I was born and raised in the Philippines, where creativity often felt like a luxury, but I couldn’t help following it wherever it led. From sketching beside my father to building paper furniture for my dolls, imagination was always my language. That quiet love of creating grew into a design career that took me from Manila’s studios and publishing houses to New Zealand’s creative classrooms and global brands, and now to my new home in Germany. Each chapter brought new lessons about courage, storytelling, and the beauty of small beginnings.

In New Zealand, a collaboration with leadership coach Fi McKay helped me realise that storytelling wasn’t just something I enjoyed. It was the heart of my work. Designing a folded, origami-inspired workshop tool that revealed information layer by layer taught me that design and story share the same rhythm: both unfold meaning with intention. That philosophy has guided me ever since, whether I’m designing for individuals or global names like Sea Life, Legoland, Warner Bros., or DreamWorks.

Today, through Kate Engel Creative Design, I focus on helping small businesses and creatives express who they are through thoughtful, story-driven design. I believe good design should feel personal, purposeful, and attainable—where empathy meets craft, and creativity has room to bloom.