Hi, I’m Karly Yu, a freelance graphic designer based in Manchester. I translate clients’ marketing objectives into creative strategies, collaborating across teams to bring ideas to life through thoughtful and visually engaging design. Passionate about creating mesmeric visuals with a distinctive aesthetic, I aim to deliver work that is both meaningful and impactful. As a versatile designer, I thrive on exploring new stories and concepts, bringing curiosity and adaptability into every project. My collaborative mindset and approachable working style allow me to build strong creative relationships while crafting visuals that feel authentic, refined, and memorable.

Hi, I’m Karly Yu, a freelance graphic designer based in Manchester. I translate clients’ marketing objectives into creative strategies, collaborating across teams to bring ideas to life through thoughtful and visually engaging design. Passionate about creating mesmeric visuals with a distinctive aesthetic, I aim to deliver work that is both meaningful and impactful. As a versatile designer, I thrive on exploring new stories and concepts, bringing curiosity and adaptability into every project. My collaborative mindset and approachable working style allow me to build strong creative relationships while crafting visuals that feel authentic, refined, and memorable.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Karly Yu, a freelance graphic designer based in Manchester. I translate clients’ marketing objectives into creative strategies, collaborating across teams to bring ideas to life through thoughtful and visually engaging design. Passionate about creating mesmeric visuals with a distinctive aesthetic, I aim to deliver work that is both meaningful and impactful.

As a versatile designer, I thrive on exploring new stories and concepts, bringing curiosity and adaptability into every project. My collaborative mindset and approachable working style allow me to build strong creative relationships while crafting visuals that feel authentic, refined, and memorable.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Creative Designer at Karly Yu (Self-employed)
April 1, 2023 - April 1, 2024
Responsible for creative briefs, translating marketing objectives to creative strategy, developing graphic guidelines and design concepts. Assisted the artist team with research, layout and development of 10+ 3D paper sculptures; provided art direction in photoshoots; managed internal studio operations including website updates and social media content. Contributed to both creative and technical aspects of projects and supported curatorial coordination for DeTour2023.
Mentee at StickyLine
October 1, 2024 - November 1, 2024
Developed a cohesive brand identity for a new event with 40+ participants; collaborated closely with Team Fiasco, presenting and refining progress in 7 weekly meetings to ensure alignment with project goals.
Editorial Designer at Fiasco Design x Noods
April 1, 2025 - Present
Designed editorial spread layouts for print magazines, ensuring visual consistency and engaging storytelling. Managed print production and logistics coordination for magazine distribution. Developed and maintained the digital version of the magazine through website design, implementation, and content updates, ensuring a seamless and visually engaging user experience across platforms. Provided creative and design direction support to the team throughout the production process.
Brand Designer (Freelance) at Self-employed
May 1, 2025 - Present
Worked independently on branding projects from initial research and concept development to final execution. Delivered logo systems, visual identities and brand guidelines while maintaining close communication with clients throughout the creative process.
Graphic Design Intern at THANK YOU !
May 1, 2021 - August 1, 2021
Designed 12 social media posts over 3 months, laid out the annual report, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines; illustrated over 20 mascots in accordance with the brand guidelines.
Freelance Graphic Designer at Hong Kong Children's Discovery Museum
June 1, 2021 - October 1, 2021
Collaborated with a fellow designer to develop the layout for a meal plan and 64-page recipe book, ensuring a visually appealing and user-friendly design. Designed promotional materials for the project's advertisement, effectively communicating its value and engaging the target audience.
Illustration Manager at Nutrition Revolution
October 1, 2021 - May 1, 2022
Collaborated with the creative team to produce 23 illustrations across 10 issues of the school magazine, contributing to the overall visual storytelling and design. Assisted illustrators in creating and refining illustrations, ensuring alignment with the magazine's theme and artistic direction.
Art Administrative Intern at HKWALLS
September 1, 2022 - March 1, 2023
Facilitated administrative tasks and contributed to marketing materials; supported updating the official website and social media content; helped coordinate logistics for events and programs.
Design Intern at HKWALLS
April 1, 2023 - June 1, 2023
Collaborated with the design and curatorial teams to create visual and experiential designs for exhibitions and venues; contributed to two curatorial projects. Assisted POINTSMAN with various graphic design projects and social media content creation, ensuring visually engaging and cohesive digital presence.
Graphic Design Assistant at POINTSMAN
April 1, 2023 - June 1, 2023
Assisted with various graphic design projects and social media content creation, ensuring visually engaging and cohesive digital presence.
Creative Designer at Self-employed / KARLY YU
April 1, 2023 - April 1, 2024
Responsible for creative briefs and complete internal and external communications from project kick-off to final deliverables; translate client marketing objectives to creative strategy; develop graphic guidelines and design concepts. Assisted artist team with research, layout and design of presentations, mood boards, and development; produced 10+ 3D paper sculptures; provided art direction for photoshoots and editing; supported website and social media updates; aided the curatorial team at DeTour2023 in coordinating timelines and resources.
Editorial Designer at Fiasco Design x Noods Level Tracking Course
April 1, 2025 - Present
Designed editorial spread layouts for print magazines, managed print production and logistics; developed and maintained the digital version of the magazine with website design and content updates; provided creative direction and layout solutions to strengthen branding and storytelling.
Brand Designer at Freelance
May 1, 2025 - Present
Delivered logo systems, visual identities and brand guidelines; worked closely with clients throughout the branding process. Clients: Arcan Blancs, Street Baller, ATHLY.
Festival Preparations Assistant at M+ Museum
January 1, 2023 - December 1, 2023
Facilitated preliminary work for the 2023 HKWALLS Street Art Festival; managed mural painting logistics; assisted with marketing materials and updating the official website, including poster design and social media content.

Education

BDes (Hons) Graphic Design at University of Dundee
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2022
Secondary Education at St. Francis’ Canossian College
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2018
BDes (Hons) Graphic Design at University of Dundee
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2022
High School at St. Francis’ Canossian College
January 1, 2012 - January 1, 2018

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Professional Services, Software & Internet, Other