Kara Pinakis

Kara is designer known for story-driven art direction of visual identities and environments. While most Graphic Designers think in flat print terms, her background in Interior Architecture provides a rare qualification to visualize in both 2D and 3D. Her exceptional understanding of how graphics are experienced in space, and how identity can flex beyond traditional printed collateral, produces higher quality, singular designs that are experienced, not seen. Kara developed brand strategy, brand identities, brand books, exhibitions, packaging, collateral, uniforms, signage, menus, illustrations, social media strategy, photography guidelines and environmental graphics at renowned hospitality design firms Brand Bureau and Crème Design. At Crème, Kara was the sole graphic designer and strategist at the company and re-branded the identity of the firm itself, including logo, website design and all internal branded collateral. She has developed a wide range of identities and graphics for Hotel, Retail, Food and Beverage from permanent to pop-up. Her expertise includes identity and way-finding concepts across large scale developments and their outlets within. Such projects include The Dairy Block in Denver, and 8th Street Market in Arkansas. Kara originally hails from Australia, where she garnered several years of experience in Interior Architecture, Project Management and Artist Management at a Not-For-Profit Arts Organization before to moving to London to practice Interiors. Her global curiosity has fueled her yearning for research & discovery and informed a taste level that is sophisticated, detail-oriented, and contextually considerate. Her move to New York landed her at acclaimed Experience and Hospitality Design firms where she realized her passion for these niche industries and thrived.