Caitlin Pearl Williams

Creative Designer / Studio Owner

Sydney, AUS

www.nacarastudio.com.au
instagram @nacarastudio
pinterest

 

Q What do you do?

I create brands and low-carbon websites for conscious independents - purpose-driven founders, creatives, and changemakers - who want to make a meaningful impact on our people and the planet.

I help them launch resilient, authentic brands that do good and look good. I create websites that have a minimal environmental footprint and are powered by renewable energy. I design for digital & print - and provide print management support from creating briefs for the printer, to sourcing, organising samples, and distributing.

Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?

The steps I took to get to where I am now are a bit all over the place but without a doubt gave me the knowledge and confidence to be able to do what I do now.

I started my career as a print production assistant for EVT, an Australian and New Zealand hospitality and entertainment group - helping manage all the printed collateral for their venues. Whilst working there I was also studying commercial cookery part-time (I have a lot of interests) but after finishing the course I decided I wasn’t cut out to be a chef - if you’ve watched The Bear you’ll get me. I then moved to a small printing company as the national production manager, and looked after the production of all work that came through the business. I started an online wedding invitation and signage printing side hustle while I worked here, as I had access to the print equipment, and was itching to flex my creative side. During this time, I also completed a Cert IV in Design with The Graphic Design School - and took the exciting leap into working as a Junior Designer for JSG Agency. It was a fun and chill place to work - I learnt a lot from Lauren, the owner, about the finer details of design and how to create playful brands that stand out.

My next role (and last one before I left to freelance full time) was at AIIMS Group - a digital marketing and content creation powerhouse - we did everything. Literally. Branding, websites, apps, SEO, social media marketing, ppc ads, videography, photography, animation, podcasts, content creation - you name it. We had a team specialising in each of these fields and we all learnt best practices from each other. I had the incredible opportunity to work with another senior designer to rebrand AIIMS Group while I worked there - a challenging but rewarding project with an outcome that made it all worth it. I left to focus on my freelance journey in order to connect and help people that care about the same things that I do, spend more time with my gorgeous dog, and give my brain a rest from the ‘fast-paced, high-pressure work environment’ that people are expected to thrive in.

Q How do you stand out in your field?

I genuinely care about making a difference through my work, and helping others to do the same. I have a wealth of knowledge in launching small businesses, digital marketing, print production, and a passion for sustainability. I’m eager to share this with others and support them in making meaningful change.

Q What are you working on right now?

Creating a guide to help conscious independents launch a trustworthy, sustainable business.

Packaging for Old Spike Roastery - a social enterprise in the UK that supports people affected by homelessness through their barista training program.

Branding + packaging design for a fun cooking oil brand - stay tuned.

Q What’s your style?

I have a playful and clean style - I like to grab attention with a sprinkle of playful elements (such as illustrations) whilst keeping overall design clean in order for the message to be noticed. I think it brings a lot of personality to the brands I create.

NoMu! is a great example of this - most people that work with me mention they liked what I did for that brief and want a similar style incorporated into their project.

Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?

My interests and skills lie in design + cooking/food. Can I say I’d love a balance between both of those?

Q What is frustrating you right now?

My internal processes - I feel like I never have time to get around to improving them.

Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?

Look after my social media accounts.

 

Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?

I wish I could’ve told 25 year old me that I am good enough, stop doubting yourself, forget about what others are doing and what they think - do this for you, you deserve to be happy.

 

Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?

Management - how to lead a team effectively, grow people and make them feel valued.

Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?

I’d like to work with small business owners, individuals, and other agencies in the social enterprise or NFP space on branding + website projects.

Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.

I love working with people who are open to collaboration, clear about what they want, share like-minded values, and are itching to make a difference.

I recently worked with a great client to create a concept for a new cooking oil brand, and he was open to my suggestions, kept sustainability top of mind, and was great at providing clear feedback. Big yes.

Q: What is your rate?

Hourly rate: $75 AUD

Branding projects can range anywhere between $1200-$4000 AUD depending on the scope.

Websites start at around $3500 AUD depending on the number of pages and design.

Q How should someone approach you about working together?

Shoot me an email at hello@nacarastudio.com.au and fill me in on the details of your brand, ideas and what you want to achieve together.

 
 

Q Who is a creative you admire?

Ly Vu @iyvu.lyvu — an artist and creative director I discovered in Hanoi with the most beautiful artistic style.

Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?

Cooking without a recipe


This member profile was originally published in February 2025.