HELLO! I'M MILICA APOSTOLOVIC

I help startups with creative direction and design, project development, and strategic visual storytelling

I see brands as living things—growing, shifting, and finding their voice. My role is to bring them to life visually and strategically through creative direction and management, intuitive design, and storytelling. I work with an agile mindset, trusting that the best brands evolve like people do—organically, through learning and connection, without fear of not having all the answers upfront.

Years of experience
Collaborations

WHAT DO I BRING TO THE TABLE, YOU ASK?

BRAND DEVELOPMENT
Brand Visual Identity
Brand Strategy & Positioning
Content Design & Strategy
Partnerships & Collaborations
Content Marketing Strategy
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT
Concept Development
Project Roadmapping
Market Research
Cross-Functional Coordination
Task & Time Management
CREATIVE DIRECTION
Concept Development
Illustration & Graphic Design
Packaging & Product Branding
Web Design
Campaign Strategy & Design
Selected projects

Interested to see more? Scroll down and explore selected projects:

Includder

brand & project development management

Connecting international students with mentors.

Kubem Studio

full-scale brand creation & growth

Playful corner of whimsical illustrations

Contrado

creative design

Design partner of independent artists worldwide

brand development

Kubem Studio

Kubem Studio specializes in creating playful illustrations for lighthearted brands. In addition to custom services, my growth strategy involved creating a signature print collection, Kubem toys, and other merchandise. Brand development aligns with Kubem's playful aesthetic and values, combining whimsy and functionality in delightful compositions. I've produced illustrations for diverse products, brand materials, stationery, interior decor, and unique pieces. As part of growing Kubem Studio, I've taken on various roles like product and content creation, customer service, website design with a shop section, Etsy shop launch and expansion, marketing, and overall brand building.

Tasks

* Brand development

* Project management

* Visual identity

* Website and shop design

* Print collection design

* Illustration services

* Marketing & growth strategy

* Customer service

Tools

* Adobe Illustrator

* Adobe Photoshop

* Adobe InDesign

* Procreate

* WordPress

* Notion and Slack

* Etsy

Management and growth strategy

Kubem Studio

I have managed multiple custom projects for clients, outsourcing designers, overseeing licensing partnerships, and leading content creation. The growth strategy included organic marketing, strategic partnerships, and the expansion of the Etsy shop. During this time, Kubem's digital wall art has been sold in over 40 countries, and its illustrations have been featured in the franchise World Market. My collaborations have included brand illustration, book illustration, print and pattern licensing, and other personalized services.

Drag
Brand campaigns and Visual Identity Refresh

Contrado

The new visual identity is centred around unique qualities, sustainability, the brand’s mission, and the target audience. Contrado helps creatives to make, source and sell art across a vast range of quality and exclusive products made to last. I worked closely with an art director and team to redefine the brand’s key visual messages, create artist's collections and develop campaigns. The photography direction is inclusive and celebrates artist collections.

Tasks

* Brand guidelines

* Brand illustration

* Visual design

* Campaign development

* Collection development

* Platform improvement

Tools

* Figma

* Adobe Photoshop

* Adobe AfterEffects

* Adobe Illustrator

* Procreate

* Miro & Notion

Marketing Visuals

Contrado

I worked closely with the marketing team to understand their goals and objectives and create engaging visuals that support the company's marketing campaign efforts. The tasks included the design of email newsletters, social media posts, advertisements, and campaign preparations.

Tools

Active Campaign *

Mailchimp *

Figma *

Adobe Photoshop *

Adobe InDesign *

contrado

Campaign concept design

In my role as a creative designer at Contrado, developing campaigns and creating collections with artists was a key responsibility. I curated artwork collections and designed product lines to showcase each artist's unique style and values. Here's an example of a collaboration with the illustrator CatCoq.

Forming a concept

This campaign celebrates the 60s, titled "Golden Hour." I aimed to showcase the artist's vibrant work and the premium look of Contrado's products by curating a collection that highlights her designs. The process began with a moodboard for inspiration.

Product design

The next step is designing a product range, including clothes, accessories, and stationery. I focused on combining patterns, determining sizes, and using prints thoughtfully.

Photoshoot

Preparing for a photoshoot involves sketching compositions, getting props ready, and carefully incorporating design products.

Promoting the collection

After getting everything ready to roll, it's time to spread the joy and share the collection with everyone!

brand and project development management

Includder

The Includder Project was developed to support students in launching international careers by providing them with mentorship, resources, and structured events. The project involved end-to-end development and execution, from conceptualization to the first phase of on-the-ground implementation. My role was to establish the digital presence and brand voice, promote the upcoming platform, oversee event logistics, and lead outreach efforts to engage students and potential mentors.

Tasks

* Project ideation & research

* Branding & content strategy

* Website design

* Ad creative development

* Event planning & execution

* Student & mentor outreach

Tools

* WordPress

* Adobe Photoshop

* Procreate

* Eventbrite & Meetup

* Facebook Ads Manager

* LinkedIn

* Notion

Includder

Project timeline & phases

I played a dual role as brand designer and project manager, leading the development of the project’s visual identity, brand voice, and marketing/ outreach strategy.

Laying the foundation

The tasks included defining project goals, conducting research, creating a cohesive brand voice and digital presence, and developing the website.

Event organization & promotion

The next phase focused on structuring the event format, managing logistics, securing a speaker, setting up registration, and launching a marketing campaign.

Student & mentor outreach

After engaging student communities, the process continued with direct outreach, mentor onboarding, and interviews.

TESTIMONIALS

" She was exceptionally enthusiastic about the project, using a fresh approach when delivering visual solutions, and it was something that I was looking for. She can think out of the box, and it was very helpful for the different points of view I needed. "
1
Fionnuala Quinn
Founder of Traffic Gardens
"Working with Milica was great! She undertook to learn what I was seeking in a brand new project and translated those ideas and suggestions into wonderful designs. Her attention to the details of how these designs would work really helped turn the project into a lovely success. The turnaround was prompt and efficient so we had the whole project wrapped up quickly too."
2
Kate Swarthout
Client
" Milica has been wonderful to work with! Superfast response time when creating a custom order for me. I highly recommend her shop! The decor will look so cute in my son's nursery. "
3

Let's work together

    I strongly believe that design should serve as a means to improve people's lives and help them achieve their goals.