Presenter

Stephen Cicala is a Wellington-based graphic designer and founder of Cicala Design, specialising in branding and packaging for consumer brands.

Originally from the United States, Stephen moved to Aotearoa in 1991. After five years teaching at the Whanganui School of Design, he moved to Wellington, working across advertising agencies and design studios before establishing his own practice in 2006.

Over the years, Stephen has developed brand identities and campaigns for organisations including Powershop, Weta Digital, the Retirement Commission’s Sorted campaign, and Mac’s Brewery. The Mac’s rebrand received six Best Awards in 2007, including Best in Discipline.

Through Cicala Design, he has continued to work with a range of local and international clients, including Whittaker’s Chocolate, Havana Coffee, Monteith’s, and Tuatara Breweries. More recently, he collaborated on the Rugby World Cup Player of the Match trophies in 2019 and 2021, which received several international design awards.

Photo: Joseph Kelly