We don't like to talk about
ourselves, but since you asked nicely.
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WHY US?
Some agencies refer to their work as projects, others identify by client, but we join forces to collaborate as partners. There is never an instance where the client doesn’t feel heard or feels excluded from the process. We come to the table with an all-in approach where it is our duty to make sure you feel empowered as a partner and involved because we are in this together.
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Our team has developed a template system in how we approach most of our projects - we shake things up and break things down! Our partners come to us for beautifully designed websites, video and logos but we know there is typically a deeper need, and it is our responsibility to uncover those needs to provide a strategic platform, elevation and purpose.
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We pride ourselves in being a solutions-oriented team of creatives, providing a Canvaas to tell your story in a way that is smart and effective. We take the art of storytelling very personally and we are here to present the best “you.”
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CAPACITY
Strategy
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Branding
Naming
Content Strategy
Copy-Writing
Art Direction
Photo Direction
Video Direction
Consulting
Design
Logos & Word-Marks
Brand Guidelines
Identity Systems
Print Collateral
Book & Deck Design
Data Visualization
Iconography
Advertising
Signage Systems
Maps
Experience
Videography
Media Buying
Web Design
Branded Environments
Content Management
Audio Production
Social Media Management
Email Marketing
Presentation Design
We are a full-service brand development agency with experiences that span across multiple disciplines.
creativity
We pride ourselves in being forward-thinking story tellers who strive to create timeless moments and lasting impressions. We are not afraid to disrupt tradition in exchange for new fresh ideas and strategy.
efficiency
​No two projects are alike and shouldn't be treated as such either. Whether we have two weeks or two years, we are grounded in our ability to get you what you need, when you need it.
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perspective
There's no hiding the elephant in the room, ​we are a family of like-minded thinkers made up of mostly black and brown men and women. Through life experiences, we have developed an adept ability to reach a broad spectrum of people.
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talent
We are good... like really, really good at what we do. We take creative talent seriously and are always looking for collaborators that can help us tap into skills that we may not have in our range. Don't believe us? Contact us at explore@canvaas.com for access to our partners.
service
Our work as a collective is just beginning, but our acts in the community are deeply rooted. Part of building a great brand means strengthening and shaping our community. Our service is synonymous with our work and we could not have one without the other, even if we tried.
Our Family
![Yaves [Updated] Sm.png](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/b83f17_e7d6d4dd6cba4b4396c825a7066a9316~mv2.png/v1/crop/x_0,y_1,w_800,h_902/fill/w_251,h_283,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/Yaves%20%5BUpdated%5D%20Sm.png)
YAVES
ELLIS
Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer
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Yaves Ellis is a veteran in capturing and creating content that tells stories and builds strong relationships for both companies and individuals. Sharpening his skillset running a media company, Yaves has paired creativity with strategy and garnished impressive results. He has worked with the likes of Radio One, The Ohio State University, and Pepsi, and has curated several projects that have gained top Billboard and iTunes Chart placements.
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DIONTE'
JOHNSON
Co-Founder, Chief Creative Officer
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In his eleven years as the owner of Sole Classics sneaker shop, Dionte' would turn that hobby into a discipline in design. Self-taught, Dionte' would use Sole Classics to learn branding techniques through interactions with hundreds of brands and thousands of clients, leading him to continual collaboration with Vans, including designing twelve shoes since 2013. Dionte' is a graduate of The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and a former football captain for the Buckeyes.
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ELYSE
APPLEWHITE
Operations Director
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Elyse is a graduate of The Ohio State University who has a deeply rooted passion to bring disruption to industries heavy in tradition. With eight years of experience in storytelling and marketing, Elyse has designed a lifestyle of creating with the end user in mind. With a Masters in Integrative Design from Columbus College of Art and Design, Elyse approaches projects in a way that is visually stimulating and backed with evidence-based practices through design research methods.
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JESSICA
JOHNSON
Finance Director
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Jessica, a licensed Certified Public Accountant, received her BSBA in Finance from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and has over 12 years of accounting and finance experience. Her focus is in helping businesses, non-profits and individuals achieve a higher level of success by offering expertise and resources. In her role, she manages the financials for corporations, small businesses and non-profits as well as providing consulting and tax accounting.
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aaron
mackey
Business Development Manager
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Aaron Mackey a native son of Columbus Ohio is a Marketing & Tech professional. For the past 8 years, Aaron has been helping government agencies and private companies improve their digital footprint. Aaron has a passion for connecting with the community and building lasting relationships. As the Business Development Manager Aaron strives to exceed the client’s expectations.
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ne'shay
robinson
Client Relations Manager
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Ne’Shay has an extensive track record in Sales & Event Coordinating, previously working for HILTON, Radio One, and various community outreach events, both nationally and locally. Ne’Shay specializes in driving client retention, organization, and fostering community connection. As a mother, professional, entrepreneur, and youth advocate for CASA Franklin County, Ne’Shay strives to lead, educate, and be the change in her own home that reflects in our communities through our youth.
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CHARLIE'
ELLIS
Administrator
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Charlie' Ellis is an experienced Administrative Assistant with over five years of professional service. She graduated from the University of Toledo with her Bachelors in 2012. Exceptionally skilled at organization and office management, she pays attention to what is a priority in order to keep things moving progressively forward. Assisting others is where her heart is.
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GRACE
HUNTER
Media Buyer, Copy-Writer
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Grace Hunter has an extensive background in event planning, project management, marketing and communications. As President and Founder of Paraclete Planning LLC, Grace takes pride in partnering with firms that make a lasting impact. Working alongside the Canvaas Consulting team, Grace provides marketing support, copywriting and media buying services to help campaigns come to life.
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JOSH
SIMMONS
Graphic Designer
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Visual artist and Columbus Ohio native, Josh Simmons specializes in graphic design as well as other digital and traditional art mediums. Growing up on the city’s North Side, he developed a passion for art and has had work shown in galleries around the city, including the historic King Arts Complex. Josh takes pride in his attention to detail, working hands on with clients to ensure that the goal of every design project is accurately and successfully executed.
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ELIZABETH
ADEBAYO
Communications Manager
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With over seven combined years of experience working in marketing and tech, Elizabeth Adebayo has had the opportunity to strategically contribute her skills to multiple Fortune 500 corporations, as well as various social cause organizations within the city of Columbus. As a firm believer in true camaraderie and collaboration, she prioritizes fostering healthy and trusting relationships with various stakeholders to ensure that completed projects leave all parties satisfied.
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