Design leader driven by strategy, storytelling, and human insight. With 12+ years building brands and guiding creative teams, I craft design that moves people, builds culture, and drives business growth.

Michaela Neilson DINZ

Design leader driven by strategy, storytelling, and human insight. With 12+ years building brands and guiding creative teams, I craft design that moves people, builds culture, and drives business growth.

Available to hire

Design leader driven by strategy, storytelling, and human insight. With 12+ years building brands and guiding creative teams, I craft design that moves people, builds culture, and drives business growth.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Lead at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
October 1, 2021 - Present
Directed brand transformation and strategic identity refresh, embedding a scalable design system that aligned creative execution with organisational strategy, increasing brand health for our members from 65.2% (2022) to 76.8% (2025). Directed and implemented CA ANZ's youth brand, driving a 61% uplift in positive perceptions of the accounting profession among young audiences and a 67% increase in interest in accounting careers. Directed integrated campaigns across digital, social, film, and cultural platforms, translating audience insights into impactful, measurable storytelling. Developed brand and user guidelines supporting digital transformation and large-scale projects, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility were embedded in strategy and execution. Directed design for enterprise-scale campaigns across web, social, and digital products, including end-of-financial-year campaigns that exceeded forecast profit in 2024 and 2025. Built a culture of strategic creativity by mentoring and co
Senior Graphic Designer at Oystercatchers NZ
November 1, 2021 - October 20, 2025
Led brand and digital design across campaigns and packaging, ensuring strong alignment with business objectives. Developed content strategies for Instagram and web that grew engagement and visibility. Partnered with marketing, product, and agency teams to deliver cohesive, impactful brand storytelling.
Intermediate Graphic Designer at Cato Brand Partners
March 1, 2020 - October 20, 2025
Delivered end-to-end design across signage, packaging, brand identity, digital, and experience projects. Supported major brand implementation (TSB, Fire & Emergency NZ, NIWA, Wellington Airport), ensuring scalable consistency and cohesive systems. Collaborated with strategists, developers, and clients to deliver creative solutions that balanced business goals and user needs.

Education

Foundations in Creative Leadership at IDEO U
April 1, 2025 - October 20, 2025
Postgraduate Certificate in Business – Business and Sustainability, Distinction at Massey University, Wellington
January 1, 2021 - January 1, 2022
Bachelor of Design – Visual Communication Design, First Class Honours at Massey University, Wellington
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2015

Qualifications

CEO Awa Award – Chartered Accountants ANZ
January 1, 2024 - October 20, 2025
Red Dot Design Award – The Best of the Best
January 1, 2016 - October 20, 2025
New Zealand Best Graphic Design Award – Bronze
January 1, 2016 - October 20, 2025
New Zealand Best Graphic Design Award – Silver
January 1, 2015 - October 20, 2025

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Education, Other