500 Degrees Burning Questions: Miranda Allum Interview

Producing engaging digital content for clients is easy when you have a team of wildly creative talents on board. In our ongoing series of employee interviews, we want you to get to know our 500 crew. Let’s head to the Great White North with another series of Burning Questions, this time for senior art director Miranda Allum.

Miranda grew up just outside of Toronto and enrolled at the University of Western Ontario, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Studies while undertaking a multiyear summer internship at a pharmaceutical marketing agency. Miranda continued to sharpen those design skills by earning an honors Graphic Design diploma at the George Brown College School of Design.

While employed at a Toronto-based agency, Miranda had the opportunity to work for clients located in North and South America as well as Australia. These clients included iconic brands Nike, TD Bank, and McDonald’s.

At 500, Miranda plays a key role on the Tim Hortons brand creative team, being responsible for art directing most of the Tim Hortons Canada photoshoots as well as being involved in branding, packaging, and merchandise kit design projects.

500: Prior to college and your first internship, do you recall seeing something or being inspired by someone that sparked your interest in design?

MA: I can’t recall just one person or thing, but I have always been aware of successful design/branding and the impact it can have. When I was growing up, I took school projects very seriously. The poster boards or PowerPoint presentations I would create were where the designer in me really came through. When it came to group projects in middle school, my friends still make fun of me because I didn’t trust anyone else to cut a straight line. I also remember being very particular about what font I would select for my essays in Microsoft Word.

500: Who had the biggest impact on your career?

MA: I’ve been fortunate to have an amazing support system of people who have helped shape me as a designer over the years. Someone who pushed me as a creative and arguably had the biggest impact on my career was Jim Fargey, the President of Converge Advertising. Converge was where I had my first design internship. Being a part of his small, tight-knit team, I was exposed to all sides of the business from account service, creative, sales, and production. This was incredibly valuable in helping me understand how design fits into the overall business process. Jim is somebody who challenged me and ultimately made me a better designer because of it. He has continued to be a mentor for me and is someone I can always go to for career advice.

500: What makes a great leader at work? What makes a great team member?

MA: In my experience, a great leader is someone who inspires and motivates their team as well as someone who is able to stay calm while working through stressful situations. A couple of characteristics that I think make someone a good team member are being proactive about lending a hand and working well collaboratively. This is something I think my team members at 500 do very well!

500: To which behavior or personality trait do you most attribute your success?

MA: I think something I strive to bring to my team that has contributed to my success is my positive attitude. Last year, I was awarded the 500 Spirit Award. Receiving this recognition really reinforced for me what a difference it can make to bring a cooperative “can do” attitude into the work environment. Working with my team internally and on set with clients, I always do my best to create a positive and collaborative experience for everyone.

500: What advice would you give your younger self in the first year of your career?

MA: I would tell my young designer self to not put too much pressure on myself in trying to figure out exactly which direction my design career should take, right from my first role. I think it is important to try different things and take advantage of all the opportunities that are put in front of you to learn different design disciplines. This will make you a strong, well-rounded designer who will be an asset to any team. Early in my career, I was fortunate to work at an agency where I got to experience working on a variety of projects from retail design to art direction and packaging. I would advise any young designer to seek out opportunities where they will have variety in their clients and projects.

500: What project or achievement at 500 are you most proud of and why?

MA: Hands down, the project that comes to mind is the Timbiebs & BiebsBrew collaboration Tim Hortons did with Justin Bieber. It was an incredible experience getting involved in the creative process very early on in the conceptual phase of this project. Working with my creative directors to establish the visual identity for the collaboration has definitely been a highlight of my time at 500. In addition, the fact that this project was one of the most successful campaigns in Tim Hortons history makes it that much more special.

500: That was a fun project! Well, let’s have some more fun and get to know you on a more personal level. What is your favorite comfort media and what are your 3 faves in that media?

MA: People who know me well know that I’m much more of a music girl than any other media. I try and go to see live music regularly and listen to Spotify and my vinyl collection quite often. Picking favorites is always hard, but I would have to say first on my list would be the legend, Stevie Wonder. I’ve seen him in concert, and I still think that might be one of the best shows I will see in my life. Another favorite of mine is James Bay. I really love the first two albums he released. Lastly, a more recent discovery of mine is Léon. She’s an up-and-coming artist from Sweden and put on an awesome performance at a show I attended recently. I would highly recommend checking her out!

500: Will do. What is your favorite family tradition?

MA: My extended family has a tradition of spending time together at our cottage in Muskoka. I have so many amazing memories growing up there with my cousins and grandparents and I know it is a place where we will continue to make memories for years to come.

500: If you could snap your fingers and become an expert in something, what would it be?

MA: I would love to be an expert yogi! Growing up dancing, I found it a relatively easy transition to start practicing yoga. Although I have been going to classes regularly for some time, I’m still not at that expert level and would love to be able to do all the fun headstands and advanced poses. It is a practice that takes a lot of dedication and I really admire those who seem to have mastered it.

500: What’s one thing you’re learning now and why is it important to you?

MA: The last couple years, I have started to learn how to golf. I took a few lessons in the summer of 2021 and have now been trying to put those tips into practice. It is something that is important to me because it is an activity my family can do together. My mom and sister both have pretty impressive drives, so it is my goal to catch up to them one day.

500: What is something you want to do in the next year?

MA: This fall I have been asked to participate as a design mentor by the Registered Graphic Design Association for design students in Toronto. I look forward to giving back and providing some mentorship to young designers in my city. I also want to make better use of Canadian winter and get outside more. I love hiking and skiing and après-ski of course! One thing COVID taught me is how enjoyable it can be to get outside in the wintertime.

500: Well, with that, we’ll let you chill out after taking the time to answer our Burning Questions. Thanks so much, Miranda!

MA: You’re welcome. This was fun.

Not unlike Biebs and Stevie Wonder, Miranda is an incredibly talented star. Be sure to stay tuned to this space. We’ll be bringing you another round of Burning Questions with one of our teammates soon!