SnowLeopard Studio Field Notes
Where Human-Centred Design Meets the Wisdom of Nature
Like human-centred design?
Introducing SnowLeopard Studio Field Notes
Where Human-Centred Design Meets the Wisdom of Nature
AI-Imagined by Kaitlyn Krahn, Founder & Designer, SnowLeopard Studio
Welcome to SnowLeopard Studio Field Notes, a weekly blog and newsletter — a space where creativity, clarity, and sustainability come together through the lens of human-centred design thinking.
This blog is born from a simple but powerful belief: that design is not just about visuals — it’s about how we shape experiences, systems, and stories that support human and planetary well-being.
Every Saturday, I share insights, reflections, and behind-the-scenes process notes as I build a creative life and business aligned with nature, resilience, and intentional growth. You’ll find explorations of:
Human-centred design systems
Psychology and creative resilience
Business intelligence and storytelling
Nature as a guide for sustainable design
Over the next few months, I’m diving deep into the Psychology of Resilience and Psychology Research Methods as part of my academic journey and integrating what I learn into SnowLeopard Studio’s creative philosophy. I’ll also be weaving in insights from my recent Business Intelligence and Data Analytics certification, bridging the gap between data and imagination — because intuition thrives when it’s informed.
SnowLeopard Studio Field Notes is a creative journal, a research lab, and a shared map for anyone building something meaningful.
If you're a founder, designer, or dreamer working toward a more intentional, sustainable brand and life — or simply curious about how technology and nature can co-create transformative experiences — this is for you.
Thank you for being here. I can’t wait to grow together — one creative act at a time.
Kaitlyn, Designer & Founder, SnowLeopard Studio
21/3/25
Happy International Colour Day!
Designing Experiences That Come Alive—One Colour at a Time
Photograph by Kaitlyn Krahn, Founder & Designer, SnowLeopard Studio
When I started SnowLeopard Studio, I didn’t just want to build websites—I wanted to design experiences that feel alive, vibrant, and deeply intentional. Early on, I discovered that colour is a strategic choice. In honour of International Colour Day, I wanted to share a little behind-the-scenes of how colour plays a central role in my design process—and why I believe it’s one of the most powerful tools we have as creators.
Colour as a Tool for Emotion and Action
Over the past year, while completing my Business Intelligence and Data Analytics certification, I spent hours researching how colour influences perception, emotion, and behaviour. What I found only deepened my appreciation for the power of a well-crafted palette. Every hue, tone, and contrast in my designs—whether for brands, websites, or illustrations—is data-informed and purpose-driven. Colour can subtly guide a user’s eye, establish trust, and spark action. For example, I often choose calming neutrals and earthy greens to evoke stability and groundedness in wellness-focused projects. In contrast, for innovation-focused tech brands, saturated tones and high-contrast accents help drive energy and excitement.
Designing Brands That Resonate
In web design, the optimal use of colour goes far beyond “looking good.” It’s about building recognition, trust, and connection. The brands that stand out are the ones that feel cohesive—and colour is one of the fastest ways to achieve that. I’ve seen how subtle shifts in hue or saturation can completely change how a site feels. A cool-toned teal might read as refined and professional, while a warmer variant of the same hue might feel more playful and creative. These small details matter.
Colour in Life, Not Just Design
Beyond client work, I’ve found that colour impacts how we feel in our everyday environments. Whether it’s a warm-toned workspace to spark creativity or a soft, cool palette to promote focus and calm, being intentional with colour has shaped how I live and work.
Final Thoughts
Working with visionary founders has taught me that colour isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about shaping experiences that connect. It’s about aligning visuals with values and using design to tell a story that feels uniquely you. So here’s to building vibrant brands and meaningful design—one colour at a time.
11/3/25
Cherry Blossom + Moon
A Study of Nature and Light
Illustration by Kaitlyn Krahn, Founder & Designer, SnowLeopard Studio
Cherry Blossom + Moon is an illustration I created to capture that fleeting moment when nature and light come together in a quiet, magical way. As the seasons shift here in Vancouver, I wanted to reflect on the mystery that spring brings—a feeling of new beginnings, soft colours, and a deep navy blue night sky, held in a delicate balance. This piece combines hand-drawn elements with digital tools, allowing me to explore the harmony between traditional illustration and modern techniques. The first signs of spring are always a source of inspiration for me. In Vancouver, plum blossoms are already in full bloom, and the cherry trees are just beginning to bud—soon they’ll transform the city streets with soft pink petals. During this time, I often look up at the sky and notice how the full moon glows over the blossoms, illuminating them in an otherworldly light.
That mysterious scene—the moon hanging low, glowing on newly bloomed flowers—inspired this illustration. It’s a dreamscape where the night sky and spring blossoms coexist in peaceful intrigue. Cherry Blossom + Moon began with my landscape photography and simple pencil sketches. Likewise, I focused on the composition and balance between blossoms and the moon. My goal was to create a serendipitous scene with gentle movement that guides the eye upward.
Once I finalized the concept, I moved into Adobe Illustrator. I hand-drew the primary elements: the cherry blossom branches, the blossoms, and the moon. I wanted to maintain an organic, fluid line quality, so I paid close attention to how the branches curved and how the blossoms overlapped. I experimented with Adobe Illustrator’s Generative Fill tools to add depth and texture. I used generative elements for specific blossoms and enhanced the moon's glow. This project explored how traditional illustration techniques can blend seamlessly with my hand-crafted work, keeping the illustration cohesive.
Throughout the process, I refined the colour palette—soft pinks for the blossoms, a deep, alluring blue for the night sky, and warm ivory for the moon’s glow. Layering these elements was key to creating a sense of depth and tranquillity. I'm looking forward to seeing how technology can complement, rather than replace, the hand-drawn elements I love. As a designer, I see myself as a director of ideas, and contemporary technology has become a valuable addition to my creative toolbelt. We’re living in a remarkable new era of technological expression.
Working on Cherry Blossom + Moon reminded me why I’m so inspired by nature and innovation. The changing seasons, subtle shifts in light, and the possibilities they hold continue to be endless sources of creativity. I’m excited about how technology expands our ability to illustrate the natural world and shape sustainable, imaginative futures. Like this Pacific Northwest moonlit scene, I’m optimistic about how technology can help us imagine—and create—new dreamscapes. If you’d like to see more of my client work, you can explore my Branding & Web Design page for more impactful studies of nature and light to elevate storytelling.
🌸🌕
10/3/25
Costa Rican Macaw: A Colourful Prayer for Unity with Nature
Shaping sustainable futures through mindful design and creative storytelling
Illustration by Kaitlyn Krahn, Founder & Designer, SnowLeopard Studio
I’m thrilled to share my latest illustration—a hand-crafted Costa Rican Macaw designed at SnowLeopard Studios, where we shape sustainable futures through design. My travels through Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, where I hiked alongside these exquisite birds in their natural habitat, inspired this vibrant digital artwork. Crafted in Vancouver, BC, yet rooted in the heart of Costa Rican jungles, this piece weaves my experiences in nature, design, and mindful practice.
Built from over 350 vector elements in Adobe Illustrator, it’s a fully scalable, versatile asset—ready to bring colour and life across applications. Designing this Macaw required deep focus, intentional breath, and presence—skills I’ve cultivated through 550 hours of yoga teacher training and time spent at ecological healing retreats. My design process is a grounding practice, bringing stillness amid life’s changes and creativity's vital force in reimagining the future.
This Macaw is my colourful prayer for unity between humanity and nature.
How does nature inspire your creativity? I’d love to hear your story.
🌿🦜
1/3/2025
Lotus Flower Play
A SnowLeopard Studios Saturday Design Session
Typography as Voice: What Story Does Your Brand Tell?
Kaitlyn Krahn | Photography
Graphic Design by Kaitlyn Krahn, Founder & Designer, SnowLeopard Studio
I love weaving playful elements into my design work. This weekend, I explored typography through the lens of SnowLeopard Studios' brand — blending its signature motifs, like a subtle paw print and an elegant lotus flower. Inspired by my black-and-white Okanagan lotus flower photograph, I set out to create a graphic design piece that felt both bold and refined.
The process began with crafting a silhouette of SnowLeopard Studios' brand mark. I reshaped the letterforms, allowing the typography to lock seamlessly into the silhouette. Striking a balance between structure and creativity, I added circular embellishments and different text sizes — significant enough to catch the eye, yet leaving just the right amount of negative space so each design element could breathe and harmonize.
Typography, after all, is more than just the art of arranging letters — it’s a brand's voice. It doesn’t simply spell out words; it shapes emotions, builds personality, and leaves a lasting impression. The rhythm of a brand’s visual language emerges from its type choices — from playful, exaggerated letterforms that pulse with energy to clean, geometric fonts that evoke reliability and order.
When chosen thoughtfully, typography becomes a strong storyteller — communicating values and shaping perception in ways only design can.
What does your brand’s typography say about you? Is it whispering, shouting, or singing? Let’s design a voice that speaks purpose.
🐾 🪷
1/2/25
Generations of Entrepreneurs: Memories of My Enterprising Grandparents
Adam’s River Salmon Run
Photograph by Kaitlyn Krahn, Founder & Designer, SnowLeopard Studio
Our entrepreneurial grandparents inspired our family with their adventurous spirit. Living in the wild at Beaver Lake Mountain Resort, they ran a lodge and encouraged a deep love for nature. Their bold creations and self-reliance fuel my passion for entrepreneurship.
Their story reminds me that creativity and courage are at the heart of building meaningful businesses.
1/7/25
Wisdom of the Cedars
Canada’s Innovative Future
Series Collaboration:
Kaitlyn Krahn | Design & Post-Production, Founder & Designer, SnowLeopard Studio
Tessa Molly Danica | Photography
Canada, a land of breathtaking biodiversity, is home to abundant natural resources and the resilient spirit of its people. By uniting innovative technology with empathy, integrity, and resilience, we can shape a sustainable, thriving future for generations.
