Welcome to Wonderbird
Graphic design and photography shaped by an artist’s eye.
Kia ora,
Wonderbird is a multidisciplinary design and photography studio informed by an artistic sensibility and a deeply collaborative approach.
I partner with businesses, organisations and creative projects locally and internationally to clarify vision, reveal underlying essence and create visual communication that feels authentic, cohesive and considered — across brand identity, publications, digital platforms and physical environments.
Explore my services:
Graphic Design
Photography
Portfolio
Wonderbird is the creative practice of Catherine Adam, a senior graphic designer and photographer based on the Kapiti Coast, Wellington, New Zealand.
I create visuals grounded in your values, that engage your audience and align with your purpose.
Graphic Design
I’m a senior graphic designer working across brand, print, digital and spatial design. Rather than specialising in one niche, I work as a creative generalist — helping businesses communicate clearly and consistently wherever their brand shows up.
From foundational brand systems to books, exhibitions, and digital presence, I design work that is thoughtful, strategic and built to last.
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I design brands that feel cohesive, confident and human.
This can include brand identity development, brand refreshes, visual systems, typography, colour palettes, tone of voice guidance, and practical brand guidelines. I focus on creating flexible systems that work across print, digital and physical environments.
Whether you’re building something new or refining what already exists, the goal is clarity and consistency.
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I have extensive experience designing publications — from books and reports to catalogues and long-form documents.
I work comfortably with complex, text-heavy or data-driven content and specialise in bringing structure, hierarchy and visual calm to detailed information. I particularly enjoy designing infographics — translating research, statistics and layered information into visuals that are clear, engaging and easy to understand.
The result is work that is both beautiful and purposeful: content that communicates with precision while remaining visually refined.
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Design doesn’t only live on paper or screens.
I create exhibition graphics and spatial design systems that guide people through physical environments. This can include wall graphics, wayfinding, interpretive panels, and exhibition publications — always ensuring the visual language aligns with the wider brand.
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Websites, social media presence, campaign graphics, marketing collateral and corporate communications all form part of a brand’s ecosystem.
I work with clients long-term to maintain visual consistency across all channels — ensuring every touchpoint feels considered and connected.
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Packaging and label design that balances aesthetics with strategy — creating strong shelf presence while remaining true to your brand story.
Photography
Alongside design, I photograph brands, spaces and creative work.
My photography is calm, natural and intentional — created to support brand storytelling and elevate visual presence. I approach photography the same way I approach design: with clarity, composition and attention to detail.
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Brand photography that feels authentic and grounded.
This includes portraits, behind-the-scenes imagery, products in context, and visual storytelling that supports your wider brand identity. The aim is to create imagery that integrates seamlessly with your design system.
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I photograph interior spaces with sensitivity to light, material and atmosphere.
This is ideal for hospitality, retail, galleries, studios and thoughtfully designed environments that deserve to be documented with care.
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With a background in both design and the arts, I photograph artworks, installations and exhibitions with respect for scale, texture and spatial context.
This includes documentation for galleries, artists, and publications.
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I photograph events with a quiet observational approach.
Rather than staged or overly dramatic imagery, I focus on genuine moments, connection, and atmosphere — creating a refined visual record of the occasion.
Explore recent design & photography projects
Kind words
"Catherine is wonderful to collaborate with: meticulous preparation & communication before the photo shoot, then during the shoot she brings clarity, creativity, an eye for detail, passion, energy & deep care & respect for her subject matter. After the shoot you can look forward to receiving beautiful images to share. There is no one else we would rather work alongside."
— Lana Bright / Space Yoga & Mindfulness Studio
"Having worked with Catherine many times now over the years I have found her to be clear, consistent and highly professional without lacking any heart. Catherine always sees what we are needing and delivers over and above our expectations. The fact she managed to enter a medium security level unit in Rimutaka prison with us, and take the most beautiful photos of prisoners doing yoga, with absolute sensitivity and professionalism, in an incredibly ugly setting says it all. You get the best of all worlds with Catherine."
— Adhyatma / Yoga Education in Prisons Trust
"Catherine has been my brand/website designer and professional photographer over the last ten years. She brings her wonderful creative flair and accomplished design skills to every collaboration along with her distinctive warmth and wisdom. Catherine’s professional process includes a seamless combination of possibility and practicality, and she has a gift for capturing the unique essence of any offering. I adore working with her."
— Kristie Cleary
