Who is Izabela?
Izabela is an award-winning freelance senior designer, creative director, and design mentor.
I am an experienced visual designer & multidisciplinary creative leader, passionate about great brand identity, clear editorial, and highly engaging digital & IRL experiences.
MY DESIGN APPROACH: My process starts with a strategic vision rooted in a deep understanding of your brand and competitive landscape, and the behaviours and expectations of your target demographic, so prepare to field some questions. Colours, layouts, typography, composition, texture—there’s a rationale for every design choice I make. Brand consistency and a meticulous attention to detail are table-stakes from start to finish.
AVAILABILITY: I'm actively exploring both contract and project-based opportunities in either Canada or the US across all North American time zones.
WHAT SETS ME APART FROM OTHER FREELANCE CREATIVES: I leverage my design expertise and years working with Fortune500 brands to develop unique concepts that look amazing, meet business objectives, and create meaningful experiences that resonate with their audience and form a connection to your brand. Additionally…
I am great at navigating challenges: Amidst aggressive timelines, high-stakes, conflicting stakeholder agendas, fast-paced environments, production snags, and “unprecedented times,” I remain focused on finding creative solutions that align with project goals.
I keep things fresh & efficient: I strive to keep up with design trends and tech advancements. Incorporating emerging AI tools into my workflow allows me to improve efficiency, streamline repetitive tasks, and focus on creative aspects, ultimately leading to better design and bottom lines.
I am a versatile creative leader: I’m comfortable leading projects/tasks/meetings, articulating abstract ideas, and professionally communicating with all levels of stakeholders.
I seamlessly integrate into your organization: You’ll find that my proactive, collaborative, solution-focused demeanour smoothly fits into team environments. As a freelancer, I know the importance of keeping files organized and properly labeled for easy sharing.
I think like a project manager: I track hours daily and accurately estimate the effort/hours for projects/tasks when presented with the parameters, preventing surprise overages and delays. I value the extra step involved in aligning on expectations. Additionally, my familiarity with different deliverables and categories allow me to anticipate challenges, raise flags early, and ultimately ensure a smoother workflow towards a successful outcome.
I am “ride or die” material: I have an excellent work ethic and am dedicated to forging strong and lasting working relationships that contribute to mutual sustained success.
Looking to work with a trusted design expert?
CLIENTS:
Past Life
EARLY BEGINNINGS: My design career started in social media marketing and mobile-first digital agencies, where I fell in love with designing for screens with usability in mind and creating design systems in the form of new brand identities and style guides. Moving to an XM agency expanded my understanding of all the ways consumer experience can manifest. Somewhere along the way, I learned how important resourcefulness, adaptability and a positive outlook are to the success of a project.
After a 16-year career at marketing/ad agencies, I transitioned to full-time freelance design and direction in 2022.
Freelancing proved to be an immeasurably gratifying shift. These days I solve design problems with a renewed passion and enthusiasm for helping brands big and small, all while having the time and energy for my family, pastimes, self-care, community service, and skillset growth.
I'm thankful to have met so many new clients and reconnected with truly amazing folks I always hoped to cross paths with again.
Previous Roles
July 2016 - October 2022
DESIGN DIRECTOR, Mosaic →
CLIENTS: Stella Artois US, Bacardi USA, Marriott Bonvoy, Air Canada, General Mills, Dr. Oetker, RBC, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, StubHub, Samsung, eBay, Hershey, Rogers, T-Mobile, Walmart, Xbox, Nestle, Weston Foods, Peller Estates, Coca-Cola, KraftHeinz, Under Armour
September 2015 - July 2016
ART DIRECTOR, Mosaic →
CLIENTS: Sabra, Bud Light, KraftHeinz, Coca-Cola, Corona, BMO
July 2014 - September 2015
SENIOR DESIGNER, Mosaic →
CLIENTS: Royal Bank of Canada, AT&T, Rogers, Budweiser, Bud Light, Vitamin Water, Samsung, Microsoft, Nike, Smirnoff Ice
May 2014 - July 2014
SENIOR DESIGNER, Republic Story
CLIENTS: Superior Propane, Children's Aid Foundation
January 2013 - May 2014
DESIGNER & MARKETING COORDINATOR, IFC Next (formerly Olson) →
CLIENTS: Ontario Tourism, Second Cup, OLG, Delta Hotels & Resorts, Miller Coors, Skittles, Home Depot
Passions Beyond Design
event planning
backcountry camping
chai anything
travel
spiced teas & chocolate
ice cream
swedish death cleaning
mom life
home-made cast iron pizza
event planning backcountry camping chai anything travel spiced teas & chocolate ice cream swedish death cleaning mom life home-made cast iron pizza
Want to see some projects?
Pssst, there are more on my instagram →