I’m Jamey “Cactus” Vella, a Toronto based designer, musician, vintage toy nerd, and lifelong product of Toronto’s DIY punk scene.

My design career began creating gig posters, album artwork, and merch for independent bands, where I learned that great design isn’t about having the biggest budget. It’s about connecting with people, solving problems creatively, and making something worth paying attention to. That DIY mindset still shapes how I approach every project today.

I still remember designing my first event poster back in high school. Armed with scissors, magazines, glue, and a Xerox machine, I pieced together what I thought was a masterpiece. A few years later, a friend introduced me to Adobe Photoshop, and everything changed. That was the moment I realized design wasn’t just a hobby. It was what I wanted to do.

Over the past 15 years, I’ve worked across print, digital, video, audio, branding, marketing, and creative leadership, helping organizations turn ideas into engaging visual experiences. My career has taken me from independent music venues to startups, production houses, nonprofits, federations, agencies, and national brands, leading campaigns, building brands, and developing creative that connects with audiences and delivers real results.

One career highlight came in 2017, when I was featured in Photoshop User Magazine. It was a meaningful reminder that years of learning, experimenting, and constantly refining my craft were paying off.

Beyond design, I’m passionate about giving back, especially through organizations that support children and youth. When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me hanging out with my family, making music, digging through vintage toy bins, or convincing myself I definitely don’t need to buy more records.

Designer. Musician. Nerd. Punk.