Founding Art Director at West End Phoenix (2017-2018)
In June 2017, Robyn Colangelo joined the West End Phoenix as Art Director, a local newspaper started by Dave Bidini.
Robyn developed the paper's brand (nameplate, style of newspaper), designed the first 7 issues, produced a live Telethon and offered creative support. She is lucky to work with an amazing team of determined, tireless, talented humans: Editor-In-Chief Dave Bidini, Deputy Editor Melanie Morassutti, Managing Editor Janet Morassutti, Senior Editor Sue Grimbly and Photo Editor Jalani Morgan (thanks for the photo!). With a warm nod to Liz Ikiriko for her work in the early days.
Working on the West End Phoenix has given Robyn an opportunity to implement a visual language that she has honed over many years. Her approach is part utilitarian—due to her 10,000 hours working in corporate communications—while simultaneously breaking most of the rules to create a fresh look for a format historically bound with convention.
Photo of Robyn Colangelo at press as first issue runs at Weller Publishing, October 10, 2017, by Jalani Morgan.
Photo of Dave Bidini at press holding first issue at Weller Publishing, October 10, 2017, by Jalani Morgan.
Promo Video: Shot and edited by Brian Chahley, Directed by Robyn Colangelo, Music by Selina Martin, Paper Flingin' by Dave Bidini, and spreading the word and tech wizardry by Jon Lax.
Photos of issue covers and spreads by Jalani Morgan.
West End Phoenix Telethon, live from the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto on June 9th, 2018.
Photo of (some of) the women of West End Phoenix by Lisa Macintosh, Ask: Celebrating Inspirational Women series
”The Women of WEP: (from left) Robyn Colangelo (art director, year 1), Julia Hambleton (distribution manager), Janet Morassutti (managing editor) and Melanie Morassutti (deputy editor) have what they believe to be the funnest job in Canadian journalism, cranking out the paper edition of the West End Phoenix from their office on the 2nd floor of The Gladstone Hotel. The high points include creative freedom, flexibility and the deep thrill of collaborating with people – writers, artists, volunteers, community members and colleagues – they love.”
