Maike Moritz
Co-Founder, Creative Strategy & Brand Experience Designer at stickbird.studio
Meet Maike Moritz, a German-born creative with a career shaped by global brands and cross-European collaboration. After years of working with international teams in Germany, she swapped bratwurst and cold winters for rolling hills full of birds, amazing beaches, and plenty of sunshine in Australia.
With 18 years in the industry—12 of them down under—Maike knows firsthand what it takes to establish a career in a new country. As the founder of stickbird.studio and an Executive Committee Member of the Adelaide Advertising & Design Club (AADC), she's passionate about creating meaningful brands and fostering an inclusive, diverse creative industry. Her mantra? "Be Yourself"—because when authenticity leads, creativity and connection naturally follow.
Career & Background
Could you tell us a bit about your professional background and where you are headed in your career right now?
Spent the last 18 years inside and alongside agencies.
Now on a new venture getting my own creative studio off the ground together with my husband.
Your favourite food for thought
Books
1. Simon Sinek – Infinite Game
2. Yuval Noah Harari – Homo Deus or Sapiens
3. Scott A Martin – Groundswell (more a philosophy of running a business, but a lot relates to who you are and how to show up every day to a challenge)
Podcasts / Thought Leaders
- Dimitry Anatopoulos – weekly newsletter
- Design better – podcast
- Get Shucked with the Oyster Sisters – podcast
What drives and inspires you
What are your core values?
- Authenticity
- Love
- Wellbeing
Who is your biggest inspiration and why?
My biggest inspiration? Without a doubt, my childhood hero, Pippi Langstrumpf! She’s fearless, independent, and endlessly creative—everything I strive to be in both life and work. Pippi taught me that rules are meant to be questioned, adventure is always around the corner, and being different is a superpower. Her unwavering confidence and ability to turn the ordinary into something magical continue to inspire me to push creative boundaries, champion diversity, and always approach challenges with a sense of fun and curiosity.
You as a Mentor
Why have you decided to become a mentor?
I’m passionate about cross-age collaboration and the wisdom that flows both ways—there’s always something to learn, no matter where you are in your career. I went without mentoring for a few years, and I know how much harder it is without someone to sense-check ideas, offer perspective, and have open, honest conversations.
As a migrant woman, I’ve experienced the frustration of being underestimated, and I know firsthand how valuable a pep talk can be. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of encouragement to push past self-doubt and take the next step with confidence. That’s why I mentor—to support others in finding their voice, owning their space, and knowing they don’t have to figure it all out alone.
What are the top skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?
- Confident
- Direct
- Empathic
- Optimistic
- Supportive
Ready to apply?
The best time is right now. Take a chance – you never know where an Assisterhood mentor can take you.