I am a creative and results-driven design leader with 15+ years of experience delivering high-impact visual and digital solutions. I specialise in branding, UX/UI, website design, and digital content creation, with a strong focus on user-centered design. I am passionate about creating intuitive, scalable design systems and experiences that balance aesthetic appeal with functionality in complex environments. I have led cross-functional teams, managed large-scale projects, and consistently delivered high-quality outcomes under tight deadlines. As the sole proprietor of Paper Alchemy, I balance creative, operational, and strategic responsibilities to drive business growth and client satisfaction.…

Katerina Black

I am a creative and results-driven design leader with 15+ years of experience delivering high-impact visual and digital solutions. I specialise in branding, UX/UI, website design, and digital content creation, with a strong focus on user-centered design. I am passionate about creating intuitive, scalable design systems and experiences that balance aesthetic appeal with functionality in complex environments. I have led cross-functional teams, managed large-scale projects, and consistently delivered high-quality outcomes under tight deadlines. As the sole proprietor of Paper Alchemy, I balance creative, operational, and strategic responsibilities to drive business growth and client satisfaction.…

Available to hire

I am a creative and results-driven design leader with 15+ years of experience delivering high-impact visual and digital solutions. I specialise in branding, UX/UI, website design, and digital content creation, with a strong focus on user-centered design.

I am passionate about creating intuitive, scalable design systems and experiences that balance aesthetic appeal with functionality in complex environments. I have led cross-functional teams, managed large-scale projects, and consistently delivered high-quality outcomes under tight deadlines. As the sole proprietor of Paper Alchemy, I balance creative, operational, and strategic responsibilities to drive business growth and client satisfaction.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Freelance Graphic Designer at DCCEEW, Federal Government
March 1, 2025 - Present
Deliver graphic design services across a range of federal government initiatives, translating complex policy, environmental and technical information into clear, accessible visuals. Design digital and print assets aligned to Australian Government branding, accessibility standards and governance requirements. Produce layouts, infographics and visual systems that support consistency across programs and channels. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to ensure design solutions meet strategic and communication objectives. Work within secure environments and clearance requirements, maintaining confidentiality and compliance at all times. Manage multiple workstreams concurrently, delivering high-quality outcomes to tight deadlines.
Lead Creative Designer at UST Consulting
December 1, 2021 - March 31, 2025
Led the strategic development and ongoing evolution of UST Australia's visual identity and brand guidelines. Directed UX and UI design for the Australian website, delivering intuitive user journeys and engaging interfaces using Figma. Designed and delivered a scalable digital platform adopted across the region, improving usability and visual consistency. Produced digital content and branded assets to support client engagement and interactive experiences. Created illustrations, infographics, charts and iconography optimised for digital channels. Designed branding and collateral for corporate events, conferences and industry expos. Developed wayfinding concepts for internal environments, enhancing customer journey and accessibility outcomes. Improved client onboarding and project briefing processes to support more efficient delivery. Led the development of an online resource hub and employee education initiative, providing access to a centralised branded asset library. Managed multiple h
Assistant Director/ Senior Visual Designer at Ernst & Young
March 1, 2020 - December 31, 2021
Designed and delivered digital content, branded assets and visual systems for interactive client workshops and executive engagements. Supported transformation and innovation initiatives through design-thinking methodologies applied in client workshops. Created personas, customer journey maps and prioritisation frameworks to address complex business and service challenges. Enhanced client engagement through live visual facilitation and scribing in Mural and collaborative digital platforms. Produced detailed illustrations, infographics, charts and iconography for event-driven and workshop- based experiences. Provided art direction for Wavespace designers, ensuring high-quality, consistent visual outcomes across client engagements. Delivered multiple high-visibility projects for C-suite consulting teams under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Managed and mentored junior designers across the APJ region, including resourcing, scheduling and technical guidance. Improved client onb
Creative Director & Owner at Paper Alchemy
October 1, 2019 - Present
Managed all business operations, including design, production, vendor sourcing, client communication, and administration. Designed and produced premium custom printed and digital products and event stationery. Led creative direction for branding projects, delivering end-to-end design solutions. Developed and maintained the company website with UX/UI and e-commerce functionalities. Handled marketing, social media, campaigns, and vendor/client relationships. Expanded the product portfolio and ensured on-time delivery and high quality. As sole proprietor, balanced creative, operational and strategic responsibilities to drive growth and client satisfaction.
Senior Designer at John Holland
September 1, 2017 - March 31, 2020
Led the management and ongoing evolution of the John Holland brand and visual identity across corporate and project environments. Played a key role in the planning, research and rollout of the organisation’s refreshed brand identity. Developed high-impact visual concepts and project-specific identities for major national and large-scale infrastructure tenders. Designed compelling, award-winning visuals for RFTs, EOIs and strategic submissions, contributing to successful bid outcomes. Produced and maintained complex, large-format InDesign documents, applying advanced typesetting, layout and document governance best practice. Created robust branded templates across InDesign and Microsoft Office, enabling non-designers to produce consistent, on-brand materials. Oversaw and guided external designers to ensure brand consistency and quality across multi-disciplinary project collateral. Built detailed, scalable InDesign template systems for use across major projects and external teams. Desi
Creative Director & Co-Owner at Eastern Bloc
October 1, 2015 - July 31, 2020
Co-owned and managed Sydney-based branding and design agency, overseeing all business operations and creative processes. Developed and executed comprehensive branding strategies, including corporate identity and brand development tailored to client needs. Designed and produced a wide range of brand assets, including annual reports, websites, print and digital collateral, packaging, promo, and socials. Led creative direction for all projects, ensuring cohesive brand messaging across all platforms. Collaborated closely with clients to deliver design solutions that met their goals. Managed client relationships and project timelines for on-time delivery while meeting their budget. Facilitated internal team collaboration and project management to maintain efficient operations and high standards of creative excellence.
Senior Designer at JLT Group
September 1, 2015 - August 31, 2017
Managed and maintained branding and style guides for JLT and its subsidiaries, ensuring consistent visual identity across all communications. Led the concept development and full rebranding of key brands, including Recovre, Statewide Mutual, Realcover, and Key Underwriting. Designed and delivered event branding for corporate functions and conferences nationwide across multiple brands. Produced high-impact visuals for tenders, RFTs, EOIs, and strategic submissions, contributing to successful business outcomes. Maintained and edited complex, large-format InDesign documents, applying best practices in typesetting, formatting and cross-referencing. Directed the design team in creating email marketing templates across brands using Mailchimp, and trained staff in template use, campaign tracking, and performance monitoring. Designed and updated digital assets for JLT and subsidiary websites, including illustrations and infographics to communicate complex information. Prepared artwork and proj
Senior Designer at Commonwealth Bank Group
October 1, 2013 - September 30, 2015
Managed and maintained branding and style guides for Commonwealth Bank, Bankwest, Colonial First State, and multiple subsidiaries and white-label products. Designed and delivered event branding for corporate functions and conferences, ranging from small internal events to international programs with 800+ attendees. Produced, maintained, and edited complex InDesign documents, applying best practices in formatting, typesetting, and cross-referencing. Designed and updated digital assets across multiple Commonwealth Bank websites, ensuring brand consistency and clarity. Created detailed illustrations and infographics to simplify complex financial data and enhance customer understanding. Prepared artwork and project files for print production, ensuring high-quality outcomes. Led multi-disciplinary design projects, managing team workflow, coordination, and vendor relationships. Built and maintained strong stakeholder relationships to achieve project objectives and ensure successful outcomes.
Mid-level Graphic Designer at The Nuance Group
January 1, 2011 - October 31, 2013
Managed and updated branding and style guides for The Nuance Group and its subsidiaries. Designed and updated print marketing collateral including advertising, ticketing, posters, and flyers for nationwide stores. Assisted Art Director with major rebranding and identity refresh rollout of SYD Tax & Duty Free brand. Created and managed digital assets including website content, digital advertising, email campaigns, and digital catalogues. Handled new product photography, editing, and management. Coordinated with internal and external stakeholders on various projects.

Education

Higher School Certificate at Caringbah Selective High School
January 1, 1999 - December 31, 2004
Bachelor of Interior Architecture at University of New South Wales
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2008
Diploma in Graphic Design and Communication at St George College of Fashion, Fine Art and Graphic Design
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2011
Certificate IV in Marketing at TAFE NSW Sydney Institute, St George College
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
User Experience Design at RMIT University
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023

Qualifications

Certificate IV in Marketing
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
User Experience Design
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Government, Financial Services