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Robert Schaefer

Strategic creative direction at the intersection of culture, change, and visual identity

01 — Perspective

I help brands find direction in a changing world


In times of rapid change, the ability to distinguish lasting significance from temporary noise has become the ultimate creative asset.

With nearly 30 years of experience in branding and design, I work with founders, companies, and creative teams to make sense of these developments and translate them into a clear point of view: what a brand stands for, how it becomes visible, and how it stays relevant without losing its core.

02 — Practice

I turn observation into strategy, identity, and expression


Every project starts with careful observation: of culture, context, audience, and ambition. From there, I develop strategic clarity and translate it into identities, visual systems, and expressions with character.

My work is structured into four core disciplines:

03 — selected brands

04 — Explorations

Fictional brands for very real developments


In independent projects, I follow my interest in the shifts of our present: the images, desires, fears, and codes in which cultural change becomes visible.

Currently: Bergheim. A fictional luxury real estate project built from Berlin’s club mythology. A brand that was never meant to be built, but feels surprisingly plausible.

Bergheim Project Construction Billboard Design by Robert Schaefer
Bergheim Project Panorama Residence Interior Design by Robert Schaefer
Bergheim Project Post by Robert Schaefer

05 — Voices

  • “Robert combines international brand leadership with a rare blend of strategic, conceptual and creative excellence. He translated our brand strategy into a distinctive visual identity and empowered our global marketing team to carry it forward worldwide.”

    Dominique Specht
    Vice President Group Marketing, DKSH

  • “Working with Robert is simply a pleasure. He thinks about brands holistically, continually brings fresh ideas to the table, and turns ambitious challenges into strong, consistent brand experiences.”

    Melanie Schröter
    Executive Director Digital Marketing, PAYONE

  • “Robert succeeded in making our purpose visible and translating it into a brand identity that provides direction and can be brought to life by our employees.”

    Xenia Barth
    CEO, Merz Lifecare

  • “Robert is a phenomenon: He puts himself in our clients’ shoes, he thinks strategically, and from this deep understanding he develops exactly the right design.”

    Johannes Jan Pauen
    Founder and Managing Director, KopfHerzHand

  • “From day one, Robert saw himself as part of our team. Working closely with the colleagues in Brand Management, he helped drive our brand refresh forward and impressed us both professionally and personally.”

    Volker Hartig
    Head of Communications, Gewobag

Portrait of Robert Schaefer, Strategic Creative Director and Brand Creator, in front of his gallery wall in Berlin
Portrait of Robert Schaefer, Strategic Creative Director and Brand Creator, in front of his gallery wall in Berlin

Robert Schaefer, Communication designer

Robert Schaefer, Communication designer

06 — Contact

Let’s give your idea strategic clarity and visual character


Write me if you are shaping a brand, identity, or cultural project that needs a clear point of view, a distinctive visual language, and creative direction.

Business cards of Robert Schaefer offering Strategic Creative Direction