I’m a multidisciplinary designer with a focus on branding and visual identity. As Creative Lead, I bring a strategic and collaborative mindset to creative challenges, backed by extensive experience across a range of creative fields. I help brands embrace meaningful change that builds connection and drives relevance, creating work that resonates with target audiences while also aligning with longterm business goals.

Sara Stode Winter

I’m a multidisciplinary designer with a focus on branding and visual identity. As Creative Lead, I bring a strategic and collaborative mindset to creative challenges, backed by extensive experience across a range of creative fields. I help brands embrace meaningful change that builds connection and drives relevance, creating work that resonates with target audiences while also aligning with longterm business goals.

Available to hire

I’m a multidisciplinary designer with a focus on branding and visual
identity. As Creative Lead, I bring a strategic and collaborative
mindset to creative challenges, backed by extensive experience
across a range of creative fields. I help brands embrace meaningful
change that builds connection and drives relevance, creating work
that resonates with target audiences while also aligning with longterm business goals.

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Language

Swedish
Fluent
English
Advanced
German
Intermediate
Italian
Beginner

Work Experience

Head of Creative at Watts & Co.
January 1, 2025 - Present
Lead brand identity work and establish visual guidelines across Watts & Co. and two subsidiary brands (J. Wippell & Co. and J&M Sewing), positioning each brand in different market segments. Ensure brand alignment across the wider team for consistent visual output. Manage and onboard a team of five remote creative freelancers. Creative direct studio and on-location photoshoots and oversee visual merchandising (showrooms, window displays, and off-site set ups). Design and produce printed and digital marketing collateral including packaging. Optimise creative/logistics workflow through updated processes. Create and sample fabric designs, showpieces, and new stock ranges. Collaborate with marketing stakeholders on the Watts & Co. website redesign. Source and liaise with premium suppliers within budget, and present creative work to upper management and stakeholders.
Creative Designer at Watts & Co.
January 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Create digital mock-ups of bespoke garments for customers. Design printed and digital marketing collateral. Create showpieces and design fabric patterns. Learn digital embroidery design software while developing market-specific knowledge. Identify problem areas in working processes and offer solutions. Organise the creative department’s filing system.
PR Assistant at LX PR
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2020
Support account managers with administrative tasks including logging press coverage, managing diaries, and maintaining client databases/mailing lists. Write press release copy, design event invitations, and assist at events by liaising with venues and setting up on the day. Handle daily administrative work including negotiating budgets and purchasing studio materials. Use social media channels to increase client base through illustration, photo, and video content. Present and speak publicly while teaching drawing workshops online and in person. Conduct ongoing research and self-development across art practices.
Social Media Manager at Super Lyan
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Manage social media presence across multiple platforms for promotion and networking using scheduling tools. Create and adapt content via copywriting and photography for different channels. Advise on social media strategies and monitor, report, and analyze performance.
Artist & Freelance Illustrator
January 1, 2013 - Present
Work independently to identify and approach potential clients with tailored visual content, building and sustaining strong relationships. Collaborate with clients as part of a team to communicate, support, and solve design problems while ensuring expectations are met with high attention to detail. Clients include Absolut Vodka, Bacardi, United Airlines, and Knight Frank.
Hairdresser & Make Up Artist (Self Employed)
January 1, 2011 - January 1, 2013
Consult with and advise clients, building and maintaining strong client relationships. Manage budgets, invoices, stock, and place orders. Adhere to health and safety standards. Continue professional development through courses, teaching, and trend research.
Hairdresser & Make Up Artist (Artistic Team Member) at Björn Axén
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2011
Member of the Björn Axén Artistic Team. Design and organise annual hairstyle collections, including budget management and liaison with photographers, stylists, and models. Winner of Hairdresser of the Year in Sweden (2009).

Education

Enhanced Illustration (Summer Course) at Central Saint Martins, London
January 1, 2013 - January 1, 2013
Drawing and Painting Program at The Florence Academy of Art, Mölndal, Sweden
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2013
Make Up Artist Course at Sara Flygare Make Up School, Stockholm, Sweden
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2007
Hairdressing Course at Björn Axén Academy, Stockholm, Sweden
January 1, 2004 - January 1, 2006

Qualifications

Bilingual Diploma (Swe/Eng)
January 11, 2030 - July 13, 2026
Hairdresser of The Year, Sweden
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Retail