Kris Nielson is an experienced award winning graphic designer, a published author, a nationally published photographer and an accomplished illustrator with a wide range of skills and a proven track record. After completing school at the University of Calgary and Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Kris joined the design team for the creation of the Western Heritage Centre in Cochrane and eventually became the Principal Designer of that same organization before becoming a full time independent freelance designer. He has received recognition provincially, nationally and internationally over the past 32 years while building up a client base of nearly 600 companies. Noteworthy awards include the Canadian National Centre Design Award for Print, the Canadian Museums Association’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in the category of publications, the Award of Excellence in Tourism Advertising by the International Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and an ALTO Award (Alberta Tourism) in the category of Innovative Marketing.
Kris brings a mix of artistic creativity and analytical objectivity to his craft. His efficiency, professionalism, and attention to detail can be seen in every aspect of his work. His specialization is in graphic design from the conceptual development to final production utilizing a number of contemporary techniques combined with current professional software titles. As a project manager, he will ensure your product is delivered on time, and on budget. Kris is enthusiastic, positive and is highly responsive to new challenges and opportunities. He has the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Notable accomplishments include projects which required the use of a variety of skills, techniques and production methods.
Kris has volunteered his design talents to a number of local organizations including the Glenbow Ranch, Alberta Diabetes Association, Osteoporosis Society of Alberta, Rangers Soccer Club, Cochrane Kayak Club, Cochrane Minor Hockey, Cochrane Minor Football, Cochrane Minor Basketball, Cochrane Eagles Basketball Academy, Cochrane Scouting, Cochrane Turf Association, Cochrane High School, Bow Valley High School, Banded Peak School, Mitford Middle School, Manachaban Middle School, Devil’s Head Rodeo Team, Rockyview Rebels, The Cowboy Trail, Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation, Wayfinders Wellness Society and the SLS Family Sports Centre.
Kris has been heavily involved with the community and high school basketball programs in Cochrane, serving as the Varsity and JV boys coach at both Cochrane High School and Bow Valley High School in Cochrane as well as the Varsity and JV Girls coach at Bow Valley High School. He also established club basketball in Cochrane, coaching under a variety of club names before establishing the Cochrane Eagles Basketball Academy where he coached teams from the U13 to High School age groups in boys and girls. Locally he has also served as a coach for Manachaban School, Mitford School and with Cochrane Minor Basketball. He has been a kayak instructor for the Canoe Kayak Canada, Alberta Whitewater Association, Cochrane Kayak Club and the Airdrie Kayak Club and has paddled for 39 years throughout western Canada and the United States. He enjoys spending his free time on the river, mountain biking, scrambling, rock climbing, ice climbing as well as writing and performing as a singer songwriter.