Erika Rathje, Designer believes 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 Erika works with organizations and small businesses to help them make a stronger positive impact through great design that engages audiences and enhances credibility. She is passionate about working with clients in environmental conservation and climate action, local food systems, social justice, active transportation, urban design, zero waste, democracy and sustainability. Don’t fit into one of those categories? Feel free to reach out to see if it’s a fit. Erika has over 15 years of experience providing web design and development (WordPress) and graphic design services.
Question: How are you supporting other local businesses?
Answer: As a business owner and especially as an individual, I am committed to buying locally as much as possible. While the majority of my business needs by nature aren’t available from local suppliers, many of them are based in Canada. My favourite coffee shop hangouts are local independents like Bean Around the World — and bonus, the closest one is also zero-waste! Opus is my go-to for artistic supplies. When clients ask for printing recommendations, I send them to local companies like Royal Printers, Hemlock, and Island Blue. I love to work with local businesses with a positive mission, which have included Recycling Alternative, Shift Delivery and wild food forager Alexander McNaughton. I also collaborate with or refer clients that aren’t a fit to other BC-based designers or developers that have a similar change-making mindset. I’m a proud member of Vancity.
Question: What social practices are you proud of?
Answer: Climate change is affecting everyone in Canada, so working toward solutions to the climate crisis as part of my work is paramount. As a web designer and developer, I’m always seeking new information and techniques related to web accessibility and how to design for a wide range of abilities. Advocating for accessibility gets passed on to clients. I’m also a member of my design association’s National Sustainability Committee, which promotes sustainable design practices in Canada. I’m big on zero waste and reducing environmental impacts, and one of the ways I practice that is by upgrading my computer only when it becomes absolutely necessary! I like to buy second-hand, repair things and be resourceful with materials. My home office and website are Bullfrogpowered and I use green hosting.
Woman Owned
Connect with @ErikaRathje on LinkedIn