# Stefan Winopal (@wnpl.de)

Profile: https://sifa.id/p/wnpl.de
Headline: Design · Branding · UX | Trained Journalist & Project Manager
Location: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Website: https://stefanwinopal.com/

## About

\* Began designing websites as a teenager, turned passion into a career as a media designer
\* Worked in web development, shifted to editorial (inside handy, now inside digital), and returned full-circle to design
\* Shaped visual identities, led inside handy’s rebrand to inside digital, and took strategic roles (Project Lead, Head of Design & Brand)
\* As Creative Director: Blend UX, brand storytelling, and collaboration for impactful designs
\* Mentor juniors and believe in design for inclusivity

## Experience

- **Editor at beebuzz media GmbH** (2016 – 2019)
  Wrote news articles and in-depth smartphone reviews, managed social media channels, and covered trade shows and manufacturer events. Spearheaded the 2018 relaunch of inside handy (now inside digital), designing the new visual identity and user experience – a project that later inspired my return to design-focused roles.
- **Student Editor at beebuzz media GmbH** (2015 – 2016)
  Contributed to daily editorial work by writing news and test reports, while occasionally supporting the team with small design tasks thanks to my background in media design.
- **Editorial Intern at beebuzz media GmbH** (2015 – 2015)
  As part of my practical semester, I authored news pieces and test reports, and took on a special project: redesigning the inside handy app to improve usability and modernize its interface.
- **Creative Director at beebuzz media GmbH** (2026 – present)
  As Creative Director, I define the visual and conceptual direction of all design projects, create and refine brand identities, and ensure consistency and innovation across all outputs. Though no longer managing a team, I remain the chief designer and additionally train junior designers to uphold our creative standards.
- **Web Designer/Developer at ABSOLUTWEB** (2012 – 2013)
  Developed and designed websites for retail clients using HTML, CSS, custom PHP-based CMS, and Photoshop. Managed client relationships and provided ongoing support for their digital presence.
- **Web Developer at Wunderman** (2010 – 2012)
  Implemented frontend and backend solutions, social apps, and newsletters based on design specifications. Worked closely with designers to bring creative concepts to life in a fast-paced agency environment.
- **Web Designer/Developer at colognetworx cnx gmbh** (2008 – 2010)
  Created rich web solutions for clients with a focus on frontend work and client consulting. Ensured digital projects met both aesthetic and functional goals.
- **Head of Design & Brand at beebuzz media GmbH** (2023 – 2026)
  Led the design team as Head of Design & Brand, overseeing all visual output and brand identity projects. As the chief designer and trainer, I ensured creative excellence while guiding and developing the skills of junior team members.
- **Apprentice in Media Design (Digital/Print) at colognetworx cnx gmbh** (2005 – 2008)
  Completed a dual apprenticeship specializing in Medienoperating (media operations), with a focus on digital workflows: planning, creating, and maintaining media products like websites and CMS. Gained hands-on experience in cross-media projects, from conceptual design to technical implementation.
- **Senior Marketing Manager Art & Brand at beebuzz media GmbH** (2019 – 2021)
  Despite being part of the sales/marketing team, my work was 100% design-driven. I led the 2019 rebranding campaign, transforming inside handy into inside digital, and developed visual concepts that strengthened the brand’s identity. As the chief designer, I collaborated closely with other departments to ensure cohesive and impactful design solutions.
- **Project Lead & Design at beebuzz media GmbH** (2021 – 2023)
  Reported directly to the CEO as a staff position, leading key design initiatives and ensuring alignment with business goals. As the chief designer, I was responsible for the visual and strategic direction of projects, including the evolution of inside digital, and trained junior colleagues. My role involved coordinating cross-functional teams, managing timelines, and driving projects from concept to completion.

## Education

- **Industrie- und Handelskammer zu Köln** — Projektmanager (IHK) (2021 – 2021)
- **TH Köln** — Bachelor of Arts (BA), Digital Journalism and Media (Online-Redaktion) (2013 – 2016)

## Skills

- Adobe Creative Suite
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Writing
- Agile Methodologies
- Blogging
- Graphic Design
- Jira Software
- Project Management
- User Experience
- Web Development
- Web Analytics
- Information Architecture
- User Interface Design
- Front-end
- Social Media
- Social Media
- WordPress
- Google Analytics
- CMS
- JavaScript
- Microsoft Office
- Copywriting
- Scrum
- Kanban
- HTML
- Figma
- SEO
- PHP
- CSS
- UX Design
- Research
- Leadership
- Customer Success
- Training & Development
- Social Media Marketing
- Branding
- Logo Design
- Design Systems

## Certifications

- Vocational Trainer (AEVO) – Media Design

## Publications

- FDP: Die Freiheit, basic zu sein — dsgn.wnpl.de (https://dsgn.wnpl.de/fdp-die-freiheit-basic-zu-sein-8kh3nwy)
- dsgn by wnpl – wtf!? — dsgn.wnpl.de (https://dsgn.wnpl.de/dsgn-by-wnpl-wtf-hsert4e)
- Die Klima-Desinformations-Maschine rollt — linkblogs.skyreader.app (https://linkblogs.skyreader.app/did:plc:zrusuqdied2j6xl47rolgv3w/mq2wyyvrjmn1mjgl71)
- Why I'm betting on ATProto (and why you should, too) — linkblogs.skyreader.app (https://linkblogs.skyreader.app/did:plc:zrusuqdied2j6xl47rolgv3w/mqewptmeei23fq3moj)

## Languages

- German (native)
- English (professional_working)

## Other profiles

- instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wnpl/
- fediverse: https://social.cologne/@wnpl
- website: https://stefanwinopal.com/
- linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefanwinopal/
- github: https://github.com/wnpl