Alana McFarlane🇨🇦

About Alana McFarlane

Brand Strategist & Creative Director at Alana McFarlane Design Inc.

I'm Alana (she/her), a brand strategist and creative director based in Vancouver, on the traditional lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

I've spent two decades helping organizations find their strategic edge—from healthcare companies needing to humanize complex services, to retail brands building distinction in crowded markets, to real estate firms establishing trust with discerning clients. I focus on brand strategy and creative direction that actually moves business forward, not just looks good.

I'm most helpful for:

• Mid-senior creatives ready to transition from execution to strategy • Design leads navigating their first creative director role • Brand strategists refining their frameworks and client approach • Anyone trying to articulate the business value of creative work

I approach mentorship as strategic sparring, not hand-holding. Expect direct feedback, frameworks you can use immediately, and questions that push your thinking.

Based in Vancouver and always up for coffee if you're local.

Expertise

Sessions with Alana McFarlane

• 1:1 Session (30 min): Welcome to this working session. Come with a specific challenge: a positioning problem you're stuck on, a creative brief that isn't landing, a strategy framework you're trying to build, or a career decision where you need a thinking partner. We'll uncover the real problem, explore strategic questions, and build an approach you can use today. You'll leave with your next 2-3 concrete moves. This session works best if you're a designer ready to think like a strategist, a strategist wanting to sharpen your client approach, a creative lead navigating the business side of the work, or someone who wants direct feedback. I'll bring 20 years of pattern recognition across brand strategy, creative direction, and leadership. You'll leave with clarity and a plan.

What mentees say

“My mentor session with Alana McFarlane was so encouraging and insightful. She gave me great feedback about my professional website that even my school instructor had not mentioned. Alana also gave me hope and excitement about how my previous career will help me grow in this graphic design career.”

“Alana is an incredible mentor—insightful, generous, and truly inspiring. She listened deeply, asked the right questions, and provided thoughtful, actionable advice that gave me clarity at a pivotal career moment. Her guidance was both strategic and encouraging, reinforcing the importance of staying true to my creative vision while remaining adaptable.”