Looking for a brand designer and strategist who understands how to turn experiences into brands people remember?
I’m Anna Hartley, founder of aha Creative - a Sunshine Coast creative studio specialising in bold branding and marketing for events, hospitality, tourism, and personality-packed businesses that want to stand out.
I started aha Creative because I knew I had more to offer creatively than the design role I was in. I loved branding, but kept hearing I didn’t have the “right” experience for agency work. So instead of waiting for permission, I built my own path.
A big turning point was leaving a job that completely drained my creativity. I wanted work that challenged me creatively, fit around family life, and actually excited me again.
Three years later, what started as freelance work alongside motherhood has grown into a full-time creative studio, with my two boys Cooper and Augie, my husband Callan, and our pets Mango and Nori cheering me on behind the scenes.
Making the leap from part-time freelancing into full-time studio work was terrifying, but it reminded me of something I truly believe in: life’s too short not to enjoy what you do
I build brands with atmosphere.
About Anna
Strategy, storytelling, and brands people actually feel something from.
I started aha Creative because I’ve always been drawn to brands that create experiences. The kind that people remember long after the event ends, the holiday finishes, or the coffee cup is empty.
Live music, festivals, markets, boutique stays, hospitality spaces, tourism brands - these are the industries I naturally connect with most because they’re built on atmosphere, personality, and connection. And that’s exactly how I approach branding too.
I’m not just here to make things look good. I’m here to help brands feel clear, recognisable, and memorable in a crowded space.
My Approach
Strategy meets personality.
I’m a brand designer with a background in marketing, print production, and photography, which means I think beyond just visuals. Every design decision has a purpose behind it - whether that’s attracting the right audience, building recognition, or helping your brand feel more aligned and confident.
I love bold ideas, unexpected details, and brands with personality, but I also know good design needs structure to work. The sweet spot is always creativity backed by strategy.
A Little About Me
I’m based on the Sunshine Coast and work with brands across Australia.
I’m also an unashamed coffee snob and will absolutely travel for a good latte. Supporting local roasteries and cafes is one of my favourite things about living here, and honestly, hospitality branding probably became an obsession because of it.
On my weekends, you’ll find me at a market, a live music event, or chasing my two sons around a playground (let’s be real, this one should come first in the list).
My experience
Before launching aha Creative, I spent almost 10 years working across sales and marketing coordination roles within large corporate teams before transitioning fully into graphic design and branding.
Since then, I’ve worked across both print and digital projects for startups, small businesses, and larger organisations, balancing creative thinking with real-world functionality.
I bring a collaborative, down-to-earth approach to every project and genuinely care about creating work people feel proud to put out into the world.
My goal is to create brands that look good AND create a feeling people remember.
Let’s work together.
Tell me a little about your business, what you’re dreaming up, and where you need support. From branding to marketing and creative direction, I’m here to help bring it all to life.