Hi, I’m Sarah Cowan — Designer, Brand Strategist, and Creative Director of Light + Dark Creative Studio.

I help businesses turn their ideas into beautifully designed, strategy-led documents that tell their story - and get noticed for all the right reasons.

I work with businesses who know their work speaks for itself, but need the right tools to show it off with clarity and confidence.

From service-based brands who want to elevate their image, to community publications that deserve design consistency - I help transform scattered marketing into cohesive, credible communication.

Whether it’s a Mini Mag that positions you as an expert or a Publication Partnership that keeps your magazine or newspaper looking polished issue after issue, my work blends brand strategy with editorial design to make your message both beautiful and effective.

newspaper publication
A newspaper page featuring a photograph of a street with a Victorian-style building, trees, and flowers, along with an advertisement for an Easter Market event happening on April 21 at Dr. Ross Memorial Recreation Ground.
Two women working on brainstorming or planning, with large sheets of paper filled with handwritten notes and ideas, on a wooden table.

My story

A designer who thinks like a strategist - and loves a good story.

I’ve always been obsessed with how design can shape the way people connect with a brand, as well as the world of printed publications.

Over the years, I’ve worked across brand strategy, marketing, and design — helping builders, designers, real estate agencies, not-for-profits, and publishers create brands and publications that feel like them and speak to their people.

What started as a passion for branding grew into a love for publications — the kind that live beyond a post, and tell stories that matter.

I founded Light + Dark Creative Studio to bring together the two sides of every great brand -

Light: clarity, creativity, connection + Dark: depth, detail, and strategy.

It’s the balance between art and intention that makes great design unforgettable.

How I help

Your brand message deserves more than a social media caption.

I help business owners and brands tell their story through design that lasts longer than a scroll.

Here’s how:

  • The Mini Mag: a brand-led magazine that becomes the core of your marketing - turning one document into months of content.

  • Publication Partnership: ongoing design support for magazines and newspapers that need consistency, style, and a designer who get’s the whole process.

  • Capability & Brand Documents: from capability statements to annual reports — every page is designed to build credibility and connection.

Each project is guided by the same principle:

Design should be beautiful, but it should also make sense.

Beach scene with a gray backpack, a yellow and white striped towel, a magazine, sunglasses, a small bottle of sunblock, and lip balm on the sand.

What makes Light+Dark so special?

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What makes Light+Dark so special? *

My Approach

Discover → Detail → Design → Deliver

I keep things simple, collaborative, and strategic.

Every project starts with understanding your goals and ends with a finished piece that feels true to your brand and is ready to use.

I believe good design isn’t about trends - it’s about timeless communication that reflects your values and builds trust.

Two women sitting at a table looking at a laptop, with open books and notebooks in front of them, in a bright room with window shutters. One woman is explaining something on the laptop to the other.

Why work with me

Design that’s thoughtful, strategic, and human.

You’ll never get cookie-cutter design from me.

You’ll get an experienced creative who’s just as invested in your success as you are.

I’m here to help you:

  • Clarify your message

  • Create assets that build authority

  • Feel proud of how your brand shows up… everywhere

Overhead view of a person writing in a notebook on a wooden desk with a pen. Surrounding items include a pair of glasses, a cup of coffee, a black and white folder, sheets of paper, a handbag, and a small container with toothpicks or sticks. A plant is also partially visible in the top left corner.

Let’s create something worth printing.

If your brand or publication is ready for a refresh, I’d love to help you bring it to life - beautifully and strategically.

Book discovery call

Our Clients

Eastern Palliative Care logo
3MBS Fine Music - Melbourne
Grind & Seal
Jesuit Social Services
Anglicare Victoria
Freccia Azzura Sports Club

Real words from real clients

  • "Light and Dark are a great agency who have done a range of work for me in my role at Jesuit Social Services. Always fast, creative, well priced and easy to work with. Highly recommended!"

    Andrew Yule - Jesuit Social Services | Melbourne

  • “The ClearWater team have worked with Sarah throughout the rebrand of our business. She has been extremely patient and helpful with our requests and constant changes. Sarah is very efficient and kept us informed throughout the process. We highly recommend Sarah in any design concept within your business!”

    ClearWater Tanks Team | Manildra NSW

  • “The team at Light+Dark Creative Studio plays a critical role in the day to day business of our Club. Their ability to comprehend our needs and resolve communication challenges instills trust, and their expertise in helping us to develop a Brand and effective communication strategies is highly valued. Young team. Young brand. Young ideas. Fresh ideas. Highly recommended!”

    Barbara Muhlethaler - Passion for Pictures & Freccia Azzura Sports Club

  • "We've worked with Light and Dark for numerous years. They are a creative, fun, and committed team that has done amazing work for us, constituting a large part of the artwork and the graphic design for our business, and we've never been disappointed. They listen to their clients and work with them to achieve amazing results. Highly recommended!"

    Mauricio Ruiz Cantú - Juguette Wines | Mexico

  • “Sarah and Eddy are brilliant at designing and creating a concept. The branding they did for our business has now put us at the forefront of our industry. I would highly recommend using Light+Dark to bring your business/concept into the light!!! Thanks again!”

    Tim Charlton, Director - Grind & Seal | Melbourne VIC

  • “Sarah designed a range of promotional and trade show materials for an Australian aid project I was working on. They worked very well to brief, and were responsive with last-minute changes and requests. It was a pleasure to work with her, and to collaborate on a difficult project - she helped keep me sane!”

    Lisa Smyth, Comms Manager