Alisa Gannota Talks Flexibility and Clarity in the Krafttrans System

I submitted my work because I believed the project had something meaningful to say—not just visually, but strategically. Winning feels incredibly validating, especially as someone early in my career. It reinforces the idea that thoughtful, story-driven design can make an impact, and it motivates me to keep pushing creatively.

For me, it’s the combination of strong design, strategic thinking, and simply having fun with the project. I wanted to explore how visual identity can reflect not just what a brand does, but why it exists. In today’s industry, we’re seeing a shift toward more conscious, narrative-led branding—and this project embodies that direction.

I think two things set it apart: first, a clear, research-driven strategy behind every visual choice; second, cohesion across multiple touchpoints (print, digital, and packaging). Rather than treating each asset as a separate exercise, I wove them together under a single narrative thread.

One of the challenges in this project was staying true to the brand’s legacy while also being bold with the design. To overcome this, I carefully explored how the two could merge and defined that relationship for a clear perspective. Learning to edit myself was essential.

This award is a meaningful milestone. It has already sparked new conversations and interest in my approach, which is exciting. I hope it leads to projects that challenge me and align with the thoughtful, forward-thinking design I want to do more of.

The feedback has been really positive—some clients reached out to say congratulations, and a few people told me the project felt fresh and well thought out, which was great to hear. Honestly, just knowing the work connected with people and stood out in a crowded field means a lot.

Don’t chase visual trends without a reason. Ground your concept in research—brand mission, audience needs, market gaps. Show how you arrived at your final solution. Judges (and clients) want to see the journey, not just the destination.

Early in your career, build a broad skill set—branding, packaging, basic animation, UI. Understanding how your work fits into different contexts makes your entries more adaptable and well-rounded. Find mentors or peers who push you to refine. Fresh eyes help you identify blind spots you might overlook.

I see the industry moving toward multidisciplinary thinking—designers are now valued for their ability to jump between digital, print, motion, and immersive experiences. In the future, I want to position myself as someone who can guide a brand’s visual identity across every medium.

Your work doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. If you have a project that taught you something—an insight you uncovered or a creative risk you took—share it. Competitions aren’t just about winning; they’re an opportunity to get feedback, build your confidence, and expose your work to new audiences. Start small—enter a local or student competition—then use that experience to refine future submissions.

Collaboration over competition. When we share resources, critique each other’s work, and celebrate successes together, the entire industry elevates. I’ve found that networking and genuine peer support lead to long-term growth and unexpected opportunities.

I’d love to dedicate this to the creative peers and mentors who’ve supported me along the way. Having people to exchange ideas with, get honest feedback from, and share the ups and downs of the process has been invaluable. This kind of recognition feels even more meaningful knowing it’s been shaped by that community.

A bold, cohesive system built to tell a brand’s story clearly and memorably. Great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about clarity, consistency, and impact.

Right now, I’m focused on pushing my work further by exploring motion and interactive design. I’m interested in how branding can live beyond static visuals—how it moves, responds, and creates more immersive experiences. I’m also working on a few self-initiated projects that allow me to experiment with creative direction and storytelling in new ways.