I'm a creative professional with over 20 years of experience in graphic design, branding, printing and publishing. I founded Locale Magazine and Locale Kids, driving the creative vision and end-to-end production of quarterly lifestyle publications that showcase the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast regions. I thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments, delivering captivating magazines, branding, and digital assets for clients while continuously expanding my skills and embracing new tools and AI-driven workflows.

Karen Kinnersly

I'm a creative professional with over 20 years of experience in graphic design, branding, printing and publishing. I founded Locale Magazine and Locale Kids, driving the creative vision and end-to-end production of quarterly lifestyle publications that showcase the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast regions. I thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments, delivering captivating magazines, branding, and digital assets for clients while continuously expanding my skills and embracing new tools and AI-driven workflows.

Available to hire

I’m a creative professional with over 20 years of experience in graphic design, branding, printing and publishing. I founded Locale Magazine and Locale Kids, driving the creative vision and end-to-end production of quarterly lifestyle publications that showcase the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast regions.
I thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments, delivering captivating magazines, branding, and digital assets for clients while continuously expanding my skills and embracing new tools and AI-driven workflows.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
Beginner
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Work Experience

Creative Director / Publisher at Locale Magazine | Locale Kids
January 1, 2021 - Present
Founder and creative lead of quarterly lifestyle publications showcasing the best of the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast regions. Oversee all aspects of production, including editorial direction, content creation, branding, design, advertising, and print management. Drive the creative vision while managing end-to-end publishing operations and ensuring high-quality, engaging publications.
Graphic Designer / Creative Director at Locale Creative
January 1, 2017 - Present
Specialise in delivering end-to-end creative solutions, including magazine publications, brochures, logos, business cards, signage, banners, packaging, annual reports, company profiles, and social media assets. Develop innovative concepts for branding, promotional campaigns, and marketing communications, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints. Provide professional client support, resolving issues and responding promptly to inquiries. Design and implement customised marketing plans tailored to client needs, establishing and maintaining brand standards across all projects.
Senior Graphic Designer at Retail Media
September 1, 2025 - October 22, 2025
Designed and produced multiple publications for retail and pharmacy titles, ensuring consistency and brand alignment across print and digital formats. Created weekly EDMs, social media posts, and digital advertising assets to support campaigns. Collaborated daily with the design team via Microsoft Teams, contributing to workflow efficiency and delivering projects to tight deadlines.
Senior Graphic Designer at Summit Press
January 1, 2018 - October 22, 2025
Designed and prepared graphics for a variety of print production projects, including brochures, flyers, and marketing collateral. Collaborated closely with printers to ensure high-quality delivery, accurate colour reproduction, and adherence to production specifications. Managed multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining brand consistency, meeting tight deadlines, and ensuring polished, professional results for each publication.
Graphic Designer / Creative Director at Pelathon Management Group
July 1, 2015 - October 22, 2025
Designed graphics, EDMs, and social media content for a portfolio of hotels and clubs. Managed the end-to-end process of venue proposals, including typesetting, design, print, and production. Collaborated closely with marketing teams and managers to meet project objectives. Developed concepts, layouts, and graphics for events and promotional campaigns, reviewing final designs and providing recommendations for improvements to ensure high-quality, on-brand outputs.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Freelance
January 1, 2012 - October 22, 2025
Successfully completed a wide range of projects, including advertisements, publications, nightclub promotions, web layouts, logos, brochures, and advertisements. Collaborated with notable clients such as Melbas Nightclub, Australasian Regional Media, Creative Collective, Web Enhancements, Metro Interactive, Bedroom Nightclub, and Mary Valley Directory. Demonstrated expertise in creating eye-catching designs and layouts that effectively communicated clients’ messages. Served as Art Director and Editor for Metro Interactive’s monthly magazine publication. Consistently delivered high-quality work and met tight deadlines. Built a strong portfolio of successful projects that showcased creativity and attention to detail.
Head Graphic Designer at Classic Printing
June 1, 2005 - October 22, 2025
Designed advertisements and layouts for local and corporate magazines. Managed the art department and coordinated with printers. Led a team of three artists.
Graphic Designer at Snap Printing
May 1, 2004 - October 22, 2025
Managed the Art Department and created advertising, marketing, and promotional material. Prepared artwork for output and collaborated with printers.
Graphic Designer at Crowther Blayne & Associates
January 1, 2003 - October 22, 2025
Designed adverts and layouts for home-building magazines.
Graphic Designer at Imagination Station
July 1, 2002 - October 22, 2025
Created advertising material for computer game company EA Sports, including box designs, posters, standees, and magazine advertisements.

Education

Diploma of Digital Marketing at GM Computer Training
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2015
Introduction to Dreamweaver at GM Computer Training
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011
Diploma of Graphic Art & Advertising at Commercial Arts Training College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998
Computer Operations & Data Retrieval at Gold Coast Institute of TAFE
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1997
High School Certificate at St Michaels College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1995

Qualifications

Diploma of Digital Marketing
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2015
Introduction to Dreamweaver
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2011
Diploma of Graphic Art & Advertising
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1998
Computer Operations & Data Retrieval
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1997
High School Certificate
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 1995

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail, Software & Internet, Education
    uniE621 Emporium: 100-Page Product Catalogue Design
    A 100-page product catalogue was designed for Emporium Aqulia, featuring beautifully curated layouts that balance visual appeal with clear, organised listings. The design showcases each product with elegance and precision, brought to life through high-quality printing on premium stock for a refined, professional finish. cataloguedesign brochure graphicdesigner branding designer
    uniE621 BlueKee Powerpoint Presentation
    A 28-page PowerPoint presentation was designed for BlueKee, focusing on strong visual design, consistent branding, and clear, engaging layouts. Each slide was crafted to effectively communicate key information while maintaining a polished and professional appearance. branding graphicdesigner powerpoint visualidentity
    uniE621 Coastal Skin & Wellness: Sleek Brochure Design
    A sleek and modern brochure was designed for Coastal Skin & Wellness, emphasizing clarity, elegance, and brand consistency. The layout presents services in a visually appealing and professional format, creating an effective marketing tool for engaging clients. https://www.twine.net/signin flyer brochure graphicdesigner designer
    uniE621 YOUnique: Logo, Website & Brand Assets
    I designed the full branding, logo, website, and supporting assets for YOUnique Support & Coordination. The project created a cohesive, professional identity that reflects the brand’s mission and values across both digital and print platforms. https://www.twine.net/signin graphicdesigner illustrator branding webdesigner logo
    uniE621 Flash Point Promotions: Branding & Corporate Identity
    I developed the branding and visual assets for Flash Point Promotions, including a presentation folder, letterhead, and business cards, using Illustrator and InDesign. The project involved creating a cohesive, professional identity that effectively represents the client’s brand across all touchpoints. graphicdesigner branding logo designer
    uniE621 Maths Australia Teacher Taring Manual
    I designed a comprehensive digital training manual using InDesign, managing the layout, formatting, and visual presentation to ensure clarity and engagement. The project transformed complex content into a professional, accessible, and visually appealing resource for educators and learners. https://www.twine.net/signin graphicdesigner webdesigner designer trainingmanual publications
    uniE621 Locale Creative Website Design
    I designed the full Locale Creative website on WIX to showcase my portfolio and new branding. The site features a sleek, modern design, intuitive navigation, and responsive layouts, highlighting my work, creative services, and visual identity while providing a polished platform for clients and collaborators to connect. https://www.twine.net/signin graphicdesigner webdesigner designer creativedirector
    uniE621 Locale Kids Website Design
    I designed the complete Locale Kids website on WIX in preparation for the magazine’s December launch. The site combines a fun, family-friendly design with easy navigation, responsive layout, and engaging content to showcase kid-focused stories, activities, and local events, connecting families and businesses ahead of the magazine’s debut. https://www.twine.net/signin graphicdesigner webdesigner designer kids
    uniE621 Locale Magazine Website Design
    I designed the full Locale Magazine website on WIX, creating a visually engaging, user-friendly platform that showcases our editorial content, digital issues, and advertising opportunities. The site integrates seamless navigation, responsive design for desktop and mobile, and a polished aesthetic that reflects the magazine’s brand, connecting readers and local businesses effectively online. https://www.twine.net/signin graphicdesigner webdesigner
    uniE621 Locale Magazine #16
    As Publisher, Designer, and Sales Lead for Locale Magazine, I manage every aspect of the publication—from sourcing engaging local stories to designing the full magazine for print and digital platforms. I oversee content creation, layout, and visual storytelling, ensuring each issue is both visually striking and reader-focused. Additionally, I drive advertising sales, connecting local businesses with our audience and creating tailored campaigns that enhance their reach while supporting the magazine’s growth. https://www.twine.net/signin graphicdesigner magazine creativedirector designer