A picture of Nova Scotia Graphic Designer Tara Joy Andrews

Halifax Graphic Design,
Brand Strategy Services, and Book Design

I help entrepreneurs, authors, and creative business owners build clear, professional brands, design self-published books, and create websites that feel aligned, strategic, and easy to trust. With experience across print, editorial, software, and web design, I bring both creativity and structure to every project.

Design That Balances Strategy and Creativity

Great design isn’t just about how things look — it’s about how they work.

My background spans editorial print design, software and usability, and web design, giving me a unique perspective on how people actually interact with brands, websites, and books. This balance of analytical thinking and creative problem-solving allows me to design with clarity, intention, and purpose.

Whether you’re launching a business, publishing a book, or refreshing your online presence, your design should support your goals — not complicate them.

My Design Philosophy

Clarity builds trust. Consistency builds recognition. Thoughtful design builds connection.

I believe the best design feels effortless to your loyal fans and the community that you serve. That means:

  • Clear messaging

  • Intentional visual hierarchy

  • Consistent branding across print and digital

  • Design decisions rooted in strategy, not trends

Every project begins with listening — understanding your goals, audience, and voice — so the final result feels authentic, professional, and easy to share with confidence. You get a final design that feels like YOU.

Design Services

  • Brand & Logo Design for Small Businesses

    I create custom logos and brand identity systems for entrepreneurs and creatives who want to show up professionally and consistently across platforms.

    BRAND DESIGN PROCESS

  • Website Design for Creatives & Entrepreneurs

    Your website should feel like a digital home — clear, welcoming, and easy to navigate. I design custom websites that reflect your brand and are simple to manage.

    WEB DESIGN PROCESS

  • Book Design for Self-Publishing Authors

    From interior layout to cover design, I help authors prepare professional, print-ready files for self-publishing platforms.

    BOOK DESIGN PROCESS

What It’s Like to Work Together

Discovery & Strategy

We clarify your goals, audience, and vision

Design Direction

I develop concepts rooted in strategy and usability

Refinement

We collaborate and fine-tune the details

Launch & Support

You receive polished, ready-to-use design assets

You don’t need to have everything figured out — I’ll guide you through each step with clarity and care.

Work Samples

Computer screen displaying a lifestyle website with the message 'Your Happiness Matters.' The background shows a blue sky with clouds and a field of flowers. A woman is joyfully holding a scarf. Desk setup includes a vase with flowers, notebooks, gla
Holy Mackerel logo with fish illustration and tagline "A whimsical maritime emporium."
3D book cover of 'The Ivy Trail' by A. W. Adams, featuring decorative ivy and a blue butterfly on a black background.
Logo with the word "Margaret's" in blue cursive and a small green spoon replacing the apostrophe.
Illustration of two postage stamps featuring whimsical designs. The first stamp has two blue rabbits holding a pink flower, with a pink heart above. The second stamp shows two blue birds facing each other, with a heart shape between them. Both stamps
Logo of Upward Strategy Consulting with a rocket design.
Illustration of a winter village with snow, colorful houses, a clock tower, lighthouse, and decorated trees. Snowman figures and a ferry with holiday decorations are visible. A bridge covered in lights spans a snowy landscape, under a starry night sk
The Trainyard logo on a white brick background with the text "Shop • Create • Connect."
Decorative framed bird artwork on shelf with vases and patterned straws.
White background with logo design for KA social media with comment bubbles as part of the logo design.
Many copies of print media stacked on a cement background.
Stack of blue business cards with "Upward Strategy Consulting" logo and individual card showing contact details for Marianne Stewart, a strategist.

Experience You Can Rely On

With years of experience working in editorial publishing, software environments, and creative agencies, I understand deadlines, collaboration, and the importance of getting the details right.

My work is informed by:

  • Editorial print design for publications

  • Software usability, testing, and technical writing

  • Agency-level web and brand design

This background allows me to create design solutions that are not only visually thoughtful, but also practical, usable, and built to last.

Kind Words From Clients

  • It was so much fun working with you on this. Your insight and energy was refreshing. What I thought I wanted and what you presented were different. Your ideas and feedback made my preconceived ideas pale in comparison. I'd do it again just so we could collaborate! The compliments I get on the brand and my biz cards is incredible. ❤️🎉 Nailed it! 🔥

    Marianne Stewart
    Upward Strategy Consulting

  • Eeeeeek I still love my rebrand SOOOO MUCH! If you need a rebrand Tara Joy Andrews is your gal!

    Kerra Aucoin Mansfield
    KA Social Media

When I posted on LinkedIn that the first step of any design project is to listen, this was the response from a previous client. Read more about creating the the Ambition Theory brand back in 2018 on the Ambition Theory page.

A Little About Me

I’m Tara Joy, a Halifax-based graphic designer passionate about helping entrepreneurs, authors, and creatives bring their ideas to life through thoughtful design. I value clear communication, calm collaboration, and creating work that feels both intentional and approachable.

If you’re looking for a designer who blends creativity with strategy — and who truly cares about your work — you’re in the right place.

Ready to bring your ideas to life?

If you’re looking for thoughtful branding, a beautiful book design, or a website that truly reflects you, I’d love to hear what you’re working on.

GET IN TOUCH