Bob Hambly RGD

Association of Registered Graphic Designers

  • Toronto ON

Entertaining and informative talks about creativity and curiosity. Discover how refueling both can make you more engaged and innovative.

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Association of Registered Graphic Designers

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Biography

A graduate of the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, Bob Hambly is the creative director of Hambly & Woolley Inc., a Toronto-based, multi-disciplinary graphic design firm he co-founded with his partner, Barbara Woolley. Bob illustrated the "Lives" column of the New York Times Sunday Magazine for 12 years and the "Numbers" column for Time Magazine for 5 years. Over the past 20 years, the firm has received over 350 national and international design awards. Bob’s creative mind is always at work at H&W, where clients benefit from his fresh perspective, eye for detail and knack for personal service.
As creative director Bob oversees the development of a range of projects, with a particular focus on branding initiatives. He has taught illustration and lectured frequently on design and design-related topics to varied institutions, associations and organizations. Among them: Ontario College of Art & Design, Sheridan College, York University, ARIDO, IIDEXNeoCon, NeoCon, Royal Ontario Museum, Rotman School of Management and Design Thinkers for the Association of Registered Graphic Designers of Ontario (RGD). Bob is also a Board member of RGD Ontario.

Industry Expertise

Graphic Design
Education/Learning
Design

Areas of Expertise

Curiosity
Innovation
Branding
Observing
Creative Process
Design Thinking

Accomplishments

Graphic Design

2012-01-01

- partner and creative director of graphic design firm Hambly & Woolley.
- H&W has won 350 national and international awards.
- taught graphic design at OCAD University;
- lectured on graphic design to numerous colleges and universities.

RGD (Registerd Graphic Designers)

2011-12-31

- board member of RGD for 5 years.
- currently a vice president of RGD Ontario.
- currently chairman of Communications Committee and member of P.R. Committee.
- speaker at RGD DesignThinkers Conference.
- Speaker at RGD HeadStart.
- Speaker at RGD Business.
- given numerous webinars for RGD.

Illustration

2012-01-01

- illustrated the weekly "Lives" column of the New York Times Sunday Magazine for 12 years.
- illustrated the weekly "Numbers" column for TIme Magazine for 5 years.
- won numerous awards for illustration from Canadian & US competitions and publications.
- taught illustration at OCAD University.
- lectured on illustration at numerous colleges and universities.

Education

University of the Arts / Philadelphia

Honors B.F.A.

Illustration

1980

Testimonials

Brand Consultant

Lee Jacobson Consultants

"Bob’s presentations are like conversations. He combines personal anecdotes with well-­curated and
wide-­ranging examples from many fields to elucidate and humanize his subject. His content, and the graphic materials he uses to bring his topics to life, are superb and accessible. Bob truly loves, and is knowledgeable about his work and its broader context and, the subjects he speaks about."

Professor/Coordinator Dept. of Design and Illustration

Sheridan College

"What Bob was able to do during his Curiosity talk was offer tangible and relevant tools to build a creative response to problems. One hundred college students on the edge of their seats in a lecture hall is a sight to behold."

President

University & College Designer’s Association (UCDA)

"I have had the pleasure of seeing Bob Hambly speak on two occasions, and both times he was a delight. His presentation: Curiosity—The Designer’s Secret Weapon, was both inspirational and highly entertaining. I really look forward to the next time Bob speaks at our conference."

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Event Appearances

Why Are There 284 Holes In My New Shoes?

NeoCon   Chicago, IL

2009-01-01

Curiosity: The Secret Weapon

RGD Creative Business Summit  Toronto, ON

2009-12-31

Curiosity: The Secret Weapon

Architecture/Interior Design Lecture Series  Dallas, TX

2010-01-01

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Sample Talks

There Is No Cure For CURIOSITY

Bob takes a closer look at curiosity – how it can be nurtured and encouraged rather than feared and under-valued. Bob shows you how to better assess and understand your own curiosity and isolates five areas where improvements will help spur on your own creativity.

Why Are There 284 Holes In My New Shoes?

Bob takes a look at some of the unusual and often functionless design details found in everyday life from areas like fashion, architecture and product design. Gain insights into the history of these design details and why they have remained a part of the design vernacular – even after losing their original purpose.

Visual Identities That Missed The Mark

A designer must consider many factors when designing a logo – everything from understanding the client's audience to having a strong grasp of semiotics. Bob examines five visual identities that have fundamental flaws – most of which were problematic right from the start.

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Style

Availability

  • Keynote
  • Panelist
  • Corporate Training

Fees

$1000 to $1500*Will consider certain engagements for no fee

Articles

Be on the Lookout

Communication Arts Magazine

2013-08-11

The art of observation and how to enhance and develop this skill.

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Collective Behaviour

Applied Arts Magazine

2013-08-11

Museums were born out of personal cabinets of curiosity or what the Germans call "wunderkammers". Todays social media avenues allow us to collect in a whole new way while still feeding our desire for knowledge and information.

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Signs of the Times

Applied Arts Magazine

2014-08-11

Mobile signs prove that man has an inherent need to advertise. They also prove that we are not all experts at this ubiquitous art form.

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