I am a passionate creative with over 10 years of experience across art, fashion, lifestyle, and hospitality. My work moves where art and branding converge, blending illustration, painting, and design into a personal visual language that is both refined and narrative. I specialize in creating advertising campaigns, album artwork, brand identities, and illustrations, combining a strong academic foundation in communication, marketing, and fashion studies. My aesthetic is built on sophisticated contrasts and timeless references, balancing contemporary trends with enduring cultural symbols. I craft visual stories that are clear and elegant, resonating emotionally and evoking memories almost unconsciously. With a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, elegance, and sustainability, I create cohesive visual experiences that capture the essence of a brand or project and connect meaningfully with its audience.

Paola Arena

I am a passionate creative with over 10 years of experience across art, fashion, lifestyle, and hospitality. My work moves where art and branding converge, blending illustration, painting, and design into a personal visual language that is both refined and narrative. I specialize in creating advertising campaigns, album artwork, brand identities, and illustrations, combining a strong academic foundation in communication, marketing, and fashion studies. My aesthetic is built on sophisticated contrasts and timeless references, balancing contemporary trends with enduring cultural symbols. I craft visual stories that are clear and elegant, resonating emotionally and evoking memories almost unconsciously. With a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, elegance, and sustainability, I create cohesive visual experiences that capture the essence of a brand or project and connect meaningfully with its audience.

Available to hire

I am a passionate creative with over 10 years of experience across art, fashion, lifestyle, and hospitality. My work moves where art and branding converge, blending illustration, painting, and design into a personal visual language that is both refined and narrative. I specialize in creating advertising campaigns, album artwork, brand identities, and illustrations, combining a strong academic foundation in communication, marketing, and fashion studies.

My aesthetic is built on sophisticated contrasts and timeless references, balancing contemporary trends with enduring cultural symbols. I craft visual stories that are clear and elegant, resonating emotionally and evoking memories almost unconsciously. With a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, elegance, and sustainability, I create cohesive visual experiences that capture the essence of a brand or project and connect meaningfully with its audience.

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Language

Italian
Fluent
English
Advanced
German
Intermediate

Work Experience

Graphic Designer / Art Director at PA STUDIO
January 1, 2024 - Present
Created visual campaigns and illustrated covers for beauty, lifestyle, and cultural clients. Designed custom logos and editorial artwork with a refined, hand-drawn aesthetic. Developed cohesive branding and storytelling visuals for digital and print. Partnered with agencies and clients to develop branding projects.
Art Director at IMPACT ACOUSTIC
October 1, 2023 - September 2, 2025
Led a visual rebranding across packaging, website, campaigns and print materials. Created creative guidelines to ensure visual consistency across all brand touchpoints. Developed design systems and campaign imagery.
Marketing and Graphic Design Coordinator at FEFÉ PROJECT (Art Magazine, Publisher, Festival)
September 1, 2011 - September 2, 2025
Designed and launched marketing campaigns to increase brand visibility. Coordinated artists and content creation for print and digital. Organized and managed festival events from planning to execution.
Social Media Marketing Manager at ISTITUTO EUROPEO DI DESIGN
October 1, 2014 - September 2, 2025
Produced digital campaigns and editorial content. Implemented strategies that increased website traffic by 15%. Built and managed alumni community through networking and events.
Graphic Designer / Art Director at PA STUDIO
December 1, 2021 - September 2, 2025
Designed advertising campaigns, brand identities and social media visuals for leading fashion, beauty and hospitality brands including J.W. Thompson, Dolce & Gabbana, Frenzy, McDonald’s. Collaborated closely with marketing directors and copywriters to translate concepts. Supported creative teams with preproduction for stills and video shoots. Managed entire creative process from conception to delivery ensuring quality through all phases.
Senior Graphic Designer Team Lead & Art Director at PHILIPP PLEIN
March 1, 2023 - September 2, 2025
Managed and mentored a team of junior designers overseeing projects from idea to delivery. Coordinated creative outputs across e-commerce and digital marketing ensuring brand consistency and a high-end aesthetic. Developed mock-ups, layouts and UX/UI designs for websites, newsletters, landing pages, and campaigns. Adapted campaign visuals for regional needs and developed comprehensive guidelines. Managed complex workflows, coordinated cross-functional teams to meet deadlines. Translated creative concepts into cohesive visuals across multiple platforms.

Education

MA in FASHION COMMUNICATION & MARKETING at Istituto Europeo di Design
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2012
BA , MA in COMMUNICATION & MEDIA STUDIES at “Sapienza” University
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2009

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail, Travel & Hospitality, Consumer Goods, Professional Services