Jillian Tranquilla
Photographer / Videographer / Squarespace Web Designer / Art Director
Calgary, AB
Q What do you do?
“I’m one of those multi-hyphenated creative types who works in commercial photography, video production, and web and graphic design. I mainly find myself working with small to mid-sized brands to develop compelling visual identities, all coming from a strategy-first approach!”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My journey started in 2013 when I posted a video block to Vimeo, and a clip was selected and purchased by Facebook for one of their advertisements! From there, I entered the world of Wedding Videography and focused on the medium of video art while taking a BFA in painting at Alberta College of Art and Design. Eventually, that practice led me to become a lead photographer, as well as a lead designer at a boutique digital marketing agency by the name of Arcade Studios. During my time there, I continued my educational background in Design & Web design while executing and producing ongoing campaign content. Working at an agency taught me how to manage high-pressure deadlines while consistently delivering impactful design collateral that tells compelling visual stories!
Q How do you stand out in your field?
What separates my work and allows me to stand out comes from my understanding of the digital marketing landscape as well as my loveeee for organizational systems - I know, *so rare.* I have focused on building experiences for clients that will allow us to optimize the creative to the best of my abilities. My background in marketing allows me to approach my projects through strategic planning, brand development, and campaign execution - seamlessly connecting the creative with tangible results. When it comes to the actual creative, I’m always focused on providing polished final results and constantly improving through pushing my technical abilities. And although my work isn’t defined by a particular style, I adapt strongly to different visual aesthetics through years working at an agency for a multitude of brands!
Q What are you working on right now?
I just released an Online Course for my clients on the Art of Directing for Emotion in Film, where I led our brand identity, Squarespace Web Design and Development, design for supporting collateral and marketing rollout plan. It was super fun, and excited to share it out in the world!
Personally, I’m currently working on a collection of high-fashion and beauty campaign work with the intent to break further into the commercial photo and video industry.
I’m also working hard to master the Design Intensive Method, a service where I collaborate with a client to create a full brand identity and guidelines in just 1 day. It’s a fun process for both the client and myself - very intensive as well as extremely rewarding!
Q What’s your style?
Yes!! I’m very influenced by the use of colour. This doesn’t mean everything needs to be bold and vibrant. It can be about balancing the subtlety of tonality— working with a palette that flows seamlessly. I focus heavily on the 7 design principles throughout each medium of my work: Emphasis, Balance and Alignment, Contrast, Repetition, Proportion, Movement and White Space - a nod to my time working on a design team and continually referring to these principles on the day-to-day!
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I LOVE being in the commercial photo and video world. There’s so many roles that are needed to make strategic campaign work happen, all the way from the pre-production to the final graphic design. I’m hoping to focus more on video and narrative commercial cinematography in the future, though the truth is I’m just a girl following what feels good! Caught between a love for film, photo and design work, I feel so fulfilled and happy to provide all of these services. My hope is to keep progressing with all three of these disciplines, until one calls to me the most.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Seriously and simply: pushing for fair pay! As a sole proprietor, sustaining your creative career is critical, and to do this, you need to be charging appropriately. Oh, and don’t get me started on these new ideas on *not* charging for commercial usage rates. Nooo! I’m a huge advocate for copyright owners to understand their rights and how their work can support a brands' financial goals. Implementing usage costs is an industry standard for a reason, and just because there are more working creatives than in the past, doesn’t mean we need to reduce our rates and jeopardize our sustainability! That’s a recipe for burnout.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I’d potentially be interested in hiring someone as a studio manager. I would scope them for administrative support, or social media support! That said, $20/hr is a bridge opportunity for them moving to something higher. I’d make sure that if they were on my team, I would get them in the door on opportunities towards their ultimate career goals.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would have told her to believe she could do anything, that her ambition would carry her very far. I would tell her to start doing pricing research a lot earlier and to ask employees and clients directly for her needs to be met. I’d tell her, you’re not rocking the boat when you ask for what you need; you’re saving yourself endless time. I would also tell her to get on set. Get on set and learn - adopt the belief you’re always a student!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
This is something I’m actively pursuing now! I learnt a few years ago that when I was on a team working beside other graphic designers, my skills exponentially improved. I am currently actively seeking out commercial photographers, videographers, and designers who are working at a high technical level to learn more from them! There is so much knowledge, and I think you’d be surprised that people are very open to sharing with you if you are generous and kind in return.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am currently open to three types of work:
1. Contracted retainers & monthly design services such as brand strategy, brand design, custom Squarespace web design & design intensives
2. Retainers and one-off projects related to commercial photography and video. Particularly in the beauty and fashion space. I can also offer production support, such as producing, Art Direction, & Styling. I’m open to any industry, however, I'm particularly drawn to brands that embrace creative innovation and are at the forefront of marketing trends.
3. Commercial Narrative Video Spec Ads and Work. I’m looking to break into the world of cinematography through compelling and interesting advertisements!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I’m always looking for clients who are open to pushing the boundaries to differentiate their brands even further. My ideal collaboration would involve a team of creatives coming together to produce a story that creates a lasting impact! I just really love seeing creatives all come together to create something otherworldly and somewhat unimaginable.
Q: What is your rate?
My day rates for photography and video differentiate on whether we’re working commercially or for retail projects (Ex. B2B vs B2C). In terms of design, my design intensives begin at $1500+, branding at $3000 +, and Squarespace websites roughly start at $5000+! I’ve made an Experience Guide on my website that lists my hourly design rates alongside other important information. All you need to do is sign up for my newsletter for a detailed look at my starting pricing or inquire with your project on my inquiry form to be redirected directly to my Experience Guide! I’m also happy to explore creative solutions for artistic collaborators, non-profit projects, or clients who are interested in ongoing retainers. and
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
If you’re interested in working together, feel free to inquire through my website! But really, whatever works best for you. You’ll get the best experience flowing through my inquiry form :)
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Oooh! There are too many incredible creatives to list, but the ones I have my eyes on currently include Rj Bruni, Tyler Mitchell, Abigail Ballanger, Marina Williams, Cece Alana, and Olivia Van Dyke. All of these creatives are pushing the industry, and it’s so fun to watch!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Honestly, music always sparks the creation of new concepts for me. That, and taking long and meaningful rests.
This member profile was originally published in February 2025.