Well hello there
Equal parts pixel-perfectionist and strategic design leader, with a little PNW grit.
I’m Abby Aarestad, a creative leader with a sharp eye for craft and a deep respect for strategy. For over 15 years, I’ve built brands and digital experiences that don’t just look good, but work. Five of those years have been spent leading and mentoring creative teams, scaling systems, and guiding cross-functional partnerships for global brands.
I believe great design lives at the intersection of clarity, collaboration, and high standards – and I hold the bar there. In my current role as Design Lead at Thesis, I’ve built and nurtured high-performing creative teams, established scalable design systems, and streamlined workflows that turn complexity into momentum.
Outside of the studio, I’m fueled by fresh air and fresh perspective. You’ll find me exploring the PNW with my husband and our blue heeler, Rocket (aka fur missile), hiking new trails, planning our next trip, or dominating game night. I’m also a shameless Bob Ross devotee, because happy little accidents will always be the best part of the process.
PDX
Thesis
Clients: Adobe, Taco Bell, Nike, Embark Savings
Direct design across brand, marketing, and digital. Leading focused teams, shaping creative strategy, and pitching high-impact ideas to senior stakeholders.
Remote (PDX)
Pinnacle Marketing Group
Clients: Grammarly Business, Meta, Samsung
Executed cross-platform B2B campaigns, translating business objectives into brand experiences across digital and print.
Remote (PDX)
/ Quadmark
Clients: HP, AWS, Google, Uber, PayPal, Samsung
Delivered motion-driven digital and interactive learning, while safeguarding brand integrity, managing creative resources, and mentoring junior designers.
PDX
/ Nike
Designed and executed multi-channel creative for Nike’s Advanced Innovation Dept and Valiant Labs, partnering with leadership to establish brand standards, scalable templates, and elevate internal storytelling.
“Working with this team was seamless from start to finish. Their creativity and attention to detail brought our vision to life in ways we hadn’t imagined. The final result exceeded expectations and left a lasting impact on our audience.”
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“They delivered a project that was not only visually striking but also strategically effective. Communication was clear throughout, and the team’s ability to adapt to feedback made the collaboration stress-free and rewarding.”
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“They delivered a project that was not only visually striking but also strategically effective. Communication was clear throughout, and the team’s ability to adapt to feedback made the collaboration stress-free and rewarding.”
“From concept development to execution, they demonstrated professionalism and passion at every step. Their work elevated our brand presence and created a product that our clients and partners continually praise.”
-min.png)
“From concept development to execution, they demonstrated professionalism and passion at every step. Their work elevated our brand presence and created a product that our clients and partners continually praise.”
“Working with this team was seamless from start to finish. Their creativity and attention to detail brought our vision to life in ways we hadn’t imagined. The final result exceeded expectations and left a lasting impact on our audience.”
