Kristi Head
Q What do you do?
“I am a Creative Director specializing in branding, packaging design, on-set art direction, and product development for lifestyle, beauty, and wellness brands.”
My goal is to help brands stand out with beautiful, meaningful, and impactful visuals. I work on projects at any stage of a brand's life cycle, offering services that range from ongoing graphic design to bringing a brand to life from the ground up. I design all key branding visuals, including logos, packaging, and digital content. My skill set also allows me to oversee the production of these elements. I have designed and managed the production of custom vessels, fragrances, and beauty/wellness products. My range is extensive, and no job is too small or too big!
I have an excellent network of creatives, and when needed, I collaborate with teams to support larger projects.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I worked at a small company in New York City, where I was given the freedom to build the business. I achieved this by innovating new ways to find clients and managing the creation of the products I sold. During this time, I learned an abundance about product development while honing my design and sales presentation skills.
Afterward, I worked as a freelance art director for major companies such as Coty International, Martha Stewart Living, and Victoria’s Secret Beauty. I then founded a fragrance company, which I later sold to my partner. In 2010, I launched my own brand, LITE+CYCLE, which I successfully ran for 11 years. The brand was featured in 25 top tastemaker boutiques and garnered over 500 million media impressions. It received numerous accolades for design excellence, innovative packaging, and its role as a trailblazer in the non-toxic clean beauty and wellness space.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I have over 15 years of experience in the beauty, wellness, and lifestyle sectors. After running my own brand for over 11 years, I gained valuable insights into what makes a brand thrive. I’m not just a designer; I always consider the bigger picture.
I recently decided to close production on my brand and focus 100% on collaborating with companies that share a passion for disrupting the status quo for the greater good. Helping others grow is incredibly rewarding.
My collaboration style is clear and positive, creating environments that spark creativity and boost productivity. I believe in transparency, and treating everyone with respect.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am working with a client on editing their current collection of skincare products to make room for new products we are developing. I am heading up the product and packaging development for them, adhering to brand values, ethos and budget! I have also opened my books for new freelance opportunities this year and have met some great new clients. I hope to meet you too!
Q What’s your style?
My style leans toward chic and sophisticated for the modern, discerning customer. However, I am also a playful painter in my free time, and have had the pleasure of working with brands that are more colorful and whimsical, which has been a success as well.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Of all my slashies (and I have many ;-) I would love to be onset more. I am a photography enthusiast and I love art directing and styling.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
What is making your job/business/project hard to move forward? What task keeps landing at the bottom of the To-Do list?
Honestly, I don’t feel all that frustrated. I am in a good flow and the more work I have the better the flow. The task that keeps landing at the bottom of my To-Do List is reconciling QuickBooks!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would hire them to organize my inbox! And delete all the spam, then pick us both up a smoothie.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
In 2001, I wish I could have told myself, "You will create many beautiful brands, so start collecting inspiration now!" That way, I would have a library of interesting ideas from that time. What was relevant then is and will be relevant again!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
If I could speak to an expert right now, I would choose an expert in color science. I would ask them how the brain processes color, why people perceive colors differently, and how I, as a designer and artist, can hone in on that?
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am looking for opportunities to support a brand in any visual capacity, from leading visual teams to branding, packaging design, art direction, graphic design, and photoshoots. I love helping bring great visions to life with my expertise. Please feel free to reach out, even if you just have a question!
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
My ideal client is someone who is passionate about their work and trusts me to bring that passion to life! I’m very open to feedback, easy to work with, and I thrive when clients give me the freedom to showcase my abilities.
I’m most enthusiastic about brands that inspire change and evolve with their customers. If this resonates with you, I’d love to connect!
Q: What is your rate?
Project rates start at $5,000. A la carte design projects require a minimum commitment of $1,000 and then can be charged hourly going forward.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
The best way to approach me is to send an email or DM letting me know you have a project on your mind, and then we can set up a time to talk. I don’t need too many details to start the conversation!
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Hailley Howard is a really fun photographer I have worked with. I highly recommend her.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Don’t just see, look.
This member profile was originally published in February 2022, Updated in January 2024