JHKarlson.com

Creative leadership,
brand & strategy.

Johanna Karlson, currently Global Design Lead, digital -and brand experience at H&M.

Selected work
2010-2026

I believe, great design makes people feel exactly what you intend.

I have had a variety of design leadership and lead designer roles with global responsibilities at companies such as Klarna, Oriflame, Shopify, Knowit, and currently at H&M, where I lead initiatives in Global Digital Brand Experience. My diverse career spans consulting, founding my own company, working in-house at top-tier organizations and brands, to coaching clients to help them scale their businesses successfully.

Throughout these experiences, I have developed a strong foundation in managing and mentoring design teams and designers, coaching and overseeing teams of up to 10 direct reports. I’ve not only supported designers in growing their craft but also focused on elevating their strategic thinking and leadership abilities. A significant part of my approach involves guiding designers to communicate their ideas persuasively to stakeholders, helping them refine their presentation skills and build confidence when "selling" their concepts, designs and ideas.

I am deeply structured and goal-oriented, always seeking to implement creative frameworks and processes that drive tangible results. My focus is on creating environments where design teams can thrive and innovate, ensuring that the work not only meets but exceeds expectations in terms of both creativity and business impact. With a strong understanding of brand and visual design, I strive to help organizations amplify their presence and influence through a cohesive and wellexecuted brand strategy across every customer touchpoint.

My expertise extends into the realm of marketing design, especially in the digital space. I’ve worked on a variety of projects spanning social media design, email marketing, and full-scale campaign development. I am highly skilled in overseeing marketing materials that resonate with audiences and drive engagement, ensuring they align with overarching business objectives. I see every design decision as an opportunity to enhance the customer experience while achieving measurable outcomes.

Additionally, I have a deep knowledge in UX and UI design, offering a unique blend of creativity, strategic insight, and technical understanding. Whether working on mobile apps or web-based projects, I focus on creating seamless, intuitive user experiences that not only delight users but also strengthen brand perception. My approach ensures that design solutions are both visually appealing, optimizing user interactions and reinforcing the brand's values.

At the heart of my work is a passion for innovation. I am constantly searching for new ways to approach design challenges, embrace emerging trends, and push boundaries to ensure that the designs I produce are not only of the highest quality but also drive business growth and success. This drive for continuous improvement keeps me engaged in evolving the design landscape, constantly seeking opportunities for creativity and efficiency that deliver exceptional results.

JHKARLSON DESIGN, Johanna Karlson
Stockholm, Sweden

johanna@jhkarlson.com
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