ABOUT
HI THERE! I'M GIULIA PAPALEO

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Giulia Papaleo Gracianteparaluceta
Creative Art Director, Brand Strategy

I am a future-focused, multidisciplinar Creative. Based in Munich. Thinking globally.

Designing brands and experiences that are rooted in clarity, purpose, and meaning.
My work sits at the intersection of strategy, design, and emotion, transforming ideas into experiences that resonate across digital, physical, and spatial dimensions.

My approach is holistic: blending conceptual clarity with aesthetic boldness, ensuring every touchpoint communicates luxury, precision, and meaningful connection.

With over 8 years of experience, I have collaborated with global brands, cultural institutions, startups, and leading agencies such as Serviceplan, Martin et Karczinski, AVANTGARDE Group, and BLACKSPACE. My work spans from Culture, Lifestyle, Quiet Luxury, Fashion, Beauty, Automotive, Photography, TV, and always crafting culturally relevant, emotionally resonant, and visually impactful experiences.

I explore the dialogue between digital and physical, rational and poetic, integrating AI and emerging technologies as tools to amplify creativity, speed up ideation, and uncover new possibilities
— without ever compromising the human touch. Every project is treated as a collaborative journey, where innovation meets craft, and bold ideas meet refined execution.

Multidisciplinary Approach:
AI Content + Brand Strategy + UX & Product Design + Visual Identity + Brand Experiences
Enhanced by thoughtful integration of technology and AI to amplify creativity.

Multicultural by nature — German, Spanish and Italian.
I lead with empathy and design narratives that scale across cultures, platforms, and time.


Nice to Know:

Currently: Looking for full-time employment 2026. Open for freelance assignments.
Open for freelance assigments to creative art direction, consulting, or project-based work — globally or remotely/ hybrid from Munich.

Let’s create something meaningful together.
papaleo.giulia@hotmail.com
+49 17 374 583 75
Languages:
English – Fluent / C2 Certificate
German – Native
Spanish – Native
Italian – Native / Conversational

Selectet Clients

Brands & Businesses 
Over the years, I have collaborated with a diverse range of global brands, agencies, and startups across industries such as Tech, Quiet Luxury, Beauty, Fashion, Automotive, Photography, TV, and Lifestyle.

Would you like to collaborate?
Let’s create something visionary together.

Fields of Expertise

Strategic & Creative Leadership 

As a Creative Director & Brand Strategist, I specialize in transforming brands into meaningful,
visually compelling experiences that connect with audiences on an emotional and strategic level.

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CREATIVE DIRECTION

Strategic and aesthetic leadership to ensure compelling, coherent brand narratives.

• Art Direction
• Creative Strategy & Concept
• Development
• Visual Storytelling & Editorial Design
• Motion & Interactive Design
• Web & Digital Design
• Print & Layout Design
• Photography & Brand Imagery

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MOTION
DESIGN

Bringing brands to life through movement, storytelling, and immersive digital experiences.

• Motion Branding & Identity
• 2D & 3D Animation
• Cinematic Storytelling
• Kinetic Typography
• Video Editing & Post-Production
• UI Motion & Interactive Design
• VFX & Visual Enhancements
• Social Media Motion Content

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BRAND
DESIGN

Defining and shaping brands with a clear vision, strong positioning, and a distinctive identity.

• Brand Strategy & Positioning
• Brand Archetypes & Tonality
• Brand Concept & Messaging
• Brand Design Systems & Guidelines
• Print & Media Concept Development
• Brand Purpose & Values
• On-Site Brand Implementation

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INTERACTION
DESIGN

Enhancing digital interactions through intuitive, user-centered experiences.

• UX Research & Design Thinking
• Information Architecture & User Flows
• Data Evaluation & Research Planning
• Digital Interfaces & Accessibility
• Wireframing
• Prototyping
• App Design
• Web Design

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SPATIAL
DESIGN

Transforming physical spaces into immersive brand experiences.

• Guidance system / Wayfinding
• 
Scenography & 3D Sketching
• Brand Space Concepts
• Vistor Customer Journeys
• Interactive Exhibits
• Staging Concepts
• On-Site Support
• Execution Collaboration

Skills & Tools

Leadership & Teamwork:
I exceled at leading teams of 50+ creatives, creating environments where creativity thrives while ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives. My leadership approach balances innovative thinking with data-driven decisions, ensuring that creative output delivers measurable impact.

Key strengths include:
— Inspiring and motivating teams to reach their full potential
— Fostering collaboration across cross-functional teams
— Providing mentorship and professional growth opportunities for team members
— Promoting a culture of open communication and idea-sharing
— Navigating challenging situations with resilience and adaptability
— Building trust and maintaining strong, productive team relationships

AI Digital Transformation & Innovation:
Adobe Suite, Figma, Canva, OpenAi, MidJourney, Adobe Sensei / Firefly AI, GoogleLabs, Runway ML, Brandwatch, Sprinklr

I leverage AI-powered creative tools and data-driven marketing platforms to optimize workflows, improve campaign performance,
and deliver innovative brand experiences. I am passionate about integrating technology and creativity to keep brands ahead in the digital landscape.

Key skills:
— Implementing AI-driven design and marketing tools (ChatGPT, MidJourney, Adobe Firefly)
— Applying analytics and KPI-driven insights to guide decision-making
— Creating innovative, engaging campaigns across channels
— Managing digital transformation projects and integrating new technologies

Creative Direction & Communication:
Tools: Figma, Adobe X, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Canva, Procreate, Adobe After Effects,
Cinema 4D, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, Canva, TouchDesigner

I lead the conceptualization and execution of high-impact creative campaigns, ensuring consistency across all touchpoints while maintaining a
strong brand identity. My work bridges strategic goals with emotional storytelling, producing campaigns that resonate and inspire.

Highlights:
— Concept development for cross-media campaigns
— Content strategy and storytelling for brands with societal relevance
— Designing digital products and experiences that engage audiences
— Maintaining visual and narrative consistency across all channels

Strategic & Design Thinking:
Tools: Google Analytics, Miro, Mural, InVision, Adobe XD, Unity, Sketch, Canva

I apply strategic and design thinking to every project, ensuring that creative solutions are user-centered, innovative, and aligned with business objectives. My approach combines research, prototyping, and data-driven insights to develop concepts that not only look great but also deliver measurable results.

Key skills and tools I use include:
— Data analysis & insights: Google Analytics for tracking performance and informing strategy
— Collaboration & ideation: Miro and Mural for workshops, brainstorming, and mapping user journeys
— Prototyping & interaction design: InVision, Adobe XD, Sketch, Unity for digital experiences and interactive concepts
— Visual & rapid design: Canva for fast iteration, mood boards, and visual storytelling

By combining these tools with a strategic mindset, I ensure that every concept is both creatively compelling and strategically effective, ready to make an impact across all touchpoints.

Project & Budget Management: 
Tools: Jira, Asana, Trello, Slack, Teams, Monday.com

I bring rigorous project management skills to all initiatives, ensuring delivery on time, on budget, and with measurable outcomes.
My approach balances creative freedom with operational efficiency.

Key capabilities:
— Planning and managing large-scale projects and budgets
— Overseeing resources and timelines
— Conducting KPI-driven performance reporting
— Maintaining quality and efficiency without compromising creativity

Services

CREATIVE DIRECTION
Strategic and aesthetic leadership to ensure compelling, coherent brand narratives.

• Mangaing Direction
• Marketing
• TV, Online and Radio
• Creative Strategy & Concept
• Development
• Visual Storytelling & Editorial Design
• Motion & Interactive Design
• Web & Digital Design
• Print & Layout Design
• Photography & Brand Imagery
🤖 INTERACTION DESIGN
Enhancing digital interactions through intuitive, user-centered experiences.

• UX Research & Design Thinking
• Information Architecture & User Flows
• Data Evaluation & Research Planning
• Digital Interfaces & Accessibility
• Wireframing
• Prototyping
• App Design
• Web Design
BRAND DESIGN
Defining and shaping brands with a clear vision, strong positioning, and a distinctive identity.

• Brand Strategy & Positioning
• Brand Archetypes & Tonality
• Brand Concept & Messaging
• Brand Design Systems & Guidelines
• Print & Media Concept Development
• Brand Purpose & Values
• On-Site Brand Implementation
SPACIAL DESIGN
Transforming physical spaces into immersive brand experiences.

• Scenography & 3D Sketching
• Brand Space Concepts
• Vistor Customer Journeys
• Interactive Exhibits
• Staging Concepts
• On-Site Support
• Execution Collaboration

Career

Brands & Businesses

Over the years, I have collaborated with a diverse range of global brands, agencies, and startups across industries such as Quiet Luxury, Beauty, Fashion, Automotive, Photography, TV, and Lifestyle.

Would you like to collaborate?
Let’s create something visionary together.

Creative Director  & Brand Strategist
↗ GIULIAPAPALEO.COM
2015 – Present
Leading strategic brand development, corporate communications, media relations, and thought leadership for global clients across luxury, beauty, fashion, automotive, and lifestyle industries. Developing and executing high-impact storytelling, public relations strategies, and reputation management to enhance brand visibility.

Creative Lead of Design, Production, Conception
↗ HSE.DE
2024 – 2025
Overseeing corporate storytelling, PR campaigns in DACH area, and executive positioning for one of Europe's leading lifestyle and retail platforms. Leading integrated communication strategies, ensuring message consistency across media channels, and managing brand reputation.

Freelance Art Director & Pitch Strategy
↗ SERVICEPLAN.COM
September 2024
Developing brand communication strategies, media narratives, and high-profile pitch presentations for clients in the DACH area. Shaping storytelling approaches for press and digital platforms.

Freelance Art Director & Brand Strategy Consultant
↗ MARTINETKARCZINSKI.DE
July 2024
Developed global brand communication strategies, corporate storytelling, and media positioning for luxury brands. Led brand experience design, public relations initiatives, and executive messaging to enhance worldwide visibility and audience engagement. Collaborated with cross-functional teams across international markets to ensure consistent brand narratives and PR success across digital and experiential platforms.

Art Director in Exhibition Design &  AI-Driven Storytelling
↗ Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung
February 2024 – May 2024
Curated an AI-powered immersive exhibition for my MASTER Projekt
"Aqua Nostra! on climate change and glacier preservation, integrating visual storytelling, generative design, and data visualization. Combined NASA & ESA climate data with AI tools and TouchDesigner, creating dynamic narratives to engage audiences and foster global awareness and dialogue on environmental sustainability.

Art Director – Strategic Brand Communication
↗ 19H13.COM
June 2023 – November 2023
Led AI-driven brand storytelling, strategic communication, and digital content creation for global clients. Developed immersive narratives using generative design, machine learning, and interactive media to enhance brand engagement, media impact, and thought leadership positioning. Collaborated on multi-platform campaigns, aligning AI-powered creative strategies with corporate messaging and audience engagement goals.

Art Director – AI Driven Brand Experience
& Strategic Communication in Brand Space/Exhibition 

↗ AVANTGARDE.NET
January 2023 – June 2023
Directed AI-powered brand experiences, spatial design, and experiential marketing for global luxury and automotive brands. Integrated generative design, machine learning, and interactive storytelling to create immersive brand spaces and high-impact exhibition narratives. Developed strategic communication frameworks, enhancing brand engagement, audience interaction, and media visibility.

Visual Designer – Global Brand Experience & Strategic Communication intern
↗ BLACKSPACE.COM
August 2019 – March 2020
Developed global brand identity systems, visual storytelling strategies, and immersive brand experiences for high-profile luxury clients. Created cross-platform communication concepts to enhance brand positioning, audience engagement, and corporate messaging. Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams across international markets to craft impact-driven narratives aligned with global brand strategies and market trends.

Tutor – Screenprinting
↗ University Pforzheim
June 2018 – April 2019
Taught screen printing techniques and visual storytelling with a focus on brand communication, design experimentation, and creative expression. Guided students in hands-on printmaking processes, emphasizing tactile brand narratives and strategic visual impact.Fostering creativity through hands-on workshops.

Visual Designer & Studio Manager – Brand Communication
↗ ZEROEIGHT.DE
September 2017 – September 2018
Managed studio operations, brand communication, and visual strategy for global clients. Led branding, digital experiences, and corporate storytelling, ensuring cohesive brand narratives across print, digital, and experiential platforms. Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategic design solutions aligned with market trends and audience engagement goals.

Visual Designer
& Photography Director

↗ ARTINACTION.DE
September 2016 – September 2017
Led visual design, photography, and digital branding, crafting strategic brand narratives and cross-platform storytelling. Developed content strategies that enhanced audience engagement, brand positioning, and corporate messaging, ensuring a consistent visual identity across digital and print media.

Education Certificat

🎓 M.A. Design & Future Making
I hold a Master of Arts in Design and Future Making from DesignPF, where I focused on integrating design with sustainable and innovative practices. This interdisciplinary program has equipped me with essential skills and knowledge to tackle complex challenges in the design field, and to leverage design as a transformative force for innovation and sustainability.

Key Focus Areas:
Future-Oriented Design: Creating solutions for tomorrow with emerging technologies and sustainability.
Ethics & Corporate Values: Aligning design with ethical standards and societal impact.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working across disciplines to solve complex design challenges.
Research & Innovation: Identifying trends and applying innovative design methods.
Interactive Design: Combining traditional models with dynamic user-centered design.
Leadership & Self-Management: Leading teams, managing projects, and aligning goals with business objectives.
User Experience Design: Designing intuitive and impactful user experiences.

Skills:
Cross-Functional Team Leadership: Leading and collaborating with creative teams.
Branding: Crafting strong, impactful brand identities.
Visual Communication: Designing to communicate messages clearly and effectively.
Design Thinking: Applying a human-centered approach to problem-solving.
Design Tools: Expertise in InVision and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Critical Thinking & Creative Strategy: Analyzing and delivering innovative solutions.
🎓 B.A Visual Communication Design
I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication from DesignPF, where I developed expertise in designing information across various media formats. This program emphasized creativity and social competence, preparing me to tackle the communicative challenges faced by businesses, science, culture, and civil society.

Key Highlights:
Semester Speaker: Served as the representative for my cohort, facilitating communication between students and faculty.
Certification as a Communication Signage Designer: Completed certification under Dagmar Korintenberg at Flunder Raumservice Studio, enhancing my skills in signage and wayfinding design.
Certification as a Pictogram Designer: Achieved certification in pictogram design from Juli Gudehus, equipping me with expertise in creating intuitive visual symbols for communication.

Program Focus:
Future-Oriented Design: Developing innovative design solutions that address emerging challenges.
Theories of Management & Corporate Governance: Understanding frameworks for leadership and governance in design.
Ethics & Corporate Values: Exploring the ethical implications of design decisions and their societal impact.
Project Management & Controlling: Gaining practical skills in managing projects, including budgeting and resource allocation.
Design Methods, Models, and Theories: Learning diverse design methodologies to enhance creativity and innovation.
Linear Models & Interactive Design: Integrating traditional and interactive design models to create dynamic user experiences.
Leadership & Self-Management: Focusing on personal development as a leader in design and team dynamics.
User-Centered Design: Prioritizing design practices that focus on creating meaningful, user-centric experiences.

This program equipped me with the knowledge and skills to use design as a transformative tool for creating innovative, sustainable solutions that address both human and business needs.
📃 Certificate: Communication Signage Designer
Completed a specialized certification under the guidance of Dagmar Korintenberg at Flunder Raumservice Studio, enhancing my skills in effective signage and wayfinding design. This certification deepened my understanding of how visual design can guide people through spaces and improve navigation and communication.
📃 Certificate: Pictogram Designer
Achieved certification in pictogram design from Juli Gudehus, equipping me with the expertise to create intuitive visual symbols that convey information quickly and clearly, ensuring easy and effective communication across different contexts.

GIULIA PAPALEO
+49 173 745 837 5
PAPALEO.GIULIA@HOTMAIL.COM

2017 – 2025 © Giulia Papaleo

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