Lee Eldridge
Lee Eldridge’s journey in the creative industries began in the 1990s as a laborer in a small silk-screen shop. He fell in love with the entire process of “making” – from design through to delivery – and obtained his Bachelor of Technology in Graphic Communications Management, advancing into production management in the magazine industry. His career further progressed at CJ Graphics, the world’s most award-winning print-communications company, where he served as Director of Advanced Technologies for almost twenty years. He returned to university to obtain his Master’s degree in Professional Communication, and took on the role of Associate Editor of DesignEdge, Canada’s premier trade magazine for graphic designers, from 2013 to 2020.
His extensive knowledge, resourcefulness, and innovative problem-solving, coupled with a proven track record of delivering outstanding results, have made him a sought-after expert in the industry. In 2023, he refocused on research and education in the creative industries. His research is dedicated to mapping current industry trends and integrating AI-powered tools into creative professions. His passion for education and innovation helps shape the next generation of creative industry professionals.
A recognized thought leader, Lee is a frequent speaker at industry events and conferences worldwide. He has captivated audiences across North America and internationally, with notable appearances in Beijing, Tel Aviv, and Reykjavik, sharing his insights on the future of graphic technologies. He serves on the Board of Directors at the Ontario Print and Imaging Association, and is actively involved in the development of several of the most popular courses at Toronto Metropolitan University’s Creative School.
- Member, Board of Directors. Ontario Print and Imaging Association. 2024 to Present
- Member, Curriculum Committee. School of Graphic Communications Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. 2023 to Present.
- CUPE Instructor Representative, School Council. School of Graphic Communications Management at Toronto Metropolitan University. 2023 to Present.
- Masters Program Representative, School Council. School of Professional Communications at Toronto Metropolitan University. 2022 to 2023.
2024-2025. Creative Professionals Career Opportunities in the Toronto Area. Funded by GraphicEd.org. A thorough review of current employment opportunities for early-career creative professionals in the Graphic design and UX/UI fields, including work-format, salary, and skill requirements sought by employers.
2024-2025. 3D Scanning: Theory and Practice. Funded by Matter & Form. A detailed overview of modern 3D Scanning technologies and their application, including a suite of supplemental materials for post-secondary educational use.
2023-2024. Effective Communication to Circumnavigate Major Infrastructure Developments in the Downtown Area. Funded by MITACS and the Downtown Yonge BIA. Researching ways to improve outreach and communications to out-of-region visitors regarding the significant multi-year thoroughfare closures in the downtown Toronto area.
2023-2024. Graduates and their Social Construct Relationships within Graphic Communications-Related Industries. Funded by the Centre for Labour Management Relations at Toronto Metropolitan University. Mapping the career and income trajectories of graphic communications graduates.
2022-2023. Pixels & Prejudice: Exploring Public Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence Based Image Generation. Funded by GraphicEd.org. Understanding the Impact of Generative AI on Creative Professions.
2022-2023. Trumped Up: Time Magazine’s Cover Treatment of Donald J. Trump Leading up to the 2016 United States Presidential Election. Funded by the RGF. A comparative review of the preferential treatment given to Trump’s campaign by major publisher Time Magazine, and how this may have impacted the results of the 2016 election.
2024. Opening Speaker. “AI In Marketing: Next Week, Next Month, Next Year”. GCM Colloquium: AI in Graphic Communications Management @ Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada.
2023. Guest Lecturer. “Navigating New Frontiers in AI-Powered Digital Asset Management”. GCM 460: Digital Asset Management @ Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada.
2023. Opening Speaker (w/ C. Smyth). “Graduates and their Social Construct Relationships within Graphic Communications-Related Industries”. GCM SRC Seminar @ Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada.
2023. Closing Speaker. “Pixels & Prejudice: Exploring Public Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence Based Image Generation”. MPC Major Research Paper Presentation @ Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada.
2023. Opening Speaker & Panelist. “Artificial Intelligence in Graphic Communication & Printing”. Graphics Canada - Future Print Technologies Conference, Toronto, Canada.
2023. Guest Speaker. “The Impact of Generative AI on Creative Professions”. TMU x Panjab University, Chandigarh, India (Virtual Symposium).
For a list of pre-covid speaking engagements please contact Lee directly - Lee.Eldridge@TorontoMU.ca