Hi, I'm Sarah Foelske, an experienced Art Director and Graphic Designer based in Lisbon, Portugal. Over the years, I've had the privilege to work with some fantastic agencies like MullenLowe, Wieden + Kennedy, and Bruce Mau Design, as well as independent clients. My career has spanned a variety of exciting projects, including notable rebrands and creative direction roles. I have also lived and designed in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, and am an American (I can legally work in America though I live in Europe). I thrive on creating innovative visual solutions and managing creative teams to deliver outstanding results. When I'm not designing, I enjoy exploring digital and analog collage, traveling, photography, and crafting. I'm passionate about creativity and collaboration, always looking to push the boundaries of design.

Sarah Foelske

Hi, I'm Sarah Foelske, an experienced Art Director and Graphic Designer based in Lisbon, Portugal. Over the years, I've had the privilege to work with some fantastic agencies like MullenLowe, Wieden + Kennedy, and Bruce Mau Design, as well as independent clients. My career has spanned a variety of exciting projects, including notable rebrands and creative direction roles. I have also lived and designed in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, and am an American (I can legally work in America though I live in Europe). I thrive on creating innovative visual solutions and managing creative teams to deliver outstanding results. When I'm not designing, I enjoy exploring digital and analog collage, traveling, photography, and crafting. I'm passionate about creativity and collaboration, always looking to push the boundaries of design.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Sarah Foelske, an experienced Art Director and Graphic Designer based in Lisbon, Portugal. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege to work with some fantastic agencies like MullenLowe, Wieden + Kennedy, and Bruce Mau Design, as well as independent clients. My career has spanned a variety of exciting projects, including notable rebrands and creative direction roles. I have also lived and designed in New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles, and am an American (I can legally work in America though I live in Europe).

I thrive on creating innovative visual solutions and managing creative teams to deliver outstanding results. When I’m not designing, I enjoy exploring digital and analog collage, traveling, photography, and crafting. I’m passionate about creativity and collaboration, always looking to push the boundaries of design.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Art Director + Graphic Designer at Freelance
January 1, 2016 - Present
Serving as an Art Director and Graphic Designer since 2016, working with prominent agencies such as MullenLowe, B-Reel, Sid Lee, Wieden + Kennedy, and Bruce Mau Design, as well as independent clients. Responsible for creative concept development and execution across various projects.
Freelance Lead Design at Sid Lee
December 31, 2015 - July 9, 2025
Led design and branding projects including President’s Choice Financial rebrand, Raptors NBA rebrand, and Le Château rebrand from 2013 to 2015, providing creative leadership and brand direction.
Associate Creative Director at Bruce Mau Design
December 31, 2013 - July 9, 2025
Managed a team of 5-10 members while providing creative direction on projects for clients like Sonos, Studio 360, and Weather Channel. Oversaw project budgets and timelines and contributed to new business development between 2011 and 2013.
Senior Art Director at Drake Hotel
December 31, 2011 - July 9, 2025
Directed art and design for all branding, print collateral, and creative launches including Drake BBQ from 2010 to 2011. Responsibilities included designing logos, menus, and interior designs to establish brand identity.
Art Director at Morgans Hotel Group
December 31, 2010 - July 9, 2025
Created and managed branding and print collateral for Morgans Hotel Group and their developments such as Good Units and Hudson Hall, involving logo design, menu creation, and overseeing uniform concepts from 2009 to 2010.
Design Director at M·A·C Cosmetics
December 31, 2009 - July 9, 2025
Directed design for in-store collateral, direct mail, and signage, and oversaw still-life photoshoots. Managed junior staff and ensured brand consistency from 2005 to 2009.
Art Director at Laird + Partners
December 31, 2005 - July 9, 2025
Handled print advertisements for The Gap including reinterpretation of continuing concepts and direction of photoshoots. Managed junior staff and oversaw various print, outdoor, and in-store layouts from 2002 to 2005.
Art Director at Wieden + Kennedy
December 31, 2002 - July 9, 2025
Developed print advertisements for ESPN, Brand Jordan, Nike, and other clients. Responsibilities included concept redevelopment, new idea presentations, and art direction for photo shoots and layouts. Created logos for ESPN Deportes and related ESPN initiatives from 2000 to 2002.
Designer at Wieden + Kennedy
December 31, 2000 - July 9, 2025
Provided design support at Wieden + Kennedy in New York and Portland in 1999 and 1998-1999 respectively, contributing to various projects under direction.
Art Director + Graphic Designer at Freelance
January 1, 2016 - Present
Working with clients including MullenLowe, B-Reel, Sid Lee, Wieden + Kennedy, Bruce Mau Design, and independent clients. Providing art direction and graphic design services in Los Angeles, California.
Freelance Lead Design at Sid Lee
December 31, 2015 - July 9, 2025
Led design efforts on high-profile projects such as the President’s Choice Financial rebrand, Raptors NBA rebrand, and Le Château rebrand in Toronto, Canada.
Associate Creative Director at Bruce Mau Design
December 31, 2013 - July 9, 2025
Managed a team of 5-10 members and provided creative direction for clients such as Sonos, Studio 360, Weather Channel, and Blik. Responsibilities included overseeing project budgets and timelines.
Senior Art Director at Drake Hotel
December 31, 2011 - July 9, 2025
Directed and designed all collateral, print, and branding for Drake Hotel, including the launch of new developments like Drake BBQ. Tasks involved logo design, menus, and interior design oversight.
Art Director at Morgans Hotel Group
December 31, 2010 - July 9, 2025
Designed and art directed collateral, print, and branding for Morgans Hotel Group in New York. Oversaw creative launches of new developments such as Good Units and Hudson Hall including logo and menu designs.
Design Director at M·A·C Cosmetics
December 31, 2009 - July 9, 2025
Led design for in-store and collateral materials, including direct mail and signage. Managed still-life photoshoots and supervised junior staff in New York.
Art Director at Laird + Partners
December 31, 2005 - July 9, 2025
Art directed print ads for The Gap, managed photoshoots, and oversaw junior staff for print, outdoor, in-store, and collateral layouts in New York.
Art Director at Wieden + Kennedy
December 31, 2002 - July 9, 2025
Art directed print advertisements for ESPN, Brand Jordan, Nike, Avon's Becoming Line, and Lady Foot Locker. Responsibilities included redeveloping concepts, presenting ideas, and directing photo shoots and layouts. Designed logos for ESPN Deportes and ESPN Original Entertainment in New York.
Designer at Wieden + Kennedy
December 31, 2000 - July 9, 2025
Designed creative concepts and executions in New York and Portland.

Education

BFA at University of Kansas
August 1, 1994 - December 31, 1998

Qualifications

Exhibiting Artist, “Sugar Substitute”
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Exhibiting Artist, “Keep Going”
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Applied Arts Juror, Illustration and Photography
January 1, 2021 - January 31, 2021
Selected Artist Sovereign/Ties
December 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Hallmark Symposium Speaker
February 1, 2013 - February 28, 2013
Brandemia Award for Best International Brand “Know Canada”, Studio 360
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
Moscow Biennale of Graphic Design 2012 “Know Canada”, Studio 360
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012
Exhibiting Artist, 'Sugar Substitute'
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Exhibiting Artist, 'Keep Going'
January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Applied Arts Juror, Illustration and Photography
January 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Selected Artist Sovereign/Ties
December 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020
Hallmark Symposium Speaker
February 1, 2013 - February 28, 2013
Brandemia Award for Best International Brand 'Know Canada', Studio 360
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Financial Services, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services, Consumer Goods
    paper Neighborhood School Rebrand

    I worked closley with the client as they had a very specific vision.