Ashley Rae Pearsall
Q What do you do?
“I help consumer brands and the people behind them build ownable creative systems and brand identities.”
I make it fun, keep it cute, and consider myself lucky to be doing what I love. My creative work is joyful, with lively color and bold imagery, then elevated through design and finesse. I believe in work that is strategically clear, loud in execution, and concise in message.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I've worked in creative leadership for 12+ years in the beauty and apparel industries and love what I do. I’ve targeted roles at brands that were high-growth start-ups or had smaller teams. I’ve enjoyed being hands-on and have picked up a few skills on how to manage a lot with a little.
A highlight was my time at Briogeo Haircare. This was a dream job because I was eager to enter the beauty space, and it solidified my love for the industry even more. I worked on campaign art direction, design direction, photoshoot production, ecomm, paid ads, social, packaging, activation artwork, event collateral, visual merchandising displays, and more. I was obsessed with creating the Briogeo world and owning how the brand was experienced across all touch points. Happily, I was able to do the same at Ethique Beauty, a solid-format shampoo and conditioner brand based in New Zealand looking to rebrand to enter the US market.
At Ethique Beauty, I was honored to work for a company that cared deeply about the planet and that made equally great products. This aligned with my core values and I am looking to collaborate with more brands, companies, and people who need help amplifying their mission through creative.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My designs are naturally bold and tend to make people pause, so I am a pleasant surprise and a quiet storm (I have a calm demeanor but I am a vibrant creative force). While great work matters to me, so do the relationships behind it, and I lead by being human-first in my approach and by building considerate, solution-oriented work environments.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am working on a mural for an outdoor space as well as graphic illustrations for an apparel brand.
Q What’s your style?
The brighter the better. I live for color-drenched or clever color-blocking. I am attracted to any opportunity where I don’t have to be subtle and can take up as much space as possible with color, imagery and messaging. I would say my work at Ethique Beauty really embodied my style and perspective.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would love to focus on clean beauty make-up and wellness more. (i.e. pilates studios, spas, supplements). I am eager to take on more illustration murals as well!
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Wearing all the hats. I spent a long time figuring out my lane and where I truly add value, and now that I have, I'm running everything else too. I love design, from enamel pins to colossal painted billboards, and I have a genuine appreciation for thoughtful solutions. I am, however, still learning the balance between managing everything myself and creating.
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Organize my calendar! I like routine and an element of surprise so anyone who can help me optimize my day and maximize my creativity would be top tier!
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I would have told myself to recognize the gift that has been given. It’s ALL happening for a reason. It’s taken me a while to get to this place as a creative professional and I love the life I’ve built. It was hard to see my path back then but I am glad I stayed the course!
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I am very interested in understanding how in-house design organizations run at large scales. With 500+ employees, how do they operate through daily deliverables, quick pivots and massive brand-level updates while maintaining output quality and brand integrity?
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
• 360º creative direction
• Art and design direction for brands, seasonal campaigns, and product launches
• Brand Identity Design
• Art Direction
• Creative Direction and Design execution across experiential, event graphics, trade show booth design, activation design, experiential, and retail, ecomm, paid, and social
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I definitely perk up when brands make the extra effort to do better people and planet. It's motivating to work with ingredient-conscious brands in the beauty/wellness space but I am completely open if the aesthetic aligns. I am particularly interested in experiential design where brands are building activations and experiences IRL and need support creating memorable moments.
Q: What is your rate?
I charge $120/hr for in-house design work. Brand identity packages start at $5,000. For larger, on-going projects like Creative/Design/Art Direction and Execution, a flat fee rate would depend on the complexity of the project and the timeline. When you reach out, we can discuss what’s feasible!
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Fill out the form on my website at the bottom.
Or give me a shout via email at hello@xashleyrae.com and please include: brand/company website, description of the project including deliverables, ideal deadline, budget.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Mariama Jalloh - Creator
Work for herself and manages multiple social accounts for other businesses. Here aesthetic is top tier!
Enki Tovuuch - Designer
Another social girlie - she's more design forward - worked with her at a few companies. She's a gem - I would highly recommend!
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
By trying new mediums. Just practice playing.
This member profile was originally published in October 2026.