Stevvi Aanerud
Q What do you do?
“I’m one of those multi-hyphenate creative types. The main components of my expertise are in creative direction, experiential marketing, design management, and production. My most recent project was co-founding a flower shop pop-up in NYC. I oversaw all aspects creative from the design of the space, to branding, to marketing campaigns.”
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I've grown along side scrappy creative start ups and have been privileged enough to collaborate with some of the most brilliant minds in the immersive experience industry. I already had a strong foundation in marketing, event management and a little PR but my career really took off when I started with a kooky little art collective called Meow Wolf. I was hired on to help grow their team of architects and run their design team. From there, Museum of Ice Cream recruited me to do the same. I helped them grow and manage their team of creatives and worked in creative direction and production as well.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I have a very specific creative skill set. As mentioned, a lot of my background is working with companies that pioneered the immersive world and laid the foundation for experiential marketing as we know it today. This has shaped my approach to crafting engaging brand narratives and understanding the power of creating memorable, audience-driven experiences. Alongside this, I have a strong foundation in marketing—spanning strategy, branding, and campaign development, which allows me to bridge the gap between creative vision and measurable impact. This combo of innovation and marketing know-how is what I think is the secret sauce to creating work that not only captivates but also drives results.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm working on what brings me joy right now. I've always been passionate about hand embroidery and am currently building my own brand of wearables with hand embroidered details. STEVVITV is an expression of my inner world.
Q What’s your style?
Lily NYC is a project that closely represents my visual style. The brand identity was a thoughtful contrast of elegance & edge. The space itself was a reference to Diana Vreeland’s iconic living room and the raw grit of the Lower East Side. The aim was to create a unique fusion of grandma chic and grime. Modern, yet nostalgic, artfully rebellious, and luxe.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I really want to leverage my skillset in building brand worlds beyond the immersive experience industry. I'm particularly interested in art, design, fashion and CPG.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I think the job market is really slow right now. I know tons of talented creatives that are struggling like never before!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
I would love a personal trainer/life coach combo to keep me motivated and cheer me toward the finish line.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
I wish I could go back and encourage myself to be even more expressive starting out. It took time for me to build confidence in that area. Looking back, I realize that my voice and opinions always mattered.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
I'm always fascinated by the science of art, creativity, and design. I love expanding my knowledge in these areas in a more logic based context. I also love talking to architects.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I'm open to all kinds of creative opportunities! Projects that are especially innovative and offer a fresh sense of style and edge particularly excite me.
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Clients that have vision, passion and take their play seriously are my favorite to collaborate with.
Q: What is your rate?
Freelance: $100-$150/hr depending on the scope. Day rate: starts at $1200 I'm happy to negotiate more cost-efficient project fees for longer-term projects.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
hi@stevvi.co Feel free to reach out with inquires or secret confessions.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Garance Vallée Pellegrino —She makes me want to give it all up and go to architecture school.
Gabi Abrao —Perfectly bridges the physical and digital realms with cultural observations, internal musings, and an ever-present reminder that nothing is that complicated or serious.
Nadia Lee Cohen —One of the great photographers of our time. I deeply appreciate her surrealist take on Americana.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Make space, energetic and physical. Green tea.
This member profile was originally published in November 2024.