Andrea is a partner at Tétro, a graphic design agency in Winnipeg she founded with her husband Paul in 1998. She began her career in 1990 at Toronto advertising agency Scott Thornley & Company, working many late hours for clients like the Live Entertainment Corporation, The Canadian Opera Company, and The Toronto Marathon.
A prairie girl at heart, she returned to Winnipeg in 1994 to work at Circle Design under the mentorship of DesCan Fellow Robert L. Peters. This experience played a pivotal role in shaping her approach to design, further fuelling her dedication to the profession. She served as president of the Manitoba chapter of GDC and was involved in the organization’s early days. “I’ve seen our industry go from paste-up to AI, and am absolutely certain that design and designers are an essential constant in this ever-changing world. The GDC (now DesCan) introduced me to a network of designers across Canada at a time when those connections were very difficult to establish. To be recognized with this designation alongside my partner in our 25th year of business (and marriage!) is incredibly meaningful.”
In addition to design and creative direction, Andrea’s role at Tétro is primarily “front of house”. She orchestrates many projects and people, ensuring everything comes together and everyone is happy. With a natural inclination to please others, Andrea understands the importance of valuing each client, designer, and supplier and acknowledging their invaluable contributions. Inspired by her nurturing nature, she strives to provide an environment where individuals feel valued, supported, and well-taken care of.
In 2020 Andrea was featured on Canadian Women in Design, a website recognizing industry professionals from across Canada. She also serves as a mentor to aspiring designers, a lecturer, and a design judge for awards and publications.
Operating from the heart of downtown Winnipeg, Tétro has had the privilege of working with numerous local, national, and international clients such as Canada Post, the National Arts Centre, Shimano, Young People’s Theatre, African Development Bank, Canadian Energy Regulator, and CancerCare Manitoba.
“After 25 years in business, one of the luxuries we’ve earned is being selective in the work we do. If Tétro has a mission, it’s “Do work that matters.” I’m insanely proud of the client list we’ve built and our body of work. We’ve designed stamps, launched the world’s first National Indigenous Theatre, and rebranded one of the country’s largest federal agencies. We promote the arts, not-for-profits, and help data scientists make their messages clear and accessible. We also love designing labels for craft beer, and anything to do with bicycles.”
Andrea’s passion and energy extends far beyond the confines of the studio. She is an avid cyclist who constantly seeks adventure on her bike. Her journey has taken her to various breathtaking destinations, including Arizona, Hawaii, Italy, California, South Dakota, and Majorca. She is a proud mom to two boys who are currently at university in design-adjacent studies.