Design has been my world for over 25 years, and I still love every part of it. I specialise across print and digital—magazines, publications, branding, social media, presentation design, and websites—bringing the same care and creativity to every project. In 2021 I launched Locale Magazine, followed by Locale Kids in 2025—two free regional lifestyle titles reaching 18,000+ readers every quarter. I handle design, editorial direction, production, advertising sales, social media, EDMs, digital ads, and CRM end-to-end, creating work that genuinely looks great and connects with people. Alongside my own titles, I've worked closely with wellness, fitness, and lifestyle brands—from retreats and spas to boutique hospitality—designing social content, campaign assets, and branded materials that stay true to each brand's voice.

Karen Kinnersly

Design has been my world for over 25 years, and I still love every part of it. I specialise across print and digital—magazines, publications, branding, social media, presentation design, and websites—bringing the same care and creativity to every project. In 2021 I launched Locale Magazine, followed by Locale Kids in 2025—two free regional lifestyle titles reaching 18,000+ readers every quarter. I handle design, editorial direction, production, advertising sales, social media, EDMs, digital ads, and CRM end-to-end, creating work that genuinely looks great and connects with people. Alongside my own titles, I've worked closely with wellness, fitness, and lifestyle brands—from retreats and spas to boutique hospitality—designing social content, campaign assets, and branded materials that stay true to each brand's voice.

Available to hire

Design has been my world for over 25 years, and I still love every part of it. I specialise across print and digital—magazines, publications, branding, social media, presentation design, and websites—bringing the same care and creativity to every project.
In 2021 I launched Locale Magazine, followed by Locale Kids in 2025—two free regional lifestyle titles reaching 18,000+ readers every quarter. I handle design, editorial direction, production, advertising sales, social media, EDMs, digital ads, and CRM end-to-end, creating work that genuinely looks great and connects with people.
Alongside my own titles, I’ve worked closely with wellness, fitness, and lifestyle brands—from retreats and spas to boutique hospitality—designing social content, campaign assets, and branded materials that stay true to each brand’s voice.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Senior Graphic Designer at Retail Media
January 1, 2022 - September 1, 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.
Creative Director & Publisher at Locale Magazine / Locale Kids
January 1, 2021 - Present
Founded and oversees Locale Magazine (launched 2021) and Locale Kids (launched 2025), two free regional lifestyle titles distributed across 250+ locations in the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast with 18,000+ readers per quarter. Own end-to-end production including editorial direction, art direction, design, content creation, advertiser relationships, and print management. Manage advertising sales from prospecting and pitching through to contract, artwork collection, and invoicing. Produce print layouts and advertising collateral, plus social media assets and digital marketing. Grew Instagram to 7,000+ engaged followers and manages partnerships with regional businesses, tourism operators, events, and lifestyle brands. Handles day-to-day business operations including invoicing/accounts via Xero and coordination of staff/contractors.
Creative Director & Publisher at Locale Magazine | Locale Kids
January 1, 2021 - Present
Founder of Locale Magazine (launched 2021) and Locale Kids (launched 2025) — two free regional lifestyle publications with a combined 18,000+ readers per quarter, distributed across 250+ locations in the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast. Oversee all aspects of production: editorial direction, content creation, art direction, design, advertiser relationships, and print management. Manage end-to-end advertising sales across both titles — from cold outreach and client pitching through to contract, artwork collection, and invoicing. Produce all print layouts, advertising collateral, social media assets, and digital marketing for both titles. Grew Locale Magazine’s Instagram audience to 7,000+ engaged followers with consistent branded content. Secured and managed partnerships with regional businesses, tourism operators, events, and lifestyle brands. Manage all day-to-day business operations including invoicing and accounts via Xero, and the coordination of staff and contractors across d
Founder, Creative Lead, and Advertising Sales at Locale Magazine | Locale Kids
January 1, 2021 - Present
Founder, Creative Lead and Advertising Sales for Locale Magazine, a quarterly lifestyle publication showcasing the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast regions. Oversee end-to-end publishing operations including editorial direction, content creation, branding, design, advertising, and print management. Drive the creative vision while securing advertising partnerships and ensuring high-quality, engaging publications.
Graphic Designer & Creative Director at Locale Creative
January 1, 2017 - Present
Freelance design studio specialising in end-to-end creative solutions across print and digital. Services include: magazine design, branded PowerPoint presentations and pitch decks, EDMs, paid social ads, logos, business cards, brochures, signage, banners, packaging, annual reports, company profiles, and social media assets. Manage all client projects from briefing and concept through to final delivery, ensuring brand consistency and on-time output. Notable clients include hospitality groups, real estate agencies, retail businesses, and lifestyle brands across South East Queensland and Northern NSW.
Graphic Designer / Creative Director at Locale Creative
January 1, 2017 - Present
Specialise in delivering end-to-end creative solutions across print and digital, including magazines, EDMs, paid social ads, brochures, logos, business cards, signage, banners, packaging, annual reports, company profiles, and social media assets. Develop and execute innovative concepts for branding, promotional campaigns, and marketing communications, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints. Provide professional, responsive client support, managing projects from concept to delivery. Design tailored marketing solutions to suit client needs while maintaining and evolving strong brand standards across all projects.
Senior Graphic Designer at Summit Press
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2018
Designed and prepared graphics for a variety of print production projects, including brochures, flyers, and marketing collateral. Collaborated 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 publications. Also designed car wraps, real estate signage, and building signage.
Graphic Designer & Creative Director at Pelathon Management Group
January 1, 2012 - July 1, 2015
Designed graphics, EDMs, and social media content across a portfolio of hotels and clubs. Managed end-to-end venue proposals including typesetting, design, print, and production. Developed concepts, layouts, and graphics for events and promotional campaigns.
Freelance Graphic Designer (Self-employed) at Self-employed
June 1, 2005 - January 1, 2012
Delivered a wide range of projects including advertisements, publications, web layouts, logos, brochures, and promotional materials. Served as Art Director and Editor for Metro Interactive’s monthly magazine publication. Worked with clients including Australasian Regional Media, Creative Collective, Web Enhancements, Metro Interactive, and Mary Valley Directory.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Self-Employed
June 1, 2005 - January 1, 2012
Delivered a wide range of projects including advertisements, publications, web layouts, logos, brochures, and promotional materials. Served as Art Director and Editor for Metro Interactive’s monthly magazine publication. Clients included Australasian Regional Media, Creative Collective, Web Enhancements, Metro Interactive, and Mary Valley Directory.
Head Graphic Designer at Classic Printing
May 1, 2004 - June 1, 2005
Designed advertisements and magazine layouts for local and corporate publications. Managed the art department, coordinated with printers, and led a team of three designers.
Graphic Designer at Snap Printing (Crowther Blayne & Associates / Imagination Station)
January 1, 2001 - January 1, 2004
Created advertising, marketing, and promotional material across print and consumer categories. Designed EA Sports advertising assets (box designs, posters, standees, magazine ads) at Imagination Station. Produced adverts and layouts for home-building and corporate magazines at Crowther Blayne & Associates.

Education

Computer Operations & Data Retrieval at Gold Coast Institute of TAFE
January 1, 1997 - January 1, 1997
High School Certificate at St Michaels College
January 1, 1995 - January 1, 1995
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
Diploma of Digital Marketing at Not specified
January 1, 2015 - July 13, 2026
Diploma of Graphic Art & Advertising at Commercial Arts Training College
January 1, 1998 - July 13, 2026
Higher School Certificate at St Michaels College
January 1, 1995 - July 13, 2026

Qualifications

Introduction to Dreamweaver
January 1, 2011 - May 25, 2026
Diploma of Graphic Art & Advertising
January 1, 1998 - May 25, 2026
Computer Operations & Data Retrieval
January 1, 1997 - May 25, 2026
High School Certificate
January 1, 1995 - May 25, 2026
Diploma of Digital Marketing
January 11, 2030 - May 25, 2026
Diploma of Digital Marketing
January 1, 2015 - July 13, 2026
Diploma of Graphic Art & Advertising
January 1, 1998 - July 13, 2026
Higher School Certificate
January 1, 1995 - July 13, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Professional Services, Education, Other, Software & Internet, Travel & Hospitality, Wholesale & Distribution, Real Estate & Construction