Ark, 2025-11-28

“I can talk for hours about trends and visual expressions.”

MEMBER INTERVIEW WITH DONNA HELLBERG

Meet Donna Hellberg: graphic designer, fashion lover, typography enthusiast, and one of those members who makes A house Ark more than just a house.

Hi Donna! Tell us about what you do?

– I’m a freelance graphic designer and I love having many creative irons in the fire. Right now, I’m working on everything from newsletters to campaign videos, book covers, and trailers. One of the most fun assignments lately was designing the new editions of Roald Dahl’s classics, such as Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. A pure childhood dream. If you want to get a feel for what I do, there’s more at donnahellberg.com.

Your clients range from education and non-profits to fashion. Where does your heart burn a little extra?

– Difficult question. Fashion has been one of my great interests since forever, so if I have to choose, it’s probably there. At the same time, collaborations with publishers and print projects have been incredibly rewarding. There’s something special about seeing your design take physical form.

Toolbox: which three tools/timelines/plugs save you on a stressful day?

– My physical to-do list: writing everything down on paper and being able to tick things off is pure therapy, and makes everything seem doable. Noise-cancelling headphones and my favorite playlist help me find the rhythm. Keyboard shortcuts: I’ve programmed small one-key shortcuts that save an unexpectedly large amount of time during exports and deliveries.

Do you have a dream collaboration with another member at A house?

– It would be super cool to work on a campaign with Our Legacy.

Is there any special place in town you go to for ideas?

– I get a lot of inspiration from the fashion world, so I love walking around and studying how different brands express themselves. I am inspired by everything from campaigns and store design to packaging. I’m a little extra inspired by brands like Chimi, Byredo, Acne Studios, and Eytys, all of which happen to have stores in the Östermalm area.

Three words that describe your style?

– Creative, curated, and dynamic.

Typography right now: two fonts you keep coming back to – and why?

– IvyPresto Display Thin is a recurring favorite. It’s elegant and modern, especially in combination with a monospace font. The other is not one I use, but admire: Vogue Scandinavia’s specially designed font “Hilma”, created by B-Reel & Ateljé Altmann, inspired by Hilma af Klint. I love how they let the identity take shape in a unique font. It feels so right, both in their visual world and their Scandinavian ethos. (Link to the entire font for my fellow type geeks!)

When did you realize that design was the path you should take?
– I knew even before high school that I wanted to work in the creative world, but was unsure how and in what form. Everything fell into place during my first Layout Design course in college. For context: after high school, I moved to New York to study advertising and communication at the Fashion Institute of Technology. The program was primarily business-oriented, but included some creative courses, and already after the first layout class, I felt that graphic design was the right direction for me.

What was your first job as a designer?
– My first job was at TUMI’s headquarters in New York as a Junior Graphic Designer. It was an intense and educational period with inspiring colleagues. I also got to work on a project that resulted in my design being put up as wildpostings on the streets of SoHo – a moment I still carry with me.

What is your favorite place at A house Ark?

– The lobby, definitely! I love the energy, the decor, and the proximity to the coffee – everything is 10/10 (but right now I can admit that 99% of my time is spent at my desk on floor 3).

We often see you at our community activities! Is there any that you would call a must?

– The wine tastings, without a doubt. I enjoy meeting new members, and the conversations flow easily (perhaps thanks to the unbeatable combination of good wines and snacks).

What can other members ask/talk to you about? Do you have areas of expertise – both professionally and privately?

– Feel free to chat about fashion and street style, I can talk for hours about trends and visual expressions. And layout design. It’s super exciting to discuss how best to present information, in both serious and more playful projects. Then I love to give tips on restaurant gems in New York!