Driven by beauty, curiosity, and nuance.
Photo by Cassandra Ray Photography
At Craftlea Studio, we blend agency experience with an independent, hands-on approach—giving each project the time, care, and creative depth it truly deserves.
About
I’m KayLea Schnell, the founder of Craftlea Studio. I have over 7 years of industry experience building strategic brands. I’ve had the privilege of working independently and alongside agencies, designing for businesses of all stages and sizes.
My process is driven by beauty, curiosity, and nuance. I specialize in creative problem-solving, helping businesses flourish through intentional design.
Independently, I have worked with startups, solopreneurs, and brick-and-mortar businesses across various industries. These one-on-one collaborations have given me the opportunity to design with a deeper understanding of each client’s vision while fostering cherished connections with fellow entrepreneurs.
I partner with strategists, developers, and copywriters as needed. Based on an acreage outside Edmonton, Alberta, I find inspiration in creative play, whether it’s painting, refurbishing, or experimenting in the kitchen.
You can find me enjoying the wild outdoors, researching my next trip, or cozied up with tea and a good podcast.
Select Brands
FREELANCE
Bartle & Gibson
SWANK COLLECTIVE
Papa Johns
Impact Energy
VERKEN
Fresh Coast
42 Degrees
Spillway Lodges
1983
ZGM
Liquor Depot
AGLC
Aurum
Rohit
AB Data Partnerships
Grengrine
Work History
FREELANCE
Since 2019
SWANK COLLECTIVE
Freelance Designer
2022-Current
VERKEN
Freelance Designer
2022-2023
ZGM
Graphic Designer
2018-2019
Values
Conscious process
for better business.
Work smarter,
not harder.
Play the long game.
Harmony in life
and business.
Always learning,
always growing.
My Design
ENNEAGRAM
4—The Individualist
ASTROLOGICAL SIGNS
Cancer☉ Libra ☽ Libra ☊
HUMAN DESIGN
Generator
NUMEROLOGY
Life Path 8
Education
DESIGN DIPLOMA
Edmonton Digital Arts College
Graduated 2018
BACHELOR OF ARTS
Honours in English
MacEwan University
Graduated 2015
Creative Partners
I am an independent design studio, but certain projects require special touches from other industry experts—I partner with strategists, developers, and copywriters as needed.
Curious about becoming a creative partner or collaborating? Please reach out, I’d love to hear from you.
Bernedette Teo
Collaborator, Strategist
Bernedette’s experience comes from working at one of the largest corporate agencies in Western Canada for years, where she had the opportunity to work closely with small to large businesses in various industries.
However, she wanted to have a more direct and positive impact through my work and help small business owners who are typically overwhelmed with all the hats they have to wear. That is why she started a one-woman consultancy where she works directly with purpose-led founders that are looking to leave the world a better place.
Murphy [Feline]
Human Resources
Murphy is a rescue kitty and has rescued me from entrepreneurial doom spirals many times. She is self-taught and her agency demands regular breaks [naps], ample sun, and routine snacks. She has been with me through every iteration of my career and keeps the Craftlea Studio culture real and the work-life balanced.