I help mission-driven organizations communicate clearly and confidently.
Hello! My name is Sara McArdle. For more than 20 years, I’ve built brand and communication systems that help organizations, teams, and individuals make complex ideas clear and compelling—across healthcare, nonprofit, advocacy, and community-focused work, both as a freelancer, and in-house.
These experiences have shaped how I approach design as strategic storytelling that builds trust, sparks connection, and helps people understand what matters most.
My healthcare work has earned multiple Aster Awards and a Healthcare Advertising Award, and my broader community contributions were recognized with the Seattle Seahawks’ Premera Community MVP Award.
Through brand identities, campaigns, and digital and print design systems, I help clients communicate clearly, strengthen engagement, and bring big ideas to life. In addition, my certification in Whole Person Coaching has deepened my ability to listen carefully, collaborate effectively, and navigate complex conversations—skills that strengthen every creative partnership.
Outside of design, I enjoy hiking to epic views, taking art classes (Risograph zine-making? Sign me up!), swapping postcards with people around the world, volunteering, and catching live performances.
If you’re building something meaningful—whether you’re leading a team, growing your business, or refining your materials—let’s create something together.
What People Are Saying
“In 20+ years of doing MarCom work, I've never met a better designer than Sara. Going far beyond just graphics, she's been a terrific strategic partner, taking a broader creative director view on our projects. Sara deftly navigates ambiguous instructions and somehow translates what you didn't quite know how to describe into dynamic visuals. What's more is that she runs a tight ship on project management. The cherry on top is that Sara has a great sense of humor and is a delight to work with!”
— Beth Trimarco, Beth Trimarco Consulting
“I deeply appreciate Sara’s professionalism, creative expertise, strong communication skills, organization, and project management abilities. She consistently brings a high level of excellence to every project, and I was grateful to have her as a valuable member of the team.”
— Crystal Mirth, Healthcare Marketing Manager, Overlake Medical Center & Clinics
“Sara McArdle is one of the best graphic designers I’ve ever had the opportunity to work alongside. She can take an abstract idea or strategic direction and not only make it easy to understand, but breathe life into it.”
— Allison Warren-Barbour, Former President & CEO, United Way
“From branding, to images, to layouts, Sara balances innovative concepts with practical applications. She is a creative thought partner who builds trusting relationships.”
— Allison Matsumoto, Former Marketing & Communications Director, United Way
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“Sara’s creative design and style is fantastic. She consistently used her professional design skills to further the United Way brand in new and innovative ways. She is caring, compassionate, fun, and a great team member who brightens your day.”
— Heather Vitiaz, Former Events Manager, United Way“Sara was a real joy to have on the Marketing Team. I respected her for her sheer productivity, team spirit, and being a pleasure to work with.”
— Deborah Squires, Former VP of Marketing & Communications, United Way“Sara did a wonderful job rolling with our changes and keeping up with everything on a tight time frame. I’m so appreciative of her hard work and professionalism. All of our new materials look fantastic!”
— Amber Lynn Daniel, Former AmeriCorps VISTA, United Way“There simply isn’t enough space to shower Sara with the praise she deserves. Time and again, she delivered a variety of high-quality collaterals on time and on brand. Her attention to detail and work ethic are matched only by her fantastic personality and creative ideas.”
— Stacy Vance, Former Events Manager, United Way“Sara is a true collaborator. She enhanced my understanding of graphic design and branding, shared ideas generously, and built trusting relationships. She is creative, kind, and the kind of colleague everyone wishes for.”
— Delena Meyer, Former Youth Engagement Specialist, United Way“Sara was an amazing member of our team, developing new ideas and anticipating potential roadblocks. She learned extremely quickly and had very keen observations.”
— Jeri Wilkes, Former VP of Finance & Administration, United Way“Sara was patient and allowed our ideas to evolve. She paid great attention to detail and incorporated many elements of my business into my web banner. I was impressed with her professionalism, flexibility, and creativity. Sara is fabulous to work with!”
— Melissa Peil, Owner, Mystical Awakenings