She is more than just a designer—she is a trailblazer, a source of inspiration, and a creative visionary. At the age of five, she discovered her passion for shapes, colors, and visual storytelling. Today, she combines strategic thinking with creative flair, supporting companies as they grow their brands and shaping a piece of Liechtenstein’s identity with every project. Her work speaks to personality, precision, and a deep understanding of people—and demonstrates how creativity and entrepreneurship go hand in hand in Liechtenstein.

Anikó Stalder is a certified advertising and communication designer, art director, and creative maverick. She has been working nationally and internationally for over 18 years. Her journey took her from art school in Liechtenstein to earning a degree in advertising and communication design in Austria. At the time, there was only one apprenticeship position in the field of design in Liechtenstein. This was followed by stints in Liechtenstein and Switzerland, leadership roles as an art director, and international projects, culminating six years ago in the decision to go independent. In 2020, she founded her own agency, kefi creations gmbh. Kefi is Greek and stands for joie de vivre, creative energy, and flow—values that shape every project she “kefifies” with passion.  

And then came a project that, like no other, demonstrated the connection between creativity and responsibility: the design of the new Liechtenstein passport.

For two years, she wasn’t allowed to say a thing. Not a word about shapes, colors, or designs. Just this much: “It’s going to be incredibly beautiful.” When the Principality of Liechtenstein’s new passport was finally unveiled, the excitement was palpable. “The new passport features a range of advanced security features, including optically variable elements, micro-printing techniques, and seamless integration of biometric data. The design combines modern aesthetics with identity-defining elements that reflect Liechtenstein’s diversity,” explains Anikó Stalder.

“In 2023, I entered the competition to redesign the Liechtenstein passport. I immersed myself in the world of security design, analyzed the brief, developed a comprehensive concept, and won. Working closely with the Office of Immigration and Passports (APA) and a specialized printing company, I created a new national symbol through meticulous attention to detail.”

The fact that the passport was honored as the “Best New Passport 2026” at the High Security Printing EMEA Conference in Morocco is a significant international recognition for everyone involved and for Liechtenstein. It is both a confirmation and a new beginning: a whole new world is opening up for me here. “Security by Design”—thinking about security from the very beginning and integrating it into the design—fascinates me. I could imagine continuing to work in this diverse and increasingly complex field in the future, or offering these services as well.”

The freedom to bring brands to life

It always starts with the concept. The identity. The corporate design. Anikó Stalder doesn’t just create logos or layouts; she provides comprehensive support to companies—from strategic brand positioning to implementation in print, web, campaigns, photography, or video. It’s a process of growing together. “I don’t design anything based on my own taste. What matters is that my clients recognize themselves in their identity.

Discussions almost never take place in my office. I need to feel the environment; I want to experience my clients, sense them, and understand their way of thinking. Only then can I translate that into design.” For her, a project is like a river: from the source of the idea to the mouth, where the result flows out into the public sphere.

The diversity of her projects is impressive. Over the past six years, she has worked with more than 125 clients from over 80 industries beyond the border triangle. From manufacturing, interior design, and real estate to architecture, packaging, and label design, as well as banking, consulting, logistics, the environment, healthcare, cosmetics, sports, and events. Her portfolio even includes an entrepreneur in Sweden who offers husky tours under the Northern Lights. “For a designer, this diversity is incredibly exciting. You gain insight into a wide variety of economic sectors, which broadens your horizons enormously.”

This also highlights a key locational advantage of Liechtenstein. The country is small but economically exceptionally diverse. Commutes are short, networks are dense, and decision-making processes are direct. Located in the border triangle and exceptionally well-connected digitally, Anikó Stalder works across borders while remaining accessible. “I can actually serve clients anywhere,” she says. “And yet it remains personal.”

She sees great potential, especially for startups and smaller companies. “It’s important to me that even young companies build strong branding from the very beginning.” In doing so, she increasingly relies on neuroscientific insights. Neuromarketing enables deeper insights into consumer behavior and needs. Marketing budgets can be allocated more strategically, customer loyalty strengthened, and the impact controlled more precisely. “It’s the combination of scientific method and creative intuition.”

She also remains open to technology. She has been using artificial intelligence as a support tool for several years, particularly on larger projects. “I’m not a fan of rushing into things,” she emphasizes. “In the long run, only what has substance works.” She sees AI as an extension of the creative craft, not a replacement. Processes can be optimized, variations developed more quickly, and ideas explored more broadly. “It’s becoming hybrid; the craft remains, but we can implement it differently.”
Perhaps it is precisely this combination of strategic depth, emotional intelligence, and openness to innovation that distinguishes her work. And perhaps it is no coincidence that an internationally award-winning passport emerged in Liechtenstein of all places, designed by an entrepreneur who values the personal just as much as the precise.

What drives her? “Every single project I’ve had the privilege of working on, that has been brought into the world and with which people could identify. That gives me energy.” She doesn’t have a single favorite project. Every industry, every task brings new perspectives. “I’m curious and looking forward to everything that’s to come.”

The new passport is now making its way out into the world. And with it, a piece of Liechtenstein’s creative identity. For Anikó Stalder, it is more than just a completed project. It is a symbol of what is possible when passion, expertise, and trust come together, regardless of a company’s size. “You don’t need a big agency,” she says. “You need passion. And the know-how to make ideas flow.”

And that is exactly what she does.

https://www.kefi-creations.com