One of the things I enjoy most about being a freelance illustrator and designer is that every project feels like its own little world. Each one brings new ideas, new people, and new challenges. Some are more fun than others, and this one with Steeplab was definitely one of my favourites.
It all started with a kind message from Jason, the founder of Steeplab, who found my work on Behance. He said he really liked my portfolio and that my website had been helpful for their team. He asked if I would be available to create some custom illustrations for their next collection of phone cases.
From the beginning, I could tell this project was going to be different. Jason explained that Steeplab was going through a rebrand. They wanted to create products that feel fun and expressive, something that would make people smile and feel good. I really liked the idea and felt excited to be a part of it.
We had a video call to talk about the direction and how we could work together. Jason shared their brand book, a moodboard, and an AI-generated brainstorm with some ideas to help guide the project. While the AI suggestions were a fun starting point, I knew we could take the designs further and make something truly original. Jason also gave me a list of other brands to avoid, because he really wanted the final results to feel fresh and not like anything already on the market.
With that in mind, I started creating and exploring different ideas. I used their brand colours, worked in some playful and bold elements, and included their logo in subtle but creative ways. I created designs that were full of character. Some had fun little scenes, some were more abstract or pattern-based, and a few even told a tiny story. I love working this way, mixing styles and letting each piece find its own voice while still fitting into the overall brand look.
As we continued, Jason asked to include a few festive designs too. So I created extra illustrations for Valentine’s Day, Halloween, Christmas, and New Year. Altogether, I ended up designing more than ten pieces, and even though only ten were chosen for the final collection, I still really love many of the others and wanted to share them here as well.
Throughout the process, Jason shared helpful feedback that helped me shape the designs further. We worked together to adjust fonts, colours, layouts, and added branding where needed. The communication was clear, kind, and open.
At the end of the project, Jason was really happy with the final work, and it felt great to see everything come together. He said the process was fun for him too, which is always the best kind of feedback. For me, that’s what makes a project special, when both sides feel good about the work and the collaboration behind it.
This project is a great example of how I like to work. I enjoy honest and easy communication, creative freedom, and working with people who care about good design. I don’t just deliver files and walk away. I want every client to feel supported and involved. I want the process to feel fun and inspiring, not stressful or confusing.
Here are some of the chosen designs:
If you are a brand looking to add more personality to your products or bring a creative idea to life, I would love to hear from you. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Just bring your idea or your goal, and we can build the rest together.
You can contact me anytime at opencreativeworld@gmail.com
You can also find me on Pinterest at @gaborestefan
I hope you enjoy these designs as much as I enjoyed creating them. And if something here speaks to you, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to chat.
Happy July!
Gabor
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