Days at Sea: 6,500+

Flag 5 has been serving clients since 2005. While this business started off with freelancing, as a side hustle, I’ve held a business license for 18 years! Working with over 500 amazing businesses. I have grown, learned a lot along the way, and enjoyed every expedition!

As you will soon see the “crew” is a ship run by one captain, me, Melissa Johnston. I am a solopreneur who values minimalism and has a passion for design.

Flag 5 is a collaborative studio that focuses on branding and graphic design, but we work with amazing businesses on certain projects to help in areas where we cannot. So sometimes the crew means you are working with just me and sometimes it means you will be working with Flag 5 and other businesses to get the job done. Each business that comes aboard is highly recommended and they help to ensure all cargo (projects) are perfect before they arrive to our clients.

About Me:

Melissa Johnston

Owner, Graphic Designer, and Brainstormer of Things I’m a graphic designer by trade and have over 18 years of experience in the creative industry. I worked in the corporate industry doing design for 7 years. During that time, I freelanced on the side. In 2012, I opened my studio and haven’t looked back. I love being an entrepreneur and the work/life flexibility that comes from having my own business. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t come without challenges, but there is nothing I’d rather be doing! I love sharing my knowledge and working with businesses to help them look their best.

When I’m not working, I can be found reading, gardening, camping, hanging out with my family, or binging shows like Yellowstone or Schitt’s Creek.

5 Facts About Me

Love camping and being outdoors

Mother of a human + 2 dogs + 2 cats

I love the concept of minimalism

Gardening makes me happy

Love travelling to tropical places

My Process

I run a tight ship and have a specific process of how I work on each project. Check out my 5-step process below.

  • Our Task: We start researching and brainstorming. We investigate multiple concepts and then prepare an initial visual direction to present to you.

    Your Task: You meet with us to review the visual direction. Once we receive approval from you, we’ll move forward.

  • Our Task: It’s time to pull out our coloured markers, scissors, and glue! We sketch concepts, problem-solve, and narrow down ideas to ensure every element has purpose

    Your Task: Sit back and relax! We’ll contact you soon.

  • Our Task: We take the strongest concepts and make them digital, adjust graphics and images, and select appropriate typography. If your project includes printed material, we create prototypes to test the layout and flow of what we’re making for you.

    Your Task: You give us feedback on the ideas we show you and decide the concept you want us to run with.

  • Our Task: We polish the approved direction, working closely with you.

    Your Task: You receive proofs online or by meeting with us in person (it’s up to you), and give us your final approval. From there, we’ll set off to put your final package together.

  • Our Task: We prepare the final files for you and send artwork to print (if applicable).

    Your Task: Once you receive your files and/or printed materials, you’re ready to launch your project to the world!