recent awards include: honourable mention Canadian Regional Design Awards Legacy Edition (2015), the Progress Women of Excellence Award (Communications/Public Affairs, 2015), presented by the Canadian Progress Club Cornwallis and the Best Atlantic Published Book, Atlantic Book Awards for Grow Organic, Nimbus Publishing (2010.)

Issenman has one daughter, born 1986 in Halifax. Issenman lives, and works, with her partner who is professional photographer, in a century-old house in central Halifax.


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