About

Underline Studio is a multi-disciplinary graphic design agency based in Toronto, Canada. We have gained international recognition for creating clear and thought-provoking design solutions for clients from a wide range of sectors. Our services include the art direction and design of visual identities, publications, advertising and marketing materials, books, packaging, and interactive and motion graphics. Please contact us to see our portfolio and find out more about our work.

Claire Dawson and Fidel Peña are creative directors and founding partners of Underline Studio.

Claire was previously Creative Director at Concrete Design, where she had worked since 1997. There she led a wide range of projects, including campaigns for Holt Renfrew, Umbra and Noranda Inc. Claire graduated from York University, where she earned her BFA.

Fidel worked formerly at Concrete Design, Dinnick & Howells, and Pentagram’s London office. He has led projects and campaigns for various North American and European clients, including Vanidad Magazine, The London Institute, Holt Renfrew and Cole Haan. Fidel earned his graphic design diploma from George Brown College and is a board member of the Advertising and Design Club of Canada.

Recognition

2009

Advertising and Design Club of Canada
2 silver, 11 merit awards

Society of Publication Designers,
New York
1 silver award

Graphis Design Annual, New York
1 gold Award

American Institute of Graphics Arts
50 Books / 50 Covers
1 piece awarded

Applied Arts Magazine, Toronto
2 pieces awarded

Coupe Magazine, Toronto
4 pieces awarded

National Magazine Awards, Canada
2 honourable mentions

Ontario Association of Art Galleries
2 pieces awarded

2008

Art Directors Club,
New York
1 Distinctive Merit Award

Advertising and Design Club of Canada
1 gold, 9 merit awards

Type Directors Club,
New York
1 piece awarded

American Institute of Graphic Arts
50 Books / 50 Covers
1 piece awarded

Creative Review Magazine, London, UK
1 piece awarded

Communication Arts Magazine, California
1 piece awarded

Graphis Design Annual,
New York
1 gold award

National Magazine Awards, Canada
1 silver award

Applied Arts Magazine, Toronto
8 pieces awarded

Coupe Magazine, Toronto
4 pieces awarded

Ontario Association of
Art Galleries
2 pieces awarded

2007

Art Directors Club,
New York
1 merit award

Advertising and Design
Club of Canada
3 gold, 6 silver and
7 merit awards

Type Directors Club,
New York
1 piece awarded

American Institute of
Graphic Arts
1 piece awarded

National Magazine Awards, Canada
1 gold award

Society of Publication Designers, New York
1 merit award

Applied Arts Magazine, Toronto
7 pieces awarded

Coupe Magazine, Toronto
5 pieces awarded

Mohawk Show 8
1 piece awarded

NUARS Awards
1 piece awarded
(Judges’ Choice)

Ontario Association of
Art Galleries
3 pieces awarded

2006

Art Directors Club,
New York
2 merit awards

Advertising and Design
Club of Canada
1 gold, 4 silver and
10 merit awards

Communication Arts
Magazine, California
1 piece awarded

National Magazine Awards, Canada
1 silver award

Applied Arts Magazine, Toronto
13 pieces awarded

Coupe Magazine, Toronto
4 pieces awarded

Mohawk Show 7
1 piece awarded

Ontario Association of
Art Galleries
2 pieces awarded

2005

Advertising and Design
Club of Canada
1 gold, 3 silver and
3 merit awards

National Magazine Awards, Canada
2 silver awards

Applied Arts Magazine, Toronto
7 pieces awarded

Coupe Magazine, Toronto
2 pieces awarded

Ontario Association of
Art Galleries
1 piece awarded

Publications

Spark. Inspirational
Graphic Design
Spain
2009

“Graphic
Designology 300+”
Taiwan
2008

“Promo Art”
London, UK
2008

Communication Arts Magazine, California
December 2007

Page Magazine, Germany
May 2007

“Nice to meet You”
Victionary Books,
Hong Kong
2006

Applied Arts Magazine, Toronto
November 2005

 

Lectures/Panels

George Brown College
Institute Without Boundaries
2008

George Brown College, Toronto
Program Advice Committee
2006–2008

Registered Graphic
Designers of Ontario
Business of Design
June 2006

George Brown College, Toronto
November 2005
April 2005

 

Juries

Coupe Magazine, Toronto
International Design & Image Competition
2009

Juno Awards 2009
CD Packaging Design
Competition

York/Sheridan,
Toronto/Oakville
2009

Applied Arts Magazine, Toronto
The Design and Advertising Annual
2008

Advertising and Design Club of Canada
Student Design and Advertising Competition
2008

George Brown College, Toronto
2005, 2006