Berlin-based graphic designer and art director with 5+ years of experience, specializing in branding and visual systems for lifestyle, design-led, and cultural brands. I help businesses build clear, distinctive identities — from logo design and brand guidelines to packaging, editorial, and digital applications. My work focuses on creating structured, refined systems that not only look strong but function consistently across all touchpoints. With a background shaped by both Japanese and European design perspectives, I bring a precise, detail-oriented approach that balances clarity with sensitivity. I have worked with startups, independent brands, and established companies, delivering design solutions that strengthen positioning and elevate brand perception. Alongside client work, I co-founded POTU Studio, a Berlin-based product design studio exploring objects and furniture through material, form, and narrative. This hands-on practice informs my approach to visual design, with a strong focus on composition, proportion, and intention. I work best with clients who value thoughtful design and are looking to build brands with clarity, depth, and long-term relevance. Available for freelance collaborations in English and Japanese.…

NAOKO YAMANE

PRO
5.0 (1 review)

Berlin-based graphic designer and art director with 5+ years of experience, specializing in branding and visual systems for lifestyle, design-led, and cultural brands. I help businesses build clear, distinctive identities — from logo design and brand guidelines to packaging, editorial, and digital applications. My work focuses on creating structured, refined systems that not only look strong but function consistently across all touchpoints. With a background shaped by both Japanese and European design perspectives, I bring a precise, detail-oriented approach that balances clarity with sensitivity. I have worked with startups, independent brands, and established companies, delivering design solutions that strengthen positioning and elevate brand perception. Alongside client work, I co-founded POTU Studio, a Berlin-based product design studio exploring objects and furniture through material, form, and narrative. This hands-on practice informs my approach to visual design, with a strong focus on composition, proportion, and intention. I work best with clients who value thoughtful design and are looking to build brands with clarity, depth, and long-term relevance. Available for freelance collaborations in English and Japanese.…

Available to hire

Berlin-based graphic designer and art director with 5+ years of experience, specializing in branding and visual systems for lifestyle, design-led, and cultural brands.

I help businesses build clear, distinctive identities — from logo design and brand guidelines to packaging, editorial, and digital applications. My work focuses on creating structured, refined systems that not only look strong but function consistently across all touchpoints.

With a background shaped by both Japanese and European design perspectives, I bring a precise, detail-oriented approach that balances clarity with sensitivity. I have worked with startups, independent brands, and established companies, delivering design solutions that strengthen positioning and elevate brand perception.

Alongside client work, I co-founded POTU Studio, a Berlin-based product design studio exploring objects and furniture through material, form, and narrative. This hands-on practice informs my approach to visual design, with a strong focus on composition, proportion, and intention.

I work best with clients who value thoughtful design and are looking to build brands with clarity, depth, and long-term relevance.

Available for freelance collaborations in English and Japanese.

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Language

Japanese
Fluent
English
Advanced
German
Intermediate

Work Experience

Freelance Graphic Designer at Freelance
April 1, 2020 - Present
Developed brand identities and visual systems for clients across retail, hospitality, and media sectors. Designed and built Shopify-based e-commerce websites, defining layout, visual direction, and product presentation. Managed project timelines, client communication, and delivery from concept to final implementation.
CO-Founder & Designer at POTU Studio
April 1, 2023 - Present
Co-founded an independent design studio focused on product, object, and furniture design, exploring forms and materials inspired by nature. Lead the studio’s visual communication and project coordination, including exhibitions, presentations, and collaborations with partners.
Senior Graphic Designer at mc Group
February 1, 2022 - April 1, 2025
Led branding campaigns from concept to final delivery, producing 50+ assets across print, digital, and motion. Developed structured visual systems and brand guidelines to ensure consistency across platforms. Managed multiple client accounts simultaneously.
Junior Graphic Designer at MiN Design Agency & Distributor
May 1, 2020 - September 1, 2021
Designed marketing materials including brochures, posters, and digital assets for diverse clients. Maintained and updated WordPress websites, ensuring visual consistency and usability.

Education

Certificate on Communication Design at HTK University of Design in Berlin
April 3, 2017 - March 31, 2020
Bachelor of English Literature at Kansai Gaidai University
April 4, 2011 - March 31, 2025
Studied in American History at Washington State University
July 1, 2013 - June 30, 2014
Exchange Student

Qualifications

Certificate in Communication Design
April 3, 2017 - March 31, 2020

Industry Experience

Consumer Goods, Energy & Utilities, Education, Government, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Retail, Transportation & Logistics, Travel & Hospitality, Non-Profit Organization, Real Estate & Construction
    uniE621 Ras Al-Khair Special Economic Zone Website designs
    Website design for Ras Al-Khair Special Eoconomic Zone for maritime industries and offshore cluster areas located in Arabian gulf. This website, encompassing 17 distinct pages, serves as an informative resource, providing extensive insights into Ras Al-Khair Special Economic Zone (SEZ). The design is the culmination of thorough research, ensuring that the graphical elements, color palette, icons, and imagery tonality align with the essence of the region. An interactive map is also integrated, enhancing user engagement and providing an intuitive way to explore the area. Each element of the design—from the colors chosen to the interactive features—has been carefully selected to reflect the unique identity of Ras Al-Khair SEZ, making the site both visually appealing and highly functional. graphicdesigner webdesigner illustrator motiondesigner…
    uniE621 A2 Poster Design for NORITUAL LAB
    A2 poster design for NORITUAL LAB, a Berlin-based company dedicated to reviving rituals in modern life through ethically sourced, 100% natural ceremonial Matcha rooted in Japan’s Yame tea traditions. For the launch of their new Single-Cultivar Matcha series, starting with Saemidori, I created an artwork that captures its essence — inspired by sumi-e and brought to life through risograph printing. illustrator designer graphicdesigner…
    uniE621 POTU STUDIO Branding
    Identity design for POTU STUDIO, a Berlin-based creative studio for everyday objects founded by Naoko Yamane and Veselin Atanasov. Their work is centered around exploring and creating ”soothings” in our lives through the use of diverse concepts and materials. By incorporating elements of playfulness and soothing qualities into the identity design, the essence of POTU STUDIO will be captured, creating a visually engaging and memorable brand experience for their audience. graphicdesigner logo branding illustrator webdesigner…
    uniE621 péripéties Branding
    Identity design for péripéties, a homemade Jam brand made in a warm kitchen with mother and 2 little helpers in San Diego, USA. Made with love in a cozy kitchen, each jar of péripéties jam is a delicious reflection of the joy and creativity that goes into making it. To capture the essence of the brand, I developed an identity that is both playful, warm, and inviting. branding graphicdesigner illustrator logo…
    uniE621 PLAY IN SPACE - MÍN newspaper
    Editorial design for MÍN design agency & distributor, a berlin-based agency that specializes in exporting high-quality, conceptual interior design pieces from Europe to Asia. Newspaper was designed to introduce MÍN to new customers in Asia, featuring the well-known French interior brand called Moustache. graphicdesigner illustrator…
    uniE621 O! DIM SUM Branding
    Identity design for O! DIM SUM, a Chinese restaurant specializing in traditional Chinese meal made up of small plates of dumplings and other snack dishes accompanied by tea. We crafted an identity for O! DIM SUM that blends tradition and modernity. graphicdesigner logo illustrator webdesigner branding…
    uniE621 China and Germany 50th Anniversary Campaign
    I had the privilege to working on posters for the Chinese embassy in Berlin, Germany while working at mc Group. It was to showcase their achivement from the long-run relationships between two nations and to promote understanding and cooperation. graphicdesigner illustrator posterdesign…